Joe Ryan, SP (MIN)
Ryan threw 112 pitches in Minnesota's first complete game shutout since 2018. Coming off an outing where he gave up a season-high six runs to Detroit, Ryan was efficient and decisive, giving up only three hits and no walks while striking out nine batters. He pounded the zone, throwing 75 fastballs and baiting Red Sox hitters to put the ball in play. He took advantage of his own offense that scored five runs in the first three innings and just cruised from there. Overall it was a smart, confident performance. Ryan won't overpower hitters. He'll never lead the league in strikeouts, but he has such an effective pitch mix that can get lefties and righties out by putting the ball in play. It worked to near perfection on Thursday.
Royce Lewis, 3B (MIN)
Lewis had a pair of hits, raising his average to .319, but what was most encouraging to see on Thursday was the young infielder's first stolen base since coming back from ACL surgery. In fact, it was the oft-injured talent's first stolen base of his MLB career. As he gets more comfortable with the structure of his knee, we could see more SBs. He has very good speed and a history of stealing bases in the minor leagues. That's the good news. The bad news is there is regression coming. Like regression to a .413 BABIP and 20% HR/FB rate. Those numbers don't reflect a 33.3% hard-hit rate. Nor does his batting average reflect a 30% strikeout rate. Oh, and are we concerned yet that he only has two walks? Look, I love Lewis' talent and it's so great to see him healthy, but he still needs to develop as a major leaguer. He isn't there yet.
Maikel Garcia, SS (KC)
Making his first career start in the leadoff position, Garcia extended his hitting streak to six games as the red-hot rookie reached base three times, scored a pair of runs and stole three bases. He is now hitting .287 with 10 stolen bases. The lanky infielder is making excellent contact and hitting the ball very hard. His low HR/FB rate reflects an all-fields approach that sprays the ball around the diamond, mostly on the ground. He is only 23 years old and could grow into more power, but right now he is building pedigree as a three-category monster. He should be owned in every format and started in most.
Bryce Elder, SP (ATL)
Elder was fantastic on Thursday, shutting down the Phillies in seven innings, allowing only three hits and two walks while striking out six batters. After surrendering four home runs in his last three games, the rookie didn't allow a single ball hit with an exit velocity over 104 miles per hour. He came into the game with a 90-mph average exit velocity allowed this season, but Phillies hitters averaged 86.3-mph on Thursday. Elder offers promise due to good movement on his primary pitches without leading to walks. The natural downward movement on his best pitches leads to so many ground balls, which keeps home run hitting teams in home run parks (like the Phillies at Citizens Bank) quiet. There isn't a whole lot of strikeout upside, but his low ERA, WHIP and ability to rack up wins (although he was forced to accept a no-decision on Thursday) makes him a must-start in most formats.
Logan Allen, SP (CLE)
Allen was unscored upon on Thursday, but he only lasted four innings due to three walks and a number of deep counts. He gave up two hits and struck out five. He has now walked seven batters in seven innings in his last two starts. The electric start to his major league career is dissipating. While opposing hitters were flummoxed by his 80-mph sweeper over his first 8 starts, he is now getting less swings outside of the zone on the pitch. That was a difference-making pitch for Allen and without getting hitters to chase his sweeper, it makes every other pitch less effective. These are the natural adjustments for a rookie pitcher and nothing to be too concerned about long-term, but there are inherent dangers to Allen's fantasy stats for the rest of the season.
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