Tyler Glasnow, SP (LAD)
Glasnow was absolutely dominant on Tuesday, shutting the Twins down for seven innings, allowing only three hits and no walks while striking out 14. He is now 3-0 on the season with a 2.25 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 24 innings. Glasnow's spin rate was up as he generated 21 swings and misses. Essentially half of opposing swings failed to make contact. That's ridiculous. Meanwhile he also got 21 called strikes, amounting to a 48% CSW-rate. He was completely on his game: not walking anyone was a great development after he walked a combined seven hitters in his first three starts, and generating such weak contact (86.2-mph average exit velocity) just shows how elite Glasnow can be. With the cavalcade of injuries hitting starting pitchers, Glasnow is quickly emerging as one of the best options at the position.
CJ Abrams, SS (WSH)
Abrams was clearly itching to get back into the lineup. Making his first start since Friday, Abrams was able to extend his hitting streak to seven games with two hits, including his third home run of the season. Abrams missed three games with a sore left hand, but clearly he's feeling okay. He has six runs scored, eight RBI's, three homers and three stolen bases in eight games. In a little over half a season, going back to July 2023, Abrams is hitting .265 with 14 homers and 41 stolen bases. He is lifting the ball more this season. His 22.1-degree launch angle is too high, but it's also a reason for a quiet boost in home runs. So far Abrams is justifying those that invested an early draft pick.
Michael Kopech, RP (CHW)
After allowing a run in each of his last two appearances, Kopech was perfect for two innings to pick up his second save of the season on Tuesday. He struck out four of the six batters he faced and now has 12 strikeouts in 7.1 innings. Furthermore, three of his five outings have lasted more than one inning. His velocity has been creeping up all season, peaking at 100 miles per hour on Tuesday. The fact he was able to command his pitches with so much velocity is a good sign. Stuff isn't an issue for the flamethrower. It really comes down to command and control. Limiting the walks will be essential to Kopech's success as the newly crowned White Sox closer.
David Bednar, RP (PIT)
Bednar entered the 9th inning with a two-run lead, and here's what happened: BB, HBP, 1B, GO, 1B, HBP, 1B. All in all, he allowed four runs in one-third of an inning en route to his third blown save in five appearances. It's been a disastrous start for the Pirates closer after missing most of spring training with lat tightness. His ERA is a cool 12.46. Here's the good news: his velocity isn't down, his xFIP is 3.20 and Tuesday's damage wasn't due to hard-hit balls. Everything is magnified early in the season and there's still plenty of time to put this ugly start behind him, but with Aroldis Chapman in the mix (4.1 IP, 0 ER, 8 K), Bednar's leash isn't quite as long as it was last season.
Ben Brown, SP (CHC)
Brown was solid in his first career start, holding the Padres scoreless on three hits and a walk in 4.2 innings. He struck out five. Since giving up six runs in less than two innings of relief on Mar. 30 at Texas, the hard-throwing righty has only allowed one run in 8.2 innings with 10 strikeouts. One of the Cubs' top prospects, Brown offers a high-90's fastball with a mid-80's curveball. Because he really only has two pitches, the Cubs are unlikely to let him go more than twice through an opposing lineup, and so even if he remains in the starting rotation his path to wins is limited. Furthermore, walks have been an issue in the minor leagues so Brown's inning totals will also be relatively low. Nonetheless, the long-term potential is intriguing, especially once he develops a deeper arsenal.
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