Royce Lewis (SS-MIN) is back on the IL with what is reportedly a mild hamstring strain; he already missed him with a strain of the same (left) hamstring this season. The talented but oft-injured 26 year-old is looking at another abbreviated campaign as he's hitting just .202 with 2 homers, 9 RBI, and 10 runs scored across just 110 PA so far this season. He's yet to surpass 325 PA in a season since reaching the majors in 2022, but has flashed upside with a 119 wRC+ in 715 career PA. Although his average is poor in 2025, he's slashed his strikeout rate to just 14.5% (21% career) while drawing more walks (10% in 2025, 8.5% career). A much healthier 82% overall contact rate and 90.5% in-zone contact rate have come with a career-best Statcast profile that includes a 42% hard-hit rate, 12% barrel rate, and average exit velo of 91 mph. His .222 BABIP to date therefore appears fluky and should rise going forward... when he's healthy.
Lawrence Butler (OF-ATH) went 1-4 with a solo jack against the Royals on Saturday. The 24 year-old leadoff man has largely picked up where he left off in his breakout 2024 campaign as he's now hitting .262 with 10 homers, 30 RBI, 43 runs scored, and 11 steals (in 13 attempts) through his first 301 PA of the season. Butler is fanning more often as his strikeout rate is up to 27.5% from 24% last season, in large part because his swinging-strike rate is up from 12% to 14%. Predictably, then, his overall contact (69%) and in-zone contact (81.5%) are both down from 2024 (75% and 83%, respectively). The good news is that he's continued to make lots of loud contact as Statcast shows a 46.5% hard-hit rate (47.5% in 2024), 10% barrel rate (11%), and average exit velocity of 92 mph (91).
Cristopher Sanchez (SP-PHI) allowed 2 runs on 5 hits and no walks while fanning 5 over 7 IP in a no-decision against the Blue Jays. The 28 year-old lefty tossed 68 of his 98 pitches for strikes while not surrendering any homers. Sanchez is in the midst of his best fantasy season to date with a 3.05 ERA, career-high 9.9 K/9, 3.2 BB/9, and 3.13 xFIP through 79.2 IP (14 starts). While his control has slipped (2.5 BB/9 career), Sanchez elevated his average sinker velocity to 95.5 mph, up from 94.5 a season ago and 92 the year before. His swinging-strike rate is up to 13.5% after it came in at 11.5% in both 2023 and 2024 as the opposition's overall (71.5%) and in-zone (80%) contact rates are both way down (78% and 86% in 2024, respectively). Although the opposition is making more loud contact this season when they do get the bat on the ball (Statcast shows a 41.5% hard-hit rate, 6% barrel rate, and average exit velo of 90 mph), their average launch angle of 3.6 has translated to a 54% groundball rate. Start him with zero hesitation at Miami this coming week.
Jacob Lopez (SP-ATH) baffled the Royals over 6 shutout IP on Saturday afternoon, scattering 3 hits and a walk while racking up 9 punchouts on 98 pitches (68 strikes). The 27 year-old lefty impressed as he entered the outing with a 6.00 ERA and 4.5 BB/9 in his first 24 IP of the season, although his 11.6 K/9, and 4.72 xFIP were encouraging. Armed with a 90.5-mph average heater that he complements with a plus 79-mph slider, 88-mph cutter, and 83-mph change, Lopez certainly relies more on deception than power to get hitters out. With an 11% swinging-strike rate, there's not a ton of bat-missing ability here, although the opposition's overall (75%) and in-zone (82.5%) contact rates aren't great. Lopez has certainly limited the loud contact as Statcast shows a 29% hard-hit rate and average exit velo of 87.5 mph, although an average launch angle of 26.3 leaves him a bit prone to barrels (9%). He lines up to face the Astros next week, and fantasy owners should want to see more from him before adding.
Samuel Basallo (C-BAL) is putting together a nice season with Triple-A Norfolk as he was batting .264 with 14 homers, 30 RBI, and 29 runs scored across 171 PA entering Saturday's action. The 20 year-old slugger is fanning at a 24% clip while drawing walks at a stellar 14.5% rate. While his 72% overall contact rate isn't great and is in line with what he registered in the high minors last season, his in-zone contact rate is up significantly, from 75.5% to 83.5%. Another encouraging development is a dip in his chase rate from 36% last year in his first taste of Triple-A action to 32.5% so far this year. Quality of contact has been excellent as Statcast shows a 56% hard-hit rate and average exit velocity of 93.5 mph so far this season. A path to playing time in Baltimore remains unclear, but keep him on your radar in case an injury presents an opportunity or he is traded.
This is just a small sample our daily analysis, join our member area for tools that will help you win your fantasy championship. Click here for details: http://www.insiderbaseball.com/baseballsample.htm Click here to register: http://www.fantistics.com/salesbaseball.php3
