Nick Lodolo, SP, Reds
Nick Lodolo had the best start of his young career on Wednesday, tossing a complete game shutout against the Nationals. He allowed four hits and struck out eight. His curveball was exceptional, as he induced 9 whiffs on 22 swings for a 41% whiff rate and 45% CSW%. This was his fourth straight quality start and seventh straight start where he has allowed 3 runs or less. While his 22.4% strikeout rate ranks about average amongst the league, his 4.6% walk rate ranks among the elite. He's on his way to his best season yet, as his ERA is now down to 3.08 with a 112:23 K:BB.
Salvador Perez, C, Royals
Salvador Perez remained red hot on Wednesday, launching another home run and driving in two RBI. This was his fifth home run in his past five games and his ninth home run in the past 13. He had a quiet first half while underperforming his expected stats, which suggested he was one of the most unlucky players in the league. That's looking to be the case, and this recent offensive explosion now has his slash line up to .255/.299/.466 with 18 home runs, 33 runs, and 62 RBI. That's still much lower than his .291 xBA and .560 xSLG, which rank in the 92nd and 94th percentiles, respectively. He won't be one to produce a great on-base percentage with a 4.5% walk rate (6th percentile) and 43% chase rate (2nd percentile), but that doesn't matter when he's hitting the ball out of the ballpark. Additionally, his significant time spent as the designated hitter gives him a distinct playing time advantage over most other catchers for fantasy.
Vinnie Pasquantino, 1B, Royals
Vinnie Pasquantino had a great day on Wednesday, going 3 for 4 with two home runs, a double, three runs, and four RBI. He's now slashing .269/.327/.442 with 17 home runs, 41 runs, and 61 RBI. He's having a solid season despite taking a step back in his peripherals, as he's seen his strikeout rate increase from 12.8% last season to 17.0% this season, and his hard-hit rate has dropped from 46.5% to 43.5%. Nothing about his underlying metrics necessarily jumps out as particularly great, but nothing is concerning either. He's on pace to blow past the 19 home runs he hit in 2024, and he remains a great source of RBI. The fact that he's performing so well despite middling metrics actually gives him some second-half breakout potential, because if he does return to his career norms, he could see an even bigger spike in production.
Rafael Devers, 3B, Giants
Rafael Devers had a huge day at the plate on Wednesday, going 3 for 5 with two home runs, 2 runs, and four RBI. These homers marked the first two of the month, as he last homered in a game on June 26. His production has slowed down since being traded to the Giants, but his slash line on the season still sits at a great .264/.385/.475 with 19 home runs, 61 runs, and 73 RBI. He's impacting the ball better than almost everyone else in the big leagues, as his 55.9% hard-hit rate ranks in the 98th percentile and his 93.6 mph average exit velocity ranks in the 96th percentile. He also has a knack for getting on base, as his 15.9% walk rate ranks in the top two percent. He is still an elite third baseman moving forward, and he recently made his first appearance at first base, too.
Sandy Alcantara, SP, Marlins
Sandy Alcantara was impressive on Wednesday, allowing one unearned run on four hits and no walks over seven innings against the Padres. He struck out four. This is the bounce-back he needed, as he was coming off four straight starts of allowing four earned runs or more. The former ace has not looked like himself in his return from injury, posting a 6.66 ERA on the season. His FIP and xFIP are both better, sitting around 4.40, but that's still not what you're hoping for as a starting pitcher. His 19.1% whiff rate (9th percentile), 16.7% strikeout rate (13th percentile), and .286 xBA (9th percentile) all add up to make him one of the least effective pitchers in the league. There are rumors he could be on the trade block as the July 31 deadline approaches, and maybe a change of scenery is what he needs.
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