Kyle Bradish, SP, BAL
Bradish was superb against the Yankees on Wednesday allowing just 1 hit in 6 shutout innings, while striking out 7 and walking 3. That makes two straight strong starts for Bradish who struck out 10 in 7 IP's in his last outing, after a lot of inconsistencies to start the season. Walks have been the primary issue for Bradish this year, as his 4.79 BB/9 would be a career high by far, and that issue has not yet been resolved. But his K/9 has crept up close to 10 and his GB% is hovering just above 50%, so there are plenty of reasons for optimism that his numbers will continue to improve. This is a pitcher who compiled a 2.78 ERA and 3.32 xFIP from 2023-2025 and that shouldn't be taken lightly.
Mickey Moniak, OF, COL
Moniak continued to swing a hot bat against the Pirates on Wednesday, falling a single short of the cycle, but finishing with a double, triple, HR, and 5 RBI in the blowout victory. Moniak set a personal best with 24 HR's last season, and he's already halfway towards that total through just 35 games this season. He'll have a hard time keeping up his current .315 BA because he strikes out too much, but his 54.0% FB% should help him maintain solid power numbers. It was encouraging to see Moniak have such a strong performance on the road, as almost all of his success this season has come at Coors Field. He entered Wednesday with a 1.255 OPS at home compared to .682 on the road, while 9 of his 11 HR's were hit in Colorado. If he could put up even just respectable numbers away from home, he is a great bet to finish the season with strong overall numbers.
George Springer, OF, TOR
Springer went 0-3 with 2 BB's and 2 runs against the Rays on Wednesday, as his BA lowered to a dismal .202 for the season. It's been a horrible start to the 2026 campaign for the veteran outfielder, who has posted a measly .611 OPS and hit just 2 HR's across 25 games. Making contact has not been the issue for Springer, whose 18.7% K% is right in line with previous seasons. Putting the ball in the air has also not been a problem, as his 46.5% FB% is way above his career average. However, he's not squaring up as well, with his Barrel% dropping over 7% from last year, and his LD% sitting at a pitiful 11.3%. His HardHit% has fallen from 46.7% to 38.9%. All of that has led to a low BABIP, and plummeting power numbers for the 36-year-old. His numbers are sure to improve from where they are now, but the odds of a repeat of his resurgent 2025 season appear to be slim to none.
Griffin Jax, SP, TB
Jax made another start for the Rays on Wednesday, and lasted 5 innings, allowing 4 hits and 4 BB's with one strikeout, without allowing a run. After lasting less than 3 innings in his first two starts of the season, Jax has now pitched 4 and 5 innings respectively in his last two starts, and appears to be a full-fledged member of the Rays rotation. His results as a starter have been good on a superficial level, as he has allowed just 2 ER's on 10 hits in 14 IP. However, that has come with a less than stellar 8:7 K:BB, and in particular, Wednesday's start in which he allowed 8 baserunners in 5 innings could have gone a lot worse than it did. Despite his new role, Jax is not someone you have to rush to pick up off the waiver wire.
Bryce Miller, SP, SEA
Miller came off the IL and made his season debut against the Astros on Wednesday, allowing 2 ER's on 8 hits and 1 BB in 5.2 IP, while striking out 3. It worked out okay for Miller from a run prevention standpoint, but it certainly can't be characterized as a dominant performance. Miller is coming off a disappointing 2025 in which he posted a 5.68 ERA and 4.60 xFIP, and his strikeout and walk rates both declined significantly from his breakout 2024 campaign. If Miller doesn't regain his old form, there's no guarantee he stays in the rotation long term, as the team is currently working with 6 starters.
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