Chase DeLauter-Guardians-OF
Chase DeLauter went 1-for-4 with a HR, 1 R, and 1 RBI against the Twins. DeLauter has quietly put together a solid rookie season, hitting .279 with 9 HR, 31 R, 43 RBI, and 3 SB through 319 PA. One of the most encouraging aspects of his profile has been his advanced plate discipline, pairing a 9% walk rate with an outstanding 14% strikeout rate, while adding above-average quality of contact (43% HardHit). He doesn't possess elite raw power (5% Barrel rate), but he consistently puts the ball in play and has shown enough pop to provide value across multiple categories. DeLauter looks like a polished all-around hitter who should continue to be a steady fantasy contributor over the second half.
Esmerlyn Valdez-Pirates-OF
Esmerlyn Valdez went 1-4 with an HR (7) against the Braves. Valdez has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball over the last two weeks, slashing .375 with 4 HR, 11 R, and 11 RBI across 55 PA. The power surge is backed by elite underlying metrics, including a 23% Barrel rate and 41% HardHit, though the 32% strikeout rate and unsustainable .519 BABIP suggest he'll cool off some. On the season, he is hitting .293 with 7 HR, 16 R, 18 RBI, and 0 SB through 92 PA. Even with some batting average regression likely coming, Valdez has shown enough impact power to be an intriguing fantasy option. The Pirates' recent injuries (Cruz, Horwitz, and Griffin) has kept playing time open for Valdez.
Gavin Williams-Guardians-SP
Gavin Williams went 7 IP and gave up 2 ER on 3 H, 1 BB, and 11 K's against the Twins. Williams continues to put together a strong season, posting a 3.81 ERA and 1.15 WHIP across 113.1 IP. He has paired a 29% strikeout rate with an 8% walk rate, good for an impressive 21% K-BB%. His 3.44 SIERA suggests he has pitched better than his ERA suggests. Williams has taken a major step forward this year in terms of skill development. His ERA looked good last year (3.06), but the underlying skills (4.35 SIERA) didn't support it. Williams looks strong heading into the second half, especially after today's start.
Royce Lewis-Twins-3B
Royce Lewis went 2-for-4 with a HR, 2 R, and 1 RBI against the Guardians. Lewis has struggled to find consistency this season, hitting .216 with 9 HR, 27 R, 27 RBI, and 6 SB through 245 PA. The power remains legitimate, backed by a 12% Barrel rate, 42% HardHit, and 112.4 mph max exit velocity, but his 27% strikeout rate has prevented him from reaching his offensive ceiling. While the batting average has been disappointing, Lewis continues to provide a useful blend of power and speed when healthy. If he can trim the strikeouts and stay on the field, there's still plenty of upside for a strong second half.
Jesus Luzardo-Phillies-SP
Jesus Luzardo went 7 IP and gave up 0 ER on 2 H, 2 BB, and 11 K's against the Reds. Luzardo has continued to be up and down, compiling a 3.51 ERA and 1.22 WHIP through 110.1 IP. His underlying metrics remain excellent, highlighted by a 29% strikeout rate, 21% K-BB%, 111 Stuff+, and a 3.24 SIERA. The one concern is a .330 BABIP, which has inflated both his ERA and WHIP despite his strong skills. Luzardo has the profile of a pitcher who could be even better during the second half if the batted-ball luck begins to normalize.
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