Taj Bradley (SP-MIN) largely stifled the Tigers lineup on Monday, allowing 1 run on 5 hits and 3 walks while piling up 9 punchouts over 7 IP. The 25 year-old RHP did surrender a solo HR while firing 66 of his 104 pitches for strikes in the outing. Bradley now owns a 3.85 ERA, 10.4 K/9, 3.9 BB/9, and 3.85 xFIP across 154.1 IP this season. His 11% swinging-strike rate, 86.5% in-zone contact rate, and 28.5% chase rate all fine enough while there's been a good bit of loud contact in a 45% hard-hit rate, 9.5% barrel rate, and average EV of 91 mph. Given all that - and his subpar 10% walk rate, it's tough to trust him going forward, especially with a tougher matchup ahead in Chicago against the White Sox on Sunday. And the outlook for 2027 isn't fantastic given the worrisome peripherals.
Kodai Senga (RP-NYM) earned his 5th save of the campaign as he worked one (fairly) quiet inning against the Rays on Monday (1 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 1 BB, 1 K). The 33 year-old RHP threw just 9 of his 17 pitches for strikes in the appearance. Senga has been better since moving back to the bullpen on August 4, posting a 1.93 ERA, 10.6 K/9, 3.9 BB/9, and 3.94 xFIP across 9.1 IP entering Monday's action. But there are some concerns given his 10% swinging-strike rate and 24% chase rate while the opposition has made contact inside the zone at an 85.5% clip. And there's been a lot of loud contact with Statcast showing a 45.5% hard-hit rate, 13.5% barrel rate, and average EV of 90 mph. All things considered fantasy owners would do well to expect some rough outings down the stretch given his tendency to get hit hard and subpar bat-missing ability.
Ian Seymour (SP-TB) put together a quality start in a losing effort against the Mets as he allowed 3 runs on 6 hits and no walks while racking up 10 punchouts over 6.1 IP. The 27 year-old LHP did surrender a round tripper while tossing 65 of his 88 offerings for strikes. Seymour has been productive in 2026 despite bouncing between starting and long-relief or piggyback roles, compiling a 4.21 ERA, 11 K/9, 2.5 BB/9, and 3.42 xFIP across 113.1 IP. He's done a good job of limiting loud contact (88 mph EV and 36% hard-hit rate), limiting free passes (7.2% walk rate), and missing bats (29% whiff rate and 28.7% strikeout rate). The opposition has mustered just a 74% overall and 82% in-zone contact rate against Seymour while chasing often (34.5%). Fantasy owners won't be faulted if they start him in Texas this weekend while he's establishing his name as one of interest for 2027 fantasy drafts.
Bryce Eldridge (1B-SF) went 2-5 with an RBI as the Giants defeated the Braves on Monday. A .267 average, 15 HR, 43 RBI, and 43 R across 379 PA might not jump off the page, but Eldridge is more than holding his own as a 21-year old getting his second crack at big-league pitching. He's commanded the dish well for a slugger with a 26.5% strikeout rate against a 12.5% walk rate, recording a 10.5% swinging-strike rate, 25% chase rate, 75% overall contact rate, and 84% in-zone contact rate. While those are all solid figures, he's really impressed in the quality of contact department, logging an average EV of 92.5 mph, 12% barrel rate, 52.5% hard-hit rate, and 35.5% LA sweet-spot%. Eldridge likely won't hit for a high average, but there's a lot more power in his bat. Given a full season of action in 2027 - which might be a long shot given the looming CBA battle - Eldridge is a candidate to hit .260 with 30 bombs.
Lazaro Montes (OF-SEA) will reportedly get the call to the majors when rosters expand on Tuesday and should be immediately added in fantasy wherever he's still available. The 21 year-old, after all, hit .249 with 38 HR, 96 RBI, 99 R, and 8 SB across 542 PA with Double-A Arkansas (339 PA) and Triple-A Tacoma (203 PA) this season. There is definitely some average risk here as he fanned at a 30.5% clip in the minors this year while registering a 17.5% swinging-strike rate, 63.5% overall contact rate, and 72.5% in-zone contact rate. But Montes also has a track record of taking walks (14.5% this year) while registering tons of loud contact. In Triple-A, he logged a 57.5% hard-hit rate, 15% barrel rate, and average EV of 95 mph. He's definitely a worthwhile lottery ticket in all fantasy leagues. At the very least this cup of coffee should give Montes something to build upon next season when he'll presumably have the opportunity to earn a spot on the Opening Day lineup during Spring Training.
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