Jesus Luzardo (SP-PHI) was placed on the 15-day IL on Tuesday after initial reports indicated that he would be able to avoid a trip to the IL. But he's continued to experience inflammation in his left (throwing) shoulder and it's unclear whether he's expected to return from the IL on September 27th when first eligible. As things currently stand, 2026 was a career year for the 28 year-old southpaw as he owns a 2.87 ERA, 11.1 K/9, 2.6 BB/9, and 2.94 xFIP across 178.2 IP. The innings total is tied for the second highest in his career while the ERA and xFIP are career lows and his K/9 a career best. His BB/9 is his lowest in more than 60 IP pitched in a season. Luzardo is a fantasy ace as he misses bats at a high 13.5% clip, limits the opposition to a 70.5% overall contact rate, and gets them to chase at an above-average 33.5% clip while inducing plenty of grounders (50%). Oh, and he allows little loud contact as Statcast shows a 33% hard-hit rate, 6% barrel rate, and average EV of 87.5 mph. Stud.
Max Fried (SP-NYY) picked up a W in Minnesota as he allowed 1 run on 6 hits and no walks while striking out 6 over 6 IP. The 32 year-old lefty kept the ball in the yard as he threw 58 of his 88 pitches for strikes in the outing. Fried now owns a 2.63 ERA, 8.5 K/9, 2.6 BB/9, and 3.55 xFIP across 106 IP in an injury-shortened campaign. He's benefited from a .256 BABIP and 4% HR/FB, but to his credit his Statcast features a 29.5% hard-hit rate, 2% barrel rate, and average exit velocity of 85.5 mph. That and his plus control help to make up for his middling ability to miss bats as he's recorded a 10.5% swinging-strike rate and 77.5% contact rate this season. All things considered, Fried is an SP2 for fantasy and is a guy you start against the Rays early next week.
Travis Bazzana (2B-CLE) went 2-4 with a pair of solo shots against the White Sox on Tuesday. The 24 year-old rookie is now hitting .252 with 14 HR, 56 RBI, 52 R, and 19 SB (in 25 attempts) through his first 479 PA in the majors. With a 115 wRC+, he's acquitted himself pretty well in his first taste of big-league action, recording an 11.5% walk rate against a 20.5% strikeout rate, posting a healthy 78% overall contact rate and 88% in-zone contact rate while showing a fairly patient (44.5% swing rate) and disciplined (26% chase rate) approach at the dish. Tuesday's twin knocks were a bit of an outlier, though, as Bazzana's Statcast profile isn't exactly sexy with a 36.5% hard-hit rate, 4.5% barrel rate, and average EV of 88 mph. He might not have the makings of a fantasy star, but there's use in a .260/15/25 type, although there's always the chance he develops into something more.
Grant Taylor (RP-CHW) blew a save in Cleveland on Tuesday, his 7th of the season. As has often been the case this season, he was asked to work multiple innings but this time he just couldn't get the last out as he allowed 2 ER on 2 H and 1 BB while fanning 2 over 1.2 IP. The 24 year-old fired 19 of his 27 pitches for strikes. Despite that rough outing and the several blown saves, Taylor has put together a strong 2026 in which he's compiled a 2.41 ERA, 11.7 K/9, 3.2 BB/9, and 2.92 xFIP across 78.1 IP. His swinging-strike rate is solid at 12% while he's gotten hitters to chase often (33%) and has induced some grounders (46.5%). But loud contact has been a bit of an issue as the opposition has mustered a 41.5% hard-hit rate, 8% barrel rate, and average EV of 90 mph against Taylor. He possesses high-octane stuff that includes heat that sits in the high 90s and reaches into the 100s while mixing in his 83-mph curve and 90-mph slider. The team seems likely to convert him back to a starting role, which makes him an intriguing question mark heading into 2027 as the pure stuff is there but there.
Griffin Jax (SP-TB) tossed 5 shutout IP against the Athletics on Tuesday, allowing just 2 hits and walking none while racking up 7 punchouts on 67 pitches (46 strikes). The 31 year-old's return to a starting role has been nothing short of a success as he's compiled a 3.80 ERA, 9.5 K/9, 2.9 BB/9, and 3.44 xFIP across 104.1 IP this season (21 starts, 11 relief appearances). Jax has missed some bats (13.5% swinging-strike rate) while getting opposing hitters to chase often (34%) and limiting them to a 72.5% overall contact rate. There's been some loud contact (89 mph average EV, 9.5% barrel, and 41% hard-hit rate), but he's also induced some grounders (44.4%). Jax's 8% walk rate is, meanwhile, in the average range. Overall, he's probably established himself as a #2-3 SP for fantasy in 2027. For now, he lines up to face the Red Sox at home on Sunday.
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