Justin Verlander- The first 6 starts of the 2015 season have been a big time struggle for Justin Verlander. He has suffered from an unusually low strikeout rate of 14.5% and truly high HR/FB rate of 16.3%. Obviously, these are concerning statistics considering the decrease in velocity that Verlander has experienced over the course of the last several years. If there is good news, it is that Verlander's velocity is actually up a tick to 92.8 MPH from his 2014 velocity of 92.3 MPH. While this could just be a short sample size abnormality, it would be nice to see Verlander slow the descent even a little bit as he has lost a mile off his fastball each of the last 3 seasons. Verlander has very little use in any fantasy format right now, but if he can stabilize his velocity and calm down with allowing the big fly, he could become a rotational option when he has good match-ups. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
Rusney Castillo- It's rare that we spend the time to write about a hitter in the minors in this space. With the trade deadline looming, I thought it made sense to point out Castillo as a player who could find himself with somewhat regular playing time if the Red Sox are able to move Shane Victorino. Castillo is mostly interesting as a potential stolen base threat if he manages to obtain regular playing time. He has 10 steals at Triple-A this season, and he could provide owners with some value in that category if he does make his way to the majors. I wouldn't run and pick him up as we can't be sure what the Red Sox will do at the deadline, or who will get the bulk of any playing time created as All-Star Brock Holt still doesn't have a regular position. It's just a name and an idea to keep in your mind as we creep closer to July 31st.
Jose Abreu- Jose Abreu drove his 15th home run of the season out on Wednesday night. It's weird to talk about a player on pace to hit between 25 and 30 home runs as having a disappointing season, but after last seasons 36 home run total, owners were expecting a bit more power from the White Sox first baseman. Abreu doesn't seem to have made the necessary adjustment in year two to continue hitting for the top of power we saw in 2015. Everything about Abreu's plate discipline paints the picture of a player struggling to adjust. His BB Rate is down from 8.2% to 4.5% in 2015, and while he is making more contact in 2015, the contact he is making is weaker. His ground ball rate is up from 45.5% to 51.3% and his IFFB rate is up from 8.2% to 12.2%. Abreu just isn't making solid enough contact to consistently drive the ball out. Obviously, owners will hope the second half will bring an adjustment, but for now, he is a solid if unspectacular option for fantasy owners.
J.D. Martinez- J.D. Martinez is the rare right handed batter that actual hits better against right handed pitchers. Martinez is slashing .287/.331/.578 against right handed pitching with the .578 slugging percentage being of particular interest to daily fantasy owners for Saturday contests. Martinez will match-up on Saturday with Red Sox starter Steven Wright. Wright has struggled in June and July with one of his weaknesses being allowing the long ball. I like Martinez's match-up against Wright on Saturday, and his price tag is not astronomical for a player two long balls off the major league lead. Fanduel Salary- $4,200.00
Michael Brantley- Michael Brantley has become one of the most complete hitters in baseball. His plate discipline is elite as he walks at a 11.5% rate while striking out at only a 7.0% Rate. The one frustrating negative that has come with the 2015 campaign for Brantley is a regression in his power/speed combination. In 2014, Brantley hit 20 bombs and stole 23 bases to go along with his elite batting average. In 2015, Brantley is on pace to barely get 10-12 home runs and 15 steals. It's quite a negative hit in crucial categories that owners are taking from an otherwise wonderful asset. I'd love to say that Brantley appears ready for a power surge in the second half, but his stats just don't support that analysis. His HR/FB is down to 7.6%, which is in line with the career averages prior to 2014. Sadly, his power in 2014 seems to be the outlier as opposed to the new trend. Brantley will still make an excellent 2nd or 3rd outfielder, but it is hard to have a primary outfielder contributing so little in the speed and power categories.
Today's American League Player Blog is brought to you by Nicholas Rossoletti. You can follow Nicholas on Twitter @NRoss56.
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