Marc Rzepczynski – TOR- Hot- It wasn’t a quality start because he allowed 4 runs in his 6 IP, but everything else about Rzepczynski’s outing was positive. He allowed only 5 hits and walked 1 while striking out 7. This gives him 37 Ks in 33.2 IP, earning him continued time in Toronto’s rotation. Right now the only thing that could stop him would be if someone tricks him into saying his name backwards, in which case he would be returned to the minors. (Obscure Superman reference to those of you who are wondering.)
Edwin Jackson- DET- Caution- Jackson has now thrown 110 or more pitches in each of his last 6 starts and 7 of his last 8. Earlier this season he had a 132-pitch outing. This is uncharted territory for the 25-year-old. Jackson hasn’t shown much trouble so far, but that is a lot of wear and tear on an arm. His risk factor has gone up significantly.
Carl Crawford- TB- Hot- After showing off his speed the previous two games, yesterday was a day to exhibit some power, slugging his 12th homer of the season. Although some of his success this year can be attributed to good luck (his .315 BHIPx is higher than would be expected even for someone of his speed) an improved Batting EYE of .54 is a more likely contributor. With a .314 batting average, 12 homers and 51 SBs, Crawford is one of the best all around fantasy players out there.
Johnny Damon- NYA- Hot- Damon hit his second homer in as many days, giving him 19 on the season. At this pace, he will set a career high for homers, his previous best being 24. His current hitting streak of 5 games has been done all on the road, a significant development since his performance had been much better at new Yankee Stadium and there is still a .293/.273 home/road batting average split even after Damon has gone 10-for-22 in his last 5 games. If he can match his home numbers while on the road for the rest of the year, it will be a strong finish for Damon.
Vicente Padilla- TEX- Cold- Padilla is getting killed by the long ball. In his first 13 starts he surrendered 5 homers. He has given up 6 in his last 5 outings after getting hammered 3 times in Oakland last night. His ground out/fly out ratio has stayed decent, but when the ball does get in the air it goes a long way. It hasn’t mattered much whether Padilla has been at home or on the road. Given his history of dealing fairly well with keeping the ball in the park, this stretch is probably a statistical anomaly.
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