Daniel Murphy (2B - NYM) - Murphy had four hits including two doubles against the Dodgers and also walked to raise his line to .306/.344/.434. The second baseman has become a very solid hitter for average as he's always hit a lot of line drives, but doesn't hit for any power (three home runs on the season with a 51 GB%) or walk enough (5.6%) to be a strong hitter overall. He's an excellent option at Citi Field against right-handers where he's raked, but he's been inept outside New York and against southpaws.
Chris Young (OF - ARI) - Young hit his 10th home run of the year and is now hitting .213/.310/.437. He started the year on fire with five home runs in the first two weeks, but after an injury that cost him a month, it's been more of the same: he cannot hit right-handed pitching (.633 OPS this year, .714 career) which really restricts his usage. He's an excellent option against southpaws and can be used against weaker righties without platoon splits at Chase Field, although he's actually been better outside the desert this year.
Jordany Valdespin (2B, SS, OF - NYM) - Valdespin went 2-5 against the Dodgers to raise his line to .299/.330/.586 in 90 plate appearances. The 24-year old should start seeing more and more time in left field against right-handed pitching as Jason Bay continues to struggle. However, expectations should be tempered. Although he has six home runs, Valdespin only hit one every 43.3 at bats in the minors, has been mediocre in AAA in his stints there last year and this year and has walked just twice in the big leagues against 17 strikeouts. He's worth a flier as he has middle infield eligibility but shouldn't be counted on.
Jeff Karstens (SP - PIT) - Karstens delivered another excellent outing, shutting out the Marlins over seven innings on five hits to lower his ERA to 3.52. He walked two and struck out three. The right-hander has possessed excellent control, but doesn't have a big strikeout rates and gives up a high amount of line drives and fly balls. While the outing was impressive, he was facing a Marlins lineup that can't hit outside of Miami and was without Giancarlo Stanton and Hanley Ramirez. Karstens is only an option in the best of matchups, although he can be used against the awful Astros offense Friday.
Michael Morse (OF - WAS) - Morse picked up three more hits and is now hitting .300. However, his secondary skills have been lacking as he has just 14 extra-base hits and six walks in 190 plate appearances. His lat strain that kept him sidelined for the first two months may be limiting his ability to lift the ball, as his 57.8 GB% is his highest in three years and a near-14% increase from last season. Morse is worth buying low if you can, but it's no guarantee that his power will come around the last two months.
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