Ross Ohlendorf (SP-SD)- The Reds knocked around Ohlendorf on Thursday afternoon, as he could not get through a full two innings of work. He ended up allowing six runs on six hits, one home run and three walks while striking out three in 1.2 innings pitched. Ohlendorf saw his record fall to 3-2, while his ERA increased to 6.27 for the year. While his 4.58 FIP and 5.06 xFIP indicate that he has received some bad luck in the form of a high BABIP (.350) and low strand rate (66.1 percent), Ohlendorf is someone owners in all leagues should stay away from. He has a very poor ground ball rate (29.2 percent), and he has not been able to keep his walk rate at a respectable level (4.34 BB/9). His 7.96 K/9 is just about the only thing that he has going for him as of this moment, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him moved to the bullpen in favor of Eric Stults.
Barry Zito (SP-SF)- Zito struggle through 4.1 innings in his start against the Mets on Thursday afternoon. He allowed seven runs on six hits and three walks while striking out one, and seeing his ERA jump to 4.27 for the year. Zito was due for a rough a outing, as his DIPS were significantly higher than his ERA entering the game. His 4.94 FIP and 5.24 xFIP still suggest Zito will see some more regression. Like most seasons, his walk rate (3.97 BB/9) is below average and his first pitch strike percentage of 54 percent is his lowest in three seasons. Furthermore, Zito's strikeout rate has dropped to a career low 5.22 K/9. He might be worth a start or two in deep leagues against inferior lineups like the Astros or the Padres in daily leagues, but he does not have any value in standard leagues down the stretch run. His 5.00 FIP and 5.17 xFIP on the road also suggest he is not worth starting on the road (except for Petco Park) for those owners considering in daily drafts.
John Mayberry Jr. (OF-PHI)- Mayberry went hitless in three plate appearances against the Nationals last night. He currently has a .232/.272/.384 slash line along with eight home runs and 25 RBI in 265 plate appearances in 2012. Mayberry looks as if he will take over the duties in center field with Shane Victorino now in Los Angeles, and is now worth taking a shot on in daily drafts. However, Mayberry's overall numbers indicate that owners should stay away from him in most formats. His batting average has been hurt by a 27.2 percent strikeout rate, and his overall power numbers have dropped as his fly ball rate has declined from 40.4 to 26.3 percent. With a .806 OPS against left-handed pitching, Mayberry is worth playing in matchups in daily leagues as a cheaper option in the outfield, but his .536 OPS against right-handed pitching is truly awful.
Tyler Clippard (RP-WAS)- Clippard recorded his 21st save of the season last night against the Phillies. He threw a scoreless inning in which he allowed two walks and a strikeout, and his ERA dropped to 2.98 for the year. Clippard's seen his strikeout rate increase this season to 11.36 K.9 despite his swinging strike rate dropping from 16.1 percent last year to 11.3 percent in 2012. However, his walk rate has jumped to 4.05 BB/9 from 2.65 BB/9 despite posting a career best 65.2 percent. Owners should expect regression and improvement in both of those peripherals, and Clippard should be able to keep and ERA just below 2.90 despite producing a 3.92 xFIP. His .214 BABIP looks as if it regress, however, his staggering 8.2 percent line drive rate indicates opposing hitters are struggling to make solid contact. Furthermore, his 32.7 percent ground ball rate might not be very impressive, but it is his best since being moved to the bullpen.
Freddie Freeman (1B-ATL)- Freeman went 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI to help lead the Braves to a 6-1 victory over the Marlins last night. He has a .284/.349/.473 slash line for the year with 13 home runs and 65 RBI. He has gotten off to a nice start in August after having his best month of the year in July hitting .323/.427/.527 with four home runs. He lowered his strikeout rate to 12.3 percent during the month along with a .204 ISO. Freeman should finish with a slash line and home run total that is very similar to his numbers from last season, but with a higher SLG and ISO. Freeman's line drive rate of 31.4 percent leads all qualified hitters this year, and his fly ball rate has only dropped one percent from last year so it has not hurt his home run rate. Furthermore, his 14.1 percent is identical to his rate from 2011.
Follow us on Twitter all year: @Fantistics and @enehsy
These are only a few of the players we are covering today. We profile over 100 players everyday in our premium section, become a member today.
