Rick Porcello - The Tigers' Rick Porcello tossed seven innings and gave up 0 ER against the White Sox on Tuesday and his ERA now sits at 4.49 for the season. Porcello is still inconsistent, but he's showing signs that he can be a decent fantasy option in the second half, specifically thanks to an improved K% (19% in 2013 vs. 13% in 2012). He continues to limit walks (4% BB%) and has improved his LD% from 24% in 2012 to 20% this season, which has aided a drop in his BABIP (.344 in 2012 vs. .307 in 2013). Porcello's xFIP is just 3.21 and, considering his other peripherals, he's an excellent buy-low candidate and a pitcher to watch in the coming months.
Zach McAllister - The Indians' Zach McAllister returned from the DL to face the Mariners on Tuesday and yielded 3 ER (four runs) over five innings. He struck out five and walked three. McAllister missed almost two months with a finger issue that kept him from properly gripping his curveball. Prior to the injury, McAllister owned a 3.43 ERA, but his xFIP was an ugly 4.63. The right hander has enjoyed a .295 BABIP despite a 21% LD%. He also primarily relies on fly balls (38% GB%), but has a HR/FB% of just 8% and HR/9 of 0.96. He also doesn't miss a lot of bats (6.17 K/9, 16% K%). I'd feel better about McAllister's fantasy prospects in the second half if he at least provided consistent strikeout totals. However, when you add in his lack of whiffs and his good fortune to date, there's a lot of risk with the right hander moving forward.
Alexi Ogando - Alexi Ogando returned to the Rangers' rotation on Tuesday against the Yankees after missing time with a shoulder injury since June 5. Ogando allowed 3 ER and struck out two in five innings. Prior to the injury, Ogando owned a 2.93 ERA, but his 4.58 xFIP indicated he's been more than a little lucky this season. The right hander's K% has fallen from 25% in 2012 to 18% while his BB% has increased by 4% - two troubling signs. He's also benefited from an 81% strand rate. All told, there are reasons to be wary that Ogando will be as effective for the rest of 2013 as he was in 2012. Last year, you could trot him out against pretty much all opponents, but I'd be more selective in deploying him into your starting lineup this season.
Evan Longoria - Evan Longoria belted his 21st HR of the season on Tuesday against the Red Sox, finishing the day 1-for-4 with an RBI. Longoria is putting up similar numbers as he did in 2012 when he batted .298/.369/.527 in 74 games. He's at .277/.356/.519 through 98 games this season. Longoria's ISO is .242 (compared to .238 in 2012), he's striking out a bit more while walking at about the same rate. One difference for the third baseman between last season and this season is that his LD% has fallen by 4%, but his BABIP has remained almost identical. That indicates to me that his current batting average may fall unless he is able to improve his LD%. But this is a minor concern, and Longoria should continue to provide elite value at the hot corner.
Jason Hammel - The Orioles' Jason Hammel gave up 3 ER on 10 hits with four strikeouts over six innings versus the Royals on Tuesday. Hammel now owns a 5.20 ERA and 4.58 xFIP. Hammel has been a major disappointment for fantasy managers this season as he has lost an ability to miss bats. After posting an 8.62 K/9 in 2012, Hammel's whiff rate is down to just 6.29 (prior to Tuesday's start) and his K% has fallen 7%. Last season when Hammel produced a 3.46 xFIP, he had a 53% GB%, but that mark has dropped to just 41% in 2013. Fewer strikeouts and grounders have caused the right hander to struggle, and he's not a good option until he can improve both of those metrics.
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