Ethan Martin- PHI- Rookie- Martin gave up 3 runs in 5 IP and took the loss yesterday. He walked 2, his lowest total so far in 3 major league starts. Control will be the key to Martin's eventual success or failure. His BB/9 was up to 5.21 this year in his first season at AAA. He had gotten it down to 4.51 last year. So far he really doesn't seem to have conquered his issues well enough to count on for much. Martin could end up in the bullpen where his 16 Ks in 14.1 IP might be of better use with his control off.
B. J. Upton- ATL- Cold- Upton rode the bench last night after being hitless in his last 4 games. It looked like he might have turned the corner and started getting some positive regression to the mean with a 5-game hitting streak. He has struck out 6 times in his last 11 ABs. It's hard to have the BABIP rise when the balls aren't getting into play. He needs to reduce his 32.6$ K% before his .267 BABIP will creep up and take his average above the Mendoza line.
Nolan Arenado- COL- Hot- Arenado is riding a 10-game hitting streak and has 3 multi-hit games in his last 5. He has only struck out 4 times in this streak and walked 3 times. Arenado hasn't homered in his last 10 games but does have 3 doubles and a triple. His BABIP is still only at .288 so his .270 average has room to benefit from positive regression to the mean.
Scooter Gennett- MIL- Hot- Gennett has 3 multi-hit games in the 4 he has played since being installed at the starting second baseman for the Brewers. He has an overall 6-game hitting streak in which he has gone 9-for-20 with 3 homers. The homers have come in his last 3 games, with 2 last night. His .284 average hasn't been inflated by luck as Gennett has a .300 BABIP. He is looking like a solid option at 2B down the stretch.
Madison Bumgarner- SF- FYI- Mother Nature ended Bumgarner's streak of quality starts at 10. A 1 hour and 17 minute rain delay ended his appearance after 4 IP. He had given up 1 run on 5 this and a walk while striking out 4. Bumgarner may experience some negative regression to the mean in the closing weeks of the season as his 2.73 ERA is below his 3.05 FIP.
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