Jason Heyward has strung together a five-game hitting streak and might finally be turning the corner after a slow start to the season. Heyward went three-for-four, with two runs and two stolen bases last night. Improving his five-game numbers to eight-for-21 and bringing his batting average up 23 points. Heyward is due for improvement across the board. His ISO is 77 points lower than his career mark and his .258 BABIP will improve, especially considering his respectable 18.9 LD%. Expect the power to come too, Heyward’s 6.3% HR/FB rate is below half of his 14.5% career mark. Heyward’s K% and BB% are around his career averages, but given his age he should improve on each going forward. Heyward cost a high-round draft pick in March so fantasy owners could be hasty to move him. His best production is coming to a box score near you.
Make it two wins in a row for Mike Minor, after the southpaw went good for five strikeouts over 6.2 innings. The only blemish of the night was a two-run round tripper by Khris Davis. Minor endured a couple of rough outings and a delayed start to his season because of a shoulder injury, but appears to be back to his 2013 form. Minor only gave away two-free bags last night and his control is an important part of his effectiveness. Through his first-three starts Minor’s swinging-strike percentage was just 6.8%, expect improvement there given his 8.8% career mark. Minor finished 2013 strong and slides in just below the top tier of starting pitchers. Find out if his current owner is under appreciative. If his current owner is you … enjoy.
Khris Davis caught fantasy owner’s attention late last season and parlayed it into fantasy-sleeper territory this draft season. To date, Davis has been a huge disappointment. Fantasy owners are hoping his two-for-four night, with a bomb and two rabbits will kick start his production. Currently, he is only an option in NL leagues and the deepest mixed leagues. Davis’ 2013 numbers were inflated by a ridiculous and video-game ISO (.316), which was almost 100 points above his Triple A mark of .218. Entering tonight, Davis is striking out at a 28.2% clip and walking only 1.9% of the time. Digging deeper, Davis is swinging at more balls, less strikes, and swinging and missing more. If you’re desperate, Davis presents potential upside, but pitchers may have figured him out and his minor league track record suggests the strikeouts, unlike batteries, are included.
Wily Peralta allowed 13 base runners over five innings pitched, but otherwise had a typical 2014 start last night. Peralta fanned five and left after 101 pitches. Peralta has cut down his walks this season and with fewer free passes the Brewers right-handed pitcher has excelled. Entering last night’s start against the Braves, Peralta boasted a 2.05 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and a tidy 4.6% walk rate. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, Peralta has just two wins on the season. Additionally, Peralta’s 6.33 K/9 is nothing to get excited about. Brew crew fans might also be due to observe some regression from Peralta. His .263 BABIP should rise and an 83% strand rate is unsustainable. His zone-contact and overall-contact percentages are above average too, further pointing to forthcoming regression. Peralta is a power pitcher with a plus fastball, which clocks in above 95 mph. He mixes in a solid slider, but his changeup has never been an effective compliment and is rarely used. The regression police are monitoring Peralta closely and owners should explore trade options.
Is Kolten Wong available in your league? The Cardinals rookie stumbled out of the gate, but took flight in Triple A and has raked since returning to the team. His two stolen bases, three runs and RBIs are solid production through his first-three games back. Wong has adjusted his approach at the plate, toning down his leg kick and simplifying his swing. It appears Wong has solidified his spot batting second in the Cardinals order. There are huge offensive opportunities there, especially in the runs scored department. The Cardinals have been looking for a spark to jumpstart their offense, and Wong might be it. Second base is a deep position, but Wong has the potential to flirt with being a top-ten option from here on. Without doubt, Wong is in must-add middle infield territory.
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