Tanner Roark (SP-WAS): Tanner Roark tossed 6 strong innings and, thanks in large part to Jayson Werth, picked up the win against Matt Cain and the Giants. Roark allowed 2 earned runs on 7 hits (0 walks) and added 4 strikeouts to continue what has been an impressive 2014 campaign. Roark has a solid 19% K-rate/5% BB-rate to pair with an impressive 1.33 GB/FB ratio thanks to a quality sinker. Roark is boasting a .261 BABIP that should regress, but opponents have only managed a 15% linedrive rate! He is only 41% owned in ESPN Leagues. If he's available, pick him up.
Drew Stubss (OF-COL): Drew Stubbs went 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI to lead the Rockies' assault over Julio Teheran. Stubbs is making the most of his playing time this season, as he has posted a .326/.357/.492/ line through 49 games, and will continue to start with Michael Cuddyer and Carlos Gonzalez on the DL. He makes for an intriguing start during the next few weeks, as he has significantly cut down his chase and swinging strike rates while increasing his contact rate. While his .419 BABIP is unsustainable, the 23% linedrive rate suggests that his AVG won't plummet as in years' past. Keep all of this in mind with one big caveat: Stubbs has posted a .437 wOBA at home vs. a .249 mark on the road.
Wily Peralta (SP-MIL): Wily Peralta delivered a much-needed quality start for his fantasy owners, outpitching Jacob DeGrom in picking up his 6th win of the year. Peralta allowed 1 earned run on 4 hits and 1 walk while striking out 3 across 6 and 1/3 innings. Peralta still isn't missing enough bats, as his league-average 18% K-rate demonstrates. The biggest issue for Peralta has been developing the changeup, as he is mostly a fastball/slider pitcher. But, he has been keeping the walks in check, and the pedigree and stuff are there for him to learn how to put hitters away. His xFIP of 3.52 seems like a reasonable expectation for the remainder of the season, but until he puts it all together and moves K-rate to over 20%, view him as a #4 starter in standard 12-team leagues.
Billy Hamilton (OF-CIN): Billy Hamilton continued to pick it up at the plate and on the basepaths, going 1 for 3 with 1 run, 1 RBI, 1 walk, and 1 steal to lead the Reds to victory. Hamilton has climbed out of his early-season struggles to move himself to 23rd on ESPN's Player Rater among OF. I love the 6.7% swinging-strike rate, the 85% contact rate, and the fact that he has a .299 BABIP despite elite speed and a 25% LD rate. Hamilton should continue to improve and chase down Dee Gordon for the SB title; his BB-rate and performance against lefties (two things that still leave plenty to be desired) will determine how far he'll go in 2014 and beyond.
Neil Ramirez (RP-CHC): While Neil Ramirez didn't pitch on Wednesday, he is looking more and more like the Cubs' closer of the (not-so-distant) future. The Rangers picked Ramirez in the 1st round back in 2007 and after years of struggle, he looks to be putting it all together. He has posted an incredible 24:4 K:BB ratio in 15 innings and is featuring one of the deadliest fastball/slider combo's in the league, one that has lead to a 16.8% swinging-strike rate. If given the chance, he could be the guy who propels teams to fantasy championships in the second half; and I see him seizing the closer reigns for good rather quickly.
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