Ian Kennedy (SP-SD): Ian Kennedy picked up his 8th win after tossing another quality start, this time against the lowly Cubs lineup. He allowed 3 earned runs on 3 hits and 5 walks while adding 6 strikeouts. Many have raised alarms about the possibility of Kennedy leaving Petco in a trade--perhaps even to the Yankees. But he has actually pitched better AWAY from home, as his .295 wOBA and 3.06 ERA on the road indicate. Kennedy has increased his K-rate, lowered his BB-rate, and is inducing grounders at the highest rate of his career. His velocity is up nearly 2 MPH as well, further indicating that his success is not a product of Petco.
A.J. Burnett (SP-PHI): A.J. Burnett tossed 8 scoreless innings of his own, allowing 4 hits and 4 walks while adding 6 strikeouts in the no-decision. While Burnett hasn't been the same pitcher he was last season--his swinging strike rate, chase, and contact rates against are heading in the wrong direction--he still carries a 19% K-rate and 50% GB rate. Rumors suggest a trade to Pittsburgh is likely on the horizon, which would boost his value. In the meantime, he makes a great back-end of the rotation option in standard leagues and a great daily play against lineups without strong left-handed bats.
Bartolo Colon (SP-NYM): Bartolo Colon continues to borrow from Ponce de Leon, as the 41 year old took a perfect game into the 7th against the M's. All total, he allowed 2 earned runs on 3 hits and 1 walk across 7 and 1/3 innings while adding 5 strikeouts and earning his 9th win. Colon was due for some positive regression on a number of fronts, and his peripherals suggest more could be on the horizon. With an 18% K-rate and 3% BB-rate, Colon isn't pitching like a 41 year old. He presents a risk each time out, however, as the 87% contact rate and 6% swinging strike rate put him at the extreme mercy of the batted ball gods. Keep an eye on the trade rumors, as it will have a huge impact on his fantasy value in moving forward.
Jorge De La Rosa (SP-COL): Jorge De La Rosa dominated the Nats at Coors, striking out 11 across 7 and 1/3 innings and outpitching Stephen Strasburg. The lefty allowed 1 earned run on 8 hits and didn't allow a free pass on the way to earning his 11th win. As daily players well know, De La Rosa struggles against righties, allowing a .358 wOBA against them overall. But, he continues to defy logic by pitching BETTER at Coors, as his ERA is 2 runs and wOBA is 20 points lower there vs. on the road. Keep these nuggets in mind for daily play and weekly roster decisions, as there is some nice value to unlock with Jorge.
Didi Gregorius (SS-ARI): While his glove remains his calling card, Didi Gregorius is showing signs of life with the stick. The youngster went 2 for 4 with 2 runs and 2 RBI, hitting his 3rd homer of the season along the way, but the DBacks fell short to the Tigers. While Gregorius still carries a below league-average contact rate, he has improved his BB and chase rates. Also, there is room for improvement in the AVG department with his .260 BABIP, although he will have to improve upon the 16% LD rate and 49% FB-rate and begin tapping into his speed. With news that Chris Owings's shoulder isn't recovering as hoped, Gregorius should see stable AB's moving forward, save the occasional sit against tough lefties, where he'll give way to Nick Ahmed.
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