Danny Salazar (SP-CLE): Salazar followed Miguel Gonzalez with his own CGSO, shutting down the Tigers in allowing 8 hits and striking out 9. Impressively, the frequently wild Salazar didn't walk a single batter in the effort as he outshined Justin Verlander. Since his recall in late July Salazar has allowed more than 3 earned runs in just 1 start and his control (evidenced by BB rate) and command (evidenced by HR/FB rate) are much improved. According to Brooks, it looks as though Salazar has phased out his sinker for more of a focus on fastball command, working in sliders and splits when ahead in the count. We all know the potential, and while he is risky, he is a must own and start in all formats down the stretch.
Collin McHugh (SP-HOU): McHugh continued to impress, allowing 1 earned run on 4 hits and 0 free passes in 7 and 2/3 innings to pick up his 8th win of 2014. He added 8 more strikeouts and continues to provide tremendous value to fantasy owners. He is carrying a 2.89 ERA and 3.18 xFIP into his next start with a solid 140:40 K:BB ratio in 134 innings. McHugh has increased his swinging strike rate against from 8% to 11%, all the while improving his velocity by over 1 MPH. His curveball is among the best in the league, as hitters have mustered a .146 AVG and .220 SLG in 123 AB's off of it. While he won't blow anyone away, don't overlook McHugh as a keeper in 14+ team mixed leagues and as a draft day value in 2015.
Kennys Vargas (1B/DH-MIN): Kennys Vargas led the Twins 11-run barrage, homering for the 2nd straight night to bring his total to 6 for the season. While the recent promotion of Josmil Pinto may cut into his playing time, he makes for an intriguing add for those in need of power. Vargas posted a solid .832 OPS with 17 homers in 97 AA games while carrying respectable walk and strikeout rates. However, while the underlying skills are there, I sense an adjustment period coming for the slugger. He has posted an atrocious 4:37 BB:K ratio and is carrying a .389 BABIP. His 15% swinging strike rate and 42% chase rate also portend significant regression. Ride the hot hand, but stay on top of his performances. And despite the numbers, keeper leaguers are advised to drop unless in extremely deep AL only leagues.
Chris Carter (1B/DH-HOU): The slugger continued his remarkable season by hitting a pair of homers to up his total to 35 on the season. Despite a .231 AVG (with that abysmal 65% contact rate), in today's pitching-dominant game, his value is only rising. Maybe with new management he will find a permanent spot in the lineup, as he has performed extremely well out of the 3-hole when compared with the lower spots he has occupied. Ride him for September. However, according to ESPN, he has lost 20 feet on average home run distance and 3 MPH on average speed off bat from last season. He still should be a 30-homer threat in 2015, but I wouldn't project an upward trend, which I sense many will do and pay for.
Dalton Pompey (OF-TOR): While Dalton Pompey continued to ride the bench since his promotion, he is a name to keep in mind as we begin preparing for 2015. As a native Canadian and late bloomer with the stick, he has flown under the radar as a prospect. However, his meteoric rise through the Jays' system this season should have fantasy owners taking note. He posted an .861 OPS with 9 homers and 43 steals in 113 games across three levels, showing a strong EYE at each level. While the Jays may not give him enough AB's in September, it could work to your benefit late in drafts for 2015. With a full season of AB's, he could post 10 homers and 50 steals with a .280 AVG.
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