Chris Archer (SP-TB): The Archer was pulled after an 8-inning, 2-hit, 12-K gem off his own, but the bullpen let him down. You want to talk about a young arm elevating his game to ace status right before our eyes! With a 52.5% GB rate, 29.5% K-rate, and an 8% BB-rate, all of the ingredients are there for Archer finish the season as a top 10 fantasy starter. What's most impressive--besides the infusion of swing-and-miss and groundball inducements--is the fact that Archer no longer struggles against lefties (in fact, his .250 wOBA against them is lower than the mark he has posted against righties).
Jason Kipnis (2B-CLE): Kip went 3-for-5 with 2 runs to continue what has been a scorching month of May (he must have heard us call him out on the Fantistics Insider Baseball Show!). True, he is due for some regression with a .377 BABIP; however, with an elevated contact rate, an improved approach to all-fields, and his gains against lefties, Kipnis looks to be have regained his 2013 form. If he can stay healthy, he'll push to be the #1 2B in fantasy by season's end.
Lonnie Chisenhall (3B-CLE): LC went 3-for-5 with 3 RBI and 2 runs in what was a much-needed performance against the Rangers. Chisenhall has placed himself on the proverbial hotseat by posting a .216/.248/.372 line through 43 games. However, he has actually improved his contact rate and still is due for positive regression with his .228 BABIP. And he has endured a majority of that bad luck, ironically enough, against righties, as his numbers are respectable across the board against lefties. While I wouldn't give up on him just yet, I'd also look to handcuff with Giovanny Urshela, who is raking at AAA.
Alex Rodriguez (DH/INF-NYY): AROD backed Michael Pineda's strong outing by belting his 11th homer, a 3-run shot off of Chris Young. His AVG speed off bat on those 11 homers is over 106 MPH, suggesting the power is for real. However, the 14.5% swinging strike rate suggests this will come crashing down, especially once the season begins to wear on those surgically repaired hips. But in the meantime, continue to ride the hot bat. With a .409 wOBA vs. righties and Kendall Graveman on the hill tomorrow, look to AROD as a solid DFS play.
FanDuel Price: $3300
James Paxton (SP-SEA): Even though his surface stats don't look too appealing, James Paxton makes for a solid value play--especially in tournaments--over at FanDuel today. His YTD stats continue to be weighed down by his first 4 starts, but don't be fooled; he has allowed only 6 earned runs in his last five starts and continues to develop his repertoire. True, his control still leaves much to be desired, but with a matchup at home against Cleveland--a team that has struck out the 5th most times against lefties--he makes for an intriguing contrarian play.
FanDuel Price: $7300
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