Austin Hedges (C-SD): Reports out of San Diego project that the Padres will call up Austin Hedges on Monday for part time duties to occasionally spell Derek Norris. While his bat has always lagged behind his prowess behind the plate, Hedges posted a miserable .589 OPS and a 23:89 BB:K ratio at AA in 2014, leaving many to wonder if his bat would leave him as a liability in the Bigs. So far in 2015--albeit in the PCL--Hedges has silenced the doubters with a .914 OPS and an 8:8 BB:K ratio through 21 AAA games. With that being said, I advise restraint with rookie catchers, as the vast majority tend to take several years to fully develop their offensive games with the myriad of duties on their plates.
Julio Teheran (SP-ATL): Julio Teheran outpitched Johnny Cueto in the friendly confines of Turner Field, logging 6 scoreless innings and striking out 6. This is quite the welcomed sight for his fantasy owners, as Teheran posted a mediocre April. Even with the quality start, the Braves' Ace has posted a 3.83 ERA/4.83 xFIP and a worrisome 28:14 K:BB ratio through 33 innings. He has allowed a well-above average LD-rate, and hitters are laying off his secondary offerings more than in seasons past. However, I see the culprit being his 50% first-pitch strike mark. As that number creeps towards his 61% career norm, look for those other marks to follow suit.
Tim Lincecum (SP-SF): Tim Lincecum tossed a gem against the Angels, as the former fantasy ace didn't allow an earned run and only permitted 4 batters to reach base in 8 innings in picking up the W. Lincecum has been fortunate, posting a 2.40 ERA/3.90 xFIP with a mediocre 20:11 K:BB ratio through 30 innings. The difference so far has been the spike in his GB rate--up to 56%--which has enabled him to escape jams. With his average fastball velocity sitting at 87 MPH, don't expect this to be a harbinger of a Lincecum renaissance.
Charlie Blackmon (OF-COL): Charlie Blackmon has been en fuego, and he stoked the fire even more on Sunday, taking both James Shields and Craig Kimbrel deep. On Monday, he returns to Coors Field where Josh Collmenter and the Diamondbacks await. Blackmon has a career .392 wOBA vs. righties at home, while Collmenter has allowed a .371 wOBA vs. lefties on the road. Keep track of the weather, but all should be a go for Charlie to keep the home run factory moving.
DraftKings Price: $4600
Jordan Zimmermann (SP-WAS): After an early season blowup, Jordan Zimmermann has posted 3 consecutive quality starts. Look for that to continue today, as the veteran has allowed a .291 wOBA at home in his career. He has also enjoyed great success against the Marlins, and should have a high win potential. While King Felix and Kershaw are the top pitching plays, they will cost you $12000+. If you want to work some upper-level bats into your lineups, consider the Zimm. Alongside the $7600 Carlos Martinez, he makes for a great value play.
DraftKings Price: $8800
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