Vincent Velasquez (SP-HOU): Velasquez didn't allow a run through 5 innings, but he walked 4 and was pulled after 89 pitches. The future is now in Houston and Velasquez likely bought himself some time to prove himself in the rotation. He posted a solid 37:9 K:BB ratio in 26 and 1/3 innings at AA and has been lauded for his mid 90's fastball and willingness to attack hitters. While the secondary offerings aren't complete, they should be viable enough to keep Velasquez in the Majors and worthy of a pickup in all formats. He may be a step behind McCullers, but it isn't a huge one.
George Springer (OF-HOU): The Springer Show went 5-for-5 without scoring or driving in a run and stole his 13th base. All of his peripherals suggest a HUGE second half is in order. He has improved dramatically across the board as indicated by his swinging strike, contact, walk, and linedrive rates. I see the Astros moving him to the 2 or 3-hole in the coming weeks, so the RBI totals should also increase as the season progresses.
Taijuan Walker (SP-SEA): Taijuan Walker logged another quality start, allowing 1 earned run in 6 innings to outpitch Trevor Bauer and pick up the W. Walker has only walked 3 in his last 22 innings, striking out 21 and allowing 4 earned runs over that stretch. This start in Cleveland was especially impressive given that Walker has struggled mightily on the road. One of the keys has been Walker's embrace of a new grip on his curveball, which has enabled him to better command the pitch.
Scott Copeland (SP-TOR): Copeland allowed 1 earned run over 7-strong innings in earning his first MLB win. The Jays then promptly sent him back to AAA, only needing Copeland to make the spot start in order to enable them to better regular Aaron Sanchez's innings. Copeland induced 12 groundball outs, doing what he does best (he posted a 2.85:1 GO/AO ratio in 45+ AAA innings prior to the call-up). While Daniel Norris misses more bats and offers better upside, making him the more attractive stash, Copeland could see another sport start down the road.
Josh Reddick (OF-OAK): At $3200 on FanDuel, Josh Reddick (and an A's stack) makes for a fantastic play against Chi Chi Gonzalez, who brings a 0 ERA/ 5.14 xFIP and a 4:7 K:BB rate into today's game. Reddick brings a .461 wOBA against righties and a .453 wOBA at home, so all signs point to a dividend-producing day...no Joshing.
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