J.D. Martinez (OF-DET): J.D. hit his 27th homer of the season as part of a 2-for-5, 3-run, 2-RBI effort. The league average speed off bat mark doesn't support Martinez' 23% HR/FB rate; additionally, his 16% swinging-strike rate, 70% contact rate, and 37% chase rate raise alarms. While the slugger has increased his Flyball rate by 10%, I see significant regression in the second half.
Carlos Rodon (SP-CHW): The Cardinals destroyed Rodon, tagging him with 7 earned runs on 7 hits and 3 walks in 4 innings. The 14% BB-rate (fueled by the 54% first pitch strike rate) continues to hold Rodon back from realizing his potential, as the 23% K-rate and 48% GB rate indicates the ingredients are there. He has struggled mightily against righties, allowing a .361 wOBA and 31 BB's in 46 innings, and has found issues with pitching on the road, allowing a .369 wOBA in hostile environments. Bench but hold if you have the room. Keeper leaguers are advised to seize a buying opportunity.
Matt Shoemaker (SP-LAA): Shoemaker struck out 10 Twins in 6 scoreless innings, allowing 2 hits and 3 walks in the process. The talk of the maker-of-shoes losing his spot in the rotation seems to have motivated him, as he delivered what may have been his best performance of the season. Shoemaker has missed significantly fewer bats than he did in his breakout 2014, posting a 2% lower swinging strike rate 4% higher contact rate, and 3% lower K-rate. With Heaney and Santiago pitching well, the Angels have a tough decision to make once Jered Weaver returns towards the end of the month. Monitor closely.
Kyle Seager (3B-SEA): Going 2 for 5 with 2 runs, Kyle Seager led the Mariners' thrashing of Shane Greene. While it has been a disappointing season for Seager, the underlying numbers suggest he is putting things together. He has lowered his swinging strike and strikeout rates while increasing his contact rate; and he's elevated his wOBA vs. lefties by 82 points. A performance spike lurks around the corner.
Carson Smith (SP-SEA): Sir Carson bailed out Fernando Rodney and picked up the 4-out save, his 8th of the season. Smith now carries a 50:7 K:BB ratio, a 62% groundball rate, and a 1.93 xFIP through 38 and 2/3 innings. Although Lloyd McClendon carries a soft spot for Rodney, the combination of Smith's dominance and Rodney's ineffectiveness has finally forced his hand. Look for Smith to take the reigns and run with them for the rest of 2015.
Join us today for additional player updates and so much more!
Follow us on Twitter @fantistics & @walterkuberski
