Kyle Schwarber (C-CHC) - Schwarber came up big in the Cubs' 13-inning win Tuesday, going 4-for-7 with a pair of homers and four RBI. All he's done in his first 11 MLB games is bat .410/.439/.744 with three homers and 10 driven in. Schwarber has a 12:2 K:BB In 39 at-bats, but the slash speaks for itself. In 75 minor league games this year, Schawrber had a 72:49 K:BB, so expect a few strikeouts and more than an average number of walks. With the way he's hit the ground running so far, it's possible he's a top-five fantasy catcher while Montero is out, and even once the Cubs' regular catcher returns, they may already have a new regular catcher in this kid. Schwarber is priced at $2,500 in FanDuel leagues right now, which may be a mistake given his upside. Either way, if you can get him for less than $3,200, go for it.
Jacob DeGrom (SP-NYM) - There might now be five NL pitchers that I'd take over DeGrom right now, and the Mets' co-ace did it again Tuesday against the Nationals, tossing six innings of two-run ball to improve to 10-6 while seeing his ERA actually rise to 2.18. He posted an 8:0 K:BB on the night to improve his overall ratio to 120:21 in 119.2 innings. A 3:1 ratio is excellent for any pitcher, but DeGrom's is nearly 6:1, while as a comparison, Clayton Kershaw's sits at 6.4:1. DeGrom has allowed more than three runs in a start just twice this year and looks to be headed towards a top-five Cy Young finish, or perhaps even better if he keeps this up.
Joe Ross (SP-WAS) - Ross was the tough luck loser to Jacob DeGrom Tuesday, allowing three runs (two earned) over 6.1 solid innings with a 4:0 K:BB. In his four big league starts, Tyson's little brother now has a 2.70 ERA and an outstanding 27:2 K:BB in 26.2 innings. With seemingly little chance that both free agents-to-be Jordan Zimmermann and Doug Fister return in 2016, Ross is looking like he's closing in on locking up one of those rotation spots already. Ross had a 69:19 K:BB in 76 minor league innings this year, so he's pitching a bit over his head right now, but the Nationals appear to have a potential #3 starter on their hands. Ross averages 92.8 mph with his fastball and he's always had excellent control, so the floor for him appears to be rather high. He's had some trouble with LH hitters (.407 BAA prior to Tuesday), but the sample size is of course low. Still, using him in FanDuel leagues against a LH hitting heavy lineup may not be a good idea.
Raisel Iglesias (SP-CIN) - Iglesias has been pretty hit and miss for most of his rookie campaign, but he turned in one of his better starts of the year Tuesday, allowing two runs in 5.2 innings with an 8:4 K:BB in a no-decision against the Cubs. Iglesias sports a 5.45 ERA and 1.56 WHIP for the year but his 35:13 K:BB in 34.2 innings is solid, and if he can stay healthy and consistent, Iglesias has the talent to provide fantasy owners with a strong finish. Recall that Iglesias inked a seven-year $27 million contract this winter, and with the Reds likely to move one or two of their starters at the trade deadline, he should get plenty of rope to stick in the rotation as the Reds look toward 2016.
Aaron Nola (SP-PHI) - Phillies #2 overall prospect, Aaron Nola, made his big league debut Tuesday against the Rays and was excellent, allowing just one run on five hits over six solid innings in a tough 1-0 loss. The lone run came on a home run to the opposing pitcher, Nate Karns, but with a 6:1 K:BB for the game, it was a resounding success for the kid. Nola was the team's first-round pick (#7 overall) just last year, so his rise has been quick and well deserved. In 109.1 minor league innings this year, Nola posted a 92:18 K:BB while flashing excellent command and control of three pitches. He's big league ready, and while he may not be ace material long term, there is #2 starter upside here.
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