Matt Wisler (P-ATL): The rookie picked up his 5th win after allowing 2 earned runs and striking out 3 in 7 innings. While Wisler has plenty of long-term upside, temper expectations for the remainder of 2015. He isn't missing enough bats (15% K-rate, 8% swinging strike rate), and his 4.61 xFIP portends negative regression. His pitch deployment bemuses; despite allowing a .404 AVG on his 4-seamer and a .188 mark on his changeup, he throws the changeup less than 10% of the time. The ingredients are there.
Aaron Nola (P-PHI): The former LSU Tiger allowed 4 earned runs across 7 and 2/3 innings, but the Phillies provided him with plenty of run support against Jason Hammel. Nola has ridden the fast track since the Phillies drafted him in the 1st round last season with a high-floor pick. While he doesn't possess ace-upside, Nola has taken a huge step forward this year with his control and his ability to miss bats (as evidenced by his 92:18 K:BB ratio across 109 innings at AA/AAA). Give him in a look in all 12+ team mixed leagues, as he is showing that his stuff already plays in The Show.
J.T. Realmuto (C-MIA): J.T. hit his 6th homer of the season as he continues to make adjustments at the Big-League level. He has quickly trimmed much from his K-rate, dropping it to an impressive 15.3% to go with his elite 6.7% swinging-strike rate. He still has work to do against righties--as his wOBA is 110 points lower than his .380 mark against lefties. With his make-up, look for him to continue to improve and turn himself into a top-12 catching option by 2017.
Chris Heston (P-SF): Look to Chris Heston, who takes on the Brewers at home, as a solid play at DraftKings for today. His services cost $9500. Heston, who loves the friendly confines, is one of the hottest pitchers in all of baseball, allowing 1 earned run in his last 22 innings. The Brewers, who outside of Adam Lind don't present many trouble spots for Heston, are middle of the pack against righties and on the road.
Jay Bruce (OF-CIN): Jay Bruce hit his 16th homer and drove in 4 runs as the trade rumors continued to swirl around him and many of his teammates. Oddly enough, Bruce has witnessed his avg SOB dip from 105 MPH to 102 MPH, which supports the decline in his HR/FB rate. He has improved his plate discipline, so we may be viewing the gradual transformation of Bruce as he approaches the 30-year mark. The GAP has been good to Bruce over the years, so keep a close watch on the trade rumors.
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