Rubby de la Rosa-Diamondbacks-SP
Rubby de la Rosa went 6.2 IP and gave up 1 ER on 1 H, 4 BB, and 7 K's. Rubby came into the game with a 3.93 ERA (3.52 xFIP), which means that his advanced metrics like what he is doing and think there is even room for more growth. This coincides with the increase in his strikeout rate from 19% to 24%. This is backed up by his 10% SwStr. The big difference in his numbers is the new found success with left-handed batters. In years past he flashed great stuff and the ability to strikeout right-handed batters, but did not have any idea how to attack left-handed batters. He is attacking left-handers on the inside half of the plate with his plus velocity, which has led to LHB hitting just .197 off of him this year. The home park is not great, but the growth in skills and overall game is something you should be buying.
Joe Ross-Nationals-SP
Joe Ross went 5.2 IP and gave up 3 ER on 7 H, 2 BB, and 3 K's. Ross came into the game with a 2.29 ERA and 27 K/11 BB. However, his peripheral stats do not totally back up his sub three ERA. He has a 4.08 xFIP and is below league average when it comes to strikeouts (19%). His strikeouts and swinging strike rates are down from a year ago, which is concerning, but he seems to have traded that for more weak contact (25% Hard). This is the classic case of Joe Ross being a much better real life pitcher than a fantasy pitcher at this point. The strikeouts just aren't there and he seems content on inducing weak contact. I wouldn't drop, but he does have a limited ceiling.
Gerrit Cole-Pirates-SP
Gerrit Cole went 8 IP and gave up 0 ER on 3 H, 0 BB, and 7 K's. Cole came into the game with a 3.78 ERA (3.74 xFIP) and 23% K. Many are asking what is wrong with Gerrit Cole and his numbers overall are not much different than his career numbers outside of his increased walk rate. He had an oblique injury at the end of Spring Training and had his first start pushed back, so there is a chance that he wasn't quite ready to start the year and rushed things. Gerrit Cole still has elite stuff and strikeout ability. He also plays on a good team that plays good defense. He is going to be fine and if you can find a owner willing to give him up, I would buy Cole for the rest of the season.
Ryan Zimmerman-Nationals-1B
Ryan Zimmerman was 2-4 with his 4th HR of the year in the 5-1 loss to the Marlins. Zimmerman has come under scrutiny lately after teams have decided to walk Bryce Harper to get to him on numerous occasions. Zimmerman is slashing .234/4/17. His walk, strikeout, and BABIP are all in line with what he did a year ago. However, is power is down and his GB% is up, which is not a good sign. His SwStr is up and his contact is down as well. There is not a lot of positives for the Nationals supposed clean up hitter. He will need to pick up soon or the Nationals and fantasy owners might need to pull the plug.
DFS Value Play
Steve Pearce-Rays-1B, 2B
Steve Pearce has been batting cleanup versus LHP, which is a huge boost to his value. He also gets a very sizable park shift moving to the Rogers Centre, which is plus for power. Pearce has an .897 OPS with 2 HR over his last seven games. He also has crushed LHP over his career (.361 wOBA/.231 ISO). DraftKings: $3,100
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