Tanner Roark-Nationals-SP
Tanner Roark went 7 IP and gave up 1 ER on 7 H, 1 BB, and 7 K's. It looks like Roark is going to fill in for Strasburg while he misses two starts unless something unforeseen happens. Fantasy owners are hoping that Lucas Giolito gets the call, but that does not look likely at this point. Roark now has a 2.96 ERA (3.89 SIERA) with a 21.2% K. Roark is a perfect swing man for the Nationals in the sense that he can long relieve or take spot starts when needed. His profile suggests a league average pitcher in terms of ERA and strikeouts. Don't expect anything like his 2014 season, those days are not coming back.
Jay Bruce-Reds-OF
Jay Bruce was 1-4 with his 17th home run in the win over the Padres. Bruce's season line reads .279 with 17 HR and 58 RBI. Bruce has been able to cut down on his strikeouts by making more contact and swinging at less balls out of the zone. His BABIP (.303) is higher than recent years, but he is hitting more LD (24%) and hitting the ball harder (39.4%), which would make it sustainable. Bruce's name has come up in trade talks within the past couple of days. A move out of Cincinnati would be a downgrade for Bruce as Great American Ballpark is a great park for Bruce's profile and his power. Regardless, Bruce is having a fine season and nothing points to a drop off.
Anthony DeSclafani-Reds-SP
Anthony DeSclafani went 8 IP and gave up 0 ER on 5 H, 0 BB, and 5 K's. DeSclafani has now made four starts since coming off of the DL. It has been a mixed bag, but for the most part he has been pretty good. He has a 1.52 ERA with a 4.54 xFIP. His advanced metrics do not like his 5.82 K/9 or his 85.6% LOB. DeSclafani was a sleeper coming into the year based upon on how he finished 2015, especially the increased strikeout rate due to the improvement with his curveball. It's early, but the results on the curve have not been good and that is why his strikeout rate is way down. For now he is a waiver wire pitcher, but keep an eye on his SwStr, especially his KVC (knuckle curve) SwStr. If you see it increase the strikeouts are going to come back.
Jason Hammel-Cubs-SP
Jason Hammel went 6 IP and gave up 2 ER on 4 H, 2 BB, and 3 K's. Hammel's ERA now sits at 2.58. He is pitching above his 4.22 SIERA. Hammel has never worked deep into games, but strikeouts were his calling card. This year his strikeout rate has fallen to 20.6%, which is below league average. Regression is going to set in at some point and without the strikeouts, Hammel is not going to have much fantasy value. Continue to monitor and be ready to move on if the strikeouts don't come back.
DFS Value Play
Welington Castillo-Diamondbacks-C
Catcher has been bad across the fantasy baseball community. Welington Castillo offers upside in terms of power. He also gets the advantage of hitting in Chase Field as well as the platoon advantage against LHP Adam Morgan. Castillo has a three year average of .385 wOBA and .251 ISO against southpaws. DraftKings: $3,500
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