Francisco Liriano-Pirates-SP
Francisco Liriano went 6 IP and gave up 3 ER on 5 H, 4 BB, and 5 K's against the Nationals. Liriano finished the first half with a disappointing 5.15 ERA (5.01 SIERA). The strikeout rate is down (20.5%) and the walks are up (13.5% BB). Liriano turned his career around in Pittsburgh by improving his command, which led to more strikeouts and ground balls. Right now Liriano is leaving the majority of his pitches over the middle of the plate. The only thing that is a positive for Liriano is his velocity has been the same, which means that it is something mechanical and mechanical can be fixed. Unfortunately, at this point in the year you can't take the risk and Liriano is better off on your bench or waiver wire. Watch his game logs and look specifically at his walks. If they come down, he has righted the ship and is worth rostering.
Anthony DeSclafani-Reds-SP
Anthony DeSclafani went 6 IP and gave up 3 ER on 6 H, 0 BB, and 8 K's against the Brewers. DeSclafani has looked good since coming back from an oblique injury. He has a 2.55 ERA over 42.1 IP with a 13.3 K-BB%. His SIERA sits at 4.32, which is nearly two runs higher than his ERA. This signals regression and this is because DeSclafani has a below average strikeout rate (19.3%) and is getting lucky in terms of LOB (83%). DeSclafani also has to pitch half of his games in Great American Ballpark, which is not the most friendly park to pitchers. Selling high on DeSclafani seems like the smart move as his value is likely only going to go down from here.
James Loney-Mets-1B
James Loney was 1-4 with a double in the win against the Phillies. Loney is hitting .277 with 4 HR and 16 RBI over 37 games for the Mets. Loney is going to continue to be the Mets everyday first baseman with Lucas Duda still recovering from his back injury. Loney has always had the ability to hit for average, but the power was non-existent. This year through 37 games he has a .161 ISO, which is not great, but is the highest of his career. Nothing in his batted ball profile suggests a change, therefore it is most likely that he will revert to being a low power, contact first hitter. This is not what you want from the 1B position, which means he is better left on the wire except for NL-only leagues.
Jaime Garcia-Cardinals-SP
Jaime Garcia went 6.1 IP and gave up 4 ER on 8 H, 2 BB, and 2 K's against the Marlins. Garcia finished the first half with a 4.01 ERA (4.00 SIERA) with a 20% K and 8% BB. Everything about Garcia's game right now screams average. His strikeout rate is below average and his advanced peripherals believe he is pitching as exactly as he should be. He does pitch in the National League and has an elite groundball rate (57%), but in terms of fantasy he does not offer much due to the lack of strikeouts. His 9.2% SwStr doesn't leave much room for growth in the strikeout department, which leaves Garcia as an average pitcher and his 4.11 ERA backs that up.
DFS Value Play
James McCann-Tigers-C
James McCann does not make it onto most people's radar when it comes to fantasy, but he should in DFS. McCann has shown the ability to crush left-handed pitching (.374 wOBA and .250 ISO). He is going up against LHP Danny Duffy. McCann has upped his batted ball distance and hard hit % over the past two weeks. DraftKings: $3,500
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