Hernan Perez (3B/OF-MIL): Hernan Perez, who has nabbed full time AB's since the Aaron Hill trade, went 2-for-4, drove in a run, and stole his 12th base. Perez has a 43% chase-rate and a 24% strikeout-rate to go with a 4% walk-rate. He did show a more mature, contact-oriented approach in the minors, and look for him to continue to improve as the season progresses. He is already hitting the ball on the ground (45%), making solid contact (34%), and stealing bases at a high rate (12/15). Given the paucity of stolen bases in fantasy baseball, Perez should be owned in all leagues.
Dexter Fowler (OF-CHC): In his first game back from a hamstring injury Dexter Fowler lit up the box score with a 3-for-4, 2-run, 3-RBI night, hitting his 8th homer of the season. Fowler moved his line to .298/.405/504. Can he maintain his .368 BABIP? Fowlers' batted-ball profile, which includes a 36% hard-hit rate, supports the elevated BABIP. His batted-ball speed numbers suggest he is maxed out in the HR/FB department, however, and his stolen-base success rate continues to hover around league average, which limits his upside in ROTO leagues. In points leagues, however, he has established himself as an elite option.
Jon Gray (SP-COL): Jon Gray allowed one earned run and struck out eight across seven strong innings in a winning effort against the Braves. Forget streaming option: the man has turned himself into a must-start option. Since battling arm fatigue last month, Gray has dominated opponents and now has a 111:33 K:BB ratio in 102 and 2/3 innings with a 48% groundball rate. His slider has earned a +12 pitch value and he is mixing in a changeup that has earned a +1 value to go with his 95 MPH fastball. Buy.
Zach Eflin (SP-PHI): Zach Eflin struck out six as part of a complete game, 3-hit shutout against the Pirates. While this start looks like a mirage, Eflin can provide value for those in deeper leagues. He showed vast improvements to begin the season at AAA, where he upped his K/9 by nearly 2 while maintain a BB/9 under 2. The fastball is average at best, but he features a very effective changeup that has neutralized lefties. While he isn't keeper worthy yet, those in deeper leagues should monitor his progress with command before investing for 2017.
Robbie Ray (SP-ARI): Set for his matchup in Cincinnati and priced at $7800 on FanDuel, Robbie Ray could be the tournament play today. Ray has allowed a .333 wOBA on the road with 61 strikeouts in 48 innings. Cincinnati is 25th in offense vs. lefties. And Keyvius Sampson will toe the robber opposite Ray, giving the lefty a high W potential. Ray has been inconsistent, but his upside today is as high as anyone's at a discounted rate.
