Corey Kluber-Indians-SP
Corey Kluber went 6 IP and gave up 3 ER on 7 H, 2 BB, and 8 K's against the White Sox. Kluber through 8 starts has a 4.38 ERA (3.33 xFIP). This was Kluber's second start since coming off the disabled list and he has been good. His ERA is not great but his underlying skills are excellent with a 29% K, 8% BB, and a 14% SwStr. Kluber is also doing a great job of inducing weak contact with 42% GB and 12% infield fly balls. He is still an elite fantasy starter based on his skills and potential going forward.
Aaron Hicks-Yankees-OF
Aaron Hicks was 2-5 with 2 HR and 3 RBI against the Orioles. Hicks on the year is hitting .318 with 10 HR, 34 RBI, and 7 SB. He has shown excellent skills this year with a below average strikeout rate (16%) and a well above average 16% BB. He is showing a very mature eye at the plate with just 19% out of zone swings and a 60% swing rate. He is swinging at his pitch and not missing when he gets it. Due to the injury history of both Jacoby Ellsbury and Brett Gardner, Hicks should see consistent playing time the rest of the season. His breakout season should continue given that the skills are there and playing time has opened up.
Jonathan Schoop-Orioles-2B
Jonathan Schoop was 1-4 with his 11th HR against the Yankees. Schoop is hitting .286 with 11 HR and 33 RBI. He has improved his strikeout (21%-19%) and walk rate (3%-5%). This is backed up by a career low swinging strike rate (12%) and career high contact rate (76%). His skills despite the improvements do not support a .286 AVG. The power is legit and he could challenge 30 HR with a hot month with a .265-.275 average.
Andrew Cashner-Rangers-SP
Andrew Cashner went 7 IP and gave up 1 ER on 6 H, 2 BB, and 4 K's against the Nationals. Cashner through 11 starts has a 3.17 ERA (5.49 xFIP). Cashner's skills suggest that serious regression is going to set in. He has more walks (30) than strikeouts (29). He is getting 50% GB, which is going to allow him to induce weak contact but missing just 10% of bats is going to come back to haunt him. His 5.8% SwStr backs up his dismal strikeout rate and means that he is going to be extremely dependent upon batted ball luck going forward, which is not what you want as a fantasy owner.
DFS Value Play
Zack Godley-Diamondbacks-SP
Zack Godley makes his return to the majors after being sent down in a roster move. Goldey has a 2.38 ERA (3.60 SIERA) with a 22% K and 64% GB. He can miss bats and induce a ton of weak contact. The Brewers as a team have a ton of power which is scary at Chase Field but they also strike out 25% of the time against RHP, which gives Godley nice upside in tournaments. Fanduel: $7,700
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