Jake Odorizzi (SP, TB) - Odorizzi recorded a quality start Monday night, but did not factor in the decision as the Rays lost to the Reds 7-3. In seven innings, the 27-year-old recorded four strikeouts, while allowing three runs on five hits, and issuing three walks. On the season, he owns a 3.78 ERA, and a 1.21 WHIP, which are eerily similar to his career numbers of 3.78 and 1.22. It has been an up and down season for Odorizzi, as he is not an ace, but is performing as a top 50 starter, who slots in nicely in the middle of your rotation. However, there are some concerns that the ERA and WHIP could stand to rise. First, is the HR/9 of 1.89. Odorizzi has allowed at least one home run in each of his last ten starts, which also inflates his HR/FB% to 17.8%. His 5.15 FIP to this point is concerning as well, and is evidence of the home runs as well. He is a nice middle of the rotation starter for your team, but the home run numbers are concerning, especially if they start turning into more than just solo shots.
Carlos Santana (1B, CLE) - OBP league darling Carlos Santana chipped in on the Indians 12-0 victory over the Orioles by going 2 for 2 with three RBI and walking twice. On the season, Santana is slashing .225/.329/.397, with nine home runs and 38 RBI. Despite his usual contributions in the home run and OBP categories, Santana is easily having his weakest season across the board. His OBP is over 30 points lower than his career .362 mark. Santana's overall stats paint the picture. His wOBA is 65 points down from his 2016 season total. The BABIP is low, at .237 as well as the BB% being 2% down from 2016 as well. Lastly, the hard contact rate is nearly 5% down from last season as well. Overall, Santana hovers around the low end of the top 25 first basemen in the league, which makes it hard to justify starting him in most formats. His upside makes it tough to hang onto him in some formats as well.
Eric Hosmer (1B, KC) - Hosmer was able to do some serious yardwork, hitting a two run 446-foot blast in the Royals'4-2 win over the Red Sox on Monday. Overall, the veteran 1B went 1 for 2 with the bomb, two RBI a run scored and two walks. While Hosmer's .308 average is useful, his lack of other counting stats is not. His eight homers and 30 RBI are weak for a position where owners look for power and run production. His .351 BABIP is an indicator of his ability to get on base when making contact, but his ISO of .149 is low for his position. However, if you took him, you were not expecting more than 20-25 home runs, as he is only on pace for 19 for the season. Hosmer could be dealt before the trade deadline, as the Royals are going nowhere, and are clearly needing to begin a rebuild. At his point, keep starting him, and hope a trade puts him in a better spot to produce counting stats.
Corey Kluber (SP, CLE) - The Indians' ace recorded his fourth straight quality start in his five starts since returning from the DL. Kluber was the benefit of 12 runs scored by the Tribe's bats, so there was little pressure on the 31-year-old. Despite the run support, Kluber put together a sparkling outing. He gave the Cleveland bullpen the night off, and recorded a complete game shutout in which he gave up just three hits, walked none, and struck out 11. On the season, the former Cy Young winner owns a 3.58 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP, both of which have steadily declined after a shaky start and a DL stint. His peripherals are middle of the road, as his FIP is 3.25, his HR/FB% is 13.7%, his HR/FB% is at 44.8%. None of which are awful, but need to keep trending downward for him to be the Corey Kluber owners expect each time he takes the mound. Lastly, his .324 BABIP is too high, and falls in line with the rest of his numbers. You drafted him as an ace, and he is beginning to round into form. He has usually been a slow starter, so if you are going to try and acquire him, it may be too late, especially after this outing.
Robinson Cano (2B, SEA) - When your second baseman has 11 home runs, and 35 RBI at this point in the season, you have to love that guy. Cano is in the midst of another steady season from a position that is not known for huge offensive contributors. Cano's K% is down to 10.9%, which is nearly 3% lower than his 2016 total. His BABIP could be a bit higher than .289, and it figures to tick up a bit as the season goes on. Tuesday the Mariners face Jordan Zimmermann, who owns a 6.35 road ERA. He is also allowing left handers to slug .551 against him, and hit for a .331 average. Cano is worth a look if you can afford to fit him in at his $3500 salary.
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