Ryon Healy knocked out his 22nd and 23rd HRs of the season yesterday, both of Ubaldo Jimenez. Compared to his averages last year, it's certainly been a disappointing campaign for Healy, though the HR numbers are becoming encouraging for the 25-year-old. He clearly needs some more seasoning at the plate as he's walking just 3.4% of the time while swinging at 35% of pitches outside the zone. He's not worth a roster spot in all but the deepest of leagues for 2017, but he's someone I'm watching closely next year as a change in approach at the plate could lead to big results in the future.
The Manny Machado comeback tour continued yesterday as he hit his 27th HR of the year. That's six HR in his last nine games, a welcome sight for Machado owners. His season long wRC+ still sits at just 106 (before last night) despite the recent surge. There should be even more solid results moving forward; Machado has showcased skills better than what he's been playing, and his .267 BABIP has some more room for improvement.
Chris Archer was dominant against the Blue Jays, collecting 10 strikeouts in 6 innings of work while allowing 3 R (1 ER). Archer is a fantastic buy low candidate heading into 2018 as he's been unfortunate on balls in play for two straight years, while improving his SwStr% and walk rate in 2017. With some luck in his favor, he can be among the game's top 10 pitchers.
Lucas Duda hit his 6th HR for the Rays yesterday, his 23rd of the year in total. Duda has, more or less, maintained the same production wit the Rays as he did with the Mets, which is mildly above average returns from a fantasy perspective. Unfortunately his average sits in the .240s and will hurt most squads, but he's a solid source of power. He's more valuable in points and OBP based leagues given his 13.2% walk rate; unfortunately that won't help many roto owners, who will likely be able to find better. Overall, Duda is a solid end to any roster, though his value changes depending on league setup.
Gary Sanchez teed off with his 24th HR of the season yesterday as part of a multi-hit night. It's been over two weeks since Joe Girardi criticized Sanchez's defense, likely because the ball has left the park with such frequency since. Sanchez sports about a 130 wRC+ right now, which is fantastic for a C. He remains a top 3 catcher option so long as he remains eligible at the position, which should only be a concern in dynasty leagues. Otherwise, the skillset is fantastic and look for a number of HRs to leave the park rest of season.
