Jake Arrieta (PHI) - After starting the season on a roll, Jake Arrieta fell flat on his face in Miami on Monday. Arrieta allowed 6 earned runs and didn't even escape the fourth inning. In fact, heading into the game, Arrieta had a 1.82 ERA compared with a 3.83 xFIP and after the regression, his ERA rose to 3.49 compared with an xFIP of 3.89. So Monday night happened, is the regression done? There's still lots to like about Arrieta, including his 13% hard hit rate allowed, 63% ground ball rate and solid 33% chase rate. Unfortunately, his 7% swinging strike rate and reduced velocity (down to 91 MPH compared to 92 MPH last season and 94 MPH in his best years with Chicago) bring up plenty of concerning paths. At this point, we'd consider Arrieta a hold, especially since his value took a massive hit on Monday.
Noah Syndergaard (NYM) - The Mets decided to give struggling pitcher, Steven Matz, an extra day of rest as they moved up Noah Syndergaard's next start to Tuesday against Atlanta. Thor will now be lined up for two starts this week, with the second coming against Colorado on Sunday. Syndergaard has been super hero-like to begin the season with a 32.9% strikeout rate and 3.6% walk rate and the udnerlying stats support the massive strikeout rate as he's flashed a cartoon-like 15.2% swinging strike rate and 35.4% chase rate. The matchup against the Braves won't be easy, but his heavy groundball tendencies and low 23.9% hard hit rate allowed does limit the damage. He's one of the top options in DFS for tomorrow's slate.
Corey Seager (LAD) - Corey Seager has been dealing with a sore elbow since the end of last season and on Monday, the team announced that the shortstop has a torn UCL and will undergo Tommy John Surgery to repair the injury. Given the typical recovery time, Seager will most certainly miss the rest of the regular season and the start of next season may even be in doubt. It's a huge blow to the Dodgers, fantasy owners and most of all, Corey Seager himself, the player who was once viewed as a potential face for Major League Baseball. Here's to a speedy recovery.
Jameson Taillon (PIT) - While he took the loss on Monday night, Taillon had a promising night against the Nationals. He finished with a line of 6.0IP, 7H, 3ER, 2BB and 5K, which is a huge step in the right direction after back-to-back difficult starts. Taillon' s biggest driver of his struggles this season have been tied to the long ball, specifically his 21% HR/FB rate. Unpeeling the layers, we see a 28% hard hit rate (league average is around 31%), pull rate allowed is around 41% (heavy pull hitters are considered 50%), and his contact rate remains solid at 79% (league average around 80%). Taillon' s HR/FB rate will drop and when it does, so will the rest of his counting stats. He's an excellent buy-low candidate.
Steve Cishek (CHC) - After heavy usage of Brandon Morrow over the weekend, Cubs manager Joe Maddon turned to Brian Deunsing to start the ninth inning. After a misplay by second baseman Javier Baez, Steve Cishek was brought in to navigate the heart of the Colorado Rockies order. After walking Charlie Blackmon, he managed to strike out Nolan Arenado to end the game. While CJ Edwards is the Cubs primary set-up man, Steve Cishek remains the only arm in the bullpen with previous closing experience. Should anything happen to Brandon Morrow, Cishek would be a dark horse to watch. Until then, he can be safely left on the waiver wire.
