Brian Dozier(2B-Min): The slugger went 1-for-4 with a homer and three RBI's out of the five-hole against Cleveland. Dozier is shockingly the 19th ranked 2B on the ESPN Player Rater thanks to a .230 AVG and a low steals total of 3. However, I see a solid buying opportunity here. His BABIP is 25 points lower than career average despite a career-high (pace) 35 percent hard hit rate and a stable batted ball profile. In fact, Dozier is showing the best plate discipline of his career, chasing at a 22 percent clip. He may continue hitting in middle of lineup, so steals (and to a lesser extent, runs) may take a hit, but otherwise, the numbers will be there by season's end.
Nate Eovaldi(SP-TB): Eovaldi lost after allowing five runs on eight hits (one homer) and one walk with five strikeouts over 7.1 innings against the Yankees. He looked solid for the majority of the game outside of the eighth inning, throwing 75 of 101 for strikes. There are mixed messages here for Eovaldi. On the one hand, he has benefited from a .182 BABIP. On the other, he has only stranded 52 percent of baserunners while allowing a 17 percent HR-FB rate. I know he features premium velocity (98 MPH on average fastball), but he continues to post underwhelming swinging strike (and strikeout) rates. I like the control he's exhibiting and the fact that he's inducing plenty of weak contact on the ground. But, be wary of counting on anything above average in the k-department, which makes him a streaming option in most ROTO leagues.
Trey Mancini(1B,OF:Bal): Mancini went 0-for-3 with a strikeout vs. the Marlins and now sits as the 37th ranked 1B on the ESPN Player Rater for the season. I see some reason for mild optimism here, as Mancini is carrying a respectable 33 percent hard hit rate and a 8.2 percent barrel rate that's tied with Freddie Freeman, so his BABIP of .277 is due for positive regression. He is walking more this season, likely the result of the lack of supporting cast around him too, so once the others in the lineup find some momentum, his numbers should improve. I still think he was overdrafted, but if an owner wants to sell for 75 cents of draft day value, I'm on board for the value.
Jurickson Profar(Util:Tex): Profar went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer and a walk vs. the Rockies. The former top-prospect has hit seven homers and stolen four bases with a .239-.314-.443 line through 64 games. His .253 BABIP is slightly below career norm, but given his 26 percent hard hit rate, I don't envision it climbing past that .271 mark. The main issue for his fantasy value is the imminent return of Elvis Andrus. Profar has been markedly better vs. LHP's, so he could lose some playing time. However, I believe his versatility and production will force the Rangers' hand, so he should see nearly regular at-bats (say, 80-90%) in the second half.
Steven Wright(SP-Bos): Yes, the Mariners are red hot, but I see Steven Wright as a sneaky tournament play today. Wright has enjoyed great batted ball luck and sequencing, and he's not a high-k guy, which should further drive down his ownership today. However, he's inducing plenty of weak contact on the ground, missing more bats than usual, and presents a change of pace that is capable of stifling the Red Hot M's lineup. At $7500 on DraftKings, sign me up.
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