Robinson Chirinos (C - TEX) Chirinos supplied nearly all the offense in the Rangers' 5-3 win over the Diamondbacks Monday. The Rangers' backstop was 2 for 4 on the day with a homer and three RBI. Overall, the 34-year-old owns a slash of .223/.335/.446 with 16 home runs 51 RBI and 42 runs scored. His 35% K% holds down his average quite a bit, but in OBP leagues his 10.4% BB% makes him somewhat useful in those formats. Chirinos has provided solid value at the always shallow catcher spot in 2018.
Luis Severino (SP - NYY) The Yankees' ace didn't have his best stuff Monday, as the Mets were able to get to him early on. Severino lasted just four innings, allowing four earned runs on seven hits, including two homers. He was able to collect six strikeouts, but that was about it on the positive side of his outing. The outing upped his ERA on the season to 3.27, but his FIP of 3.14 indicates he's been a tad better than that. However, it's worth noting this is the fifth time in his last six starts allowing four or more earned runs, which is not what fantasy owners want to hear this time of year. He's too good to be this bad for much longer, so expect him to snap out of this funk soon.
Nick Castellanos (OF - DET) Castellanos had a big day for fantasy owners Monday, going 5 for 5 with a home run, five RBI and two runs scored. His performance upped his 2018 slash line to .291/.340/.492 which looks more impressive when looking at the lack of protection in the Tigers' line up. Castellanos is making hard contact at a 48% clip, which is 10% above his career mark. His move away from third base hurts his fantasy value a bit, however, if he can post a respectable slash line, and hit 20 homers, he could prove to be a steady outfield option heading into 2019.
Sean Manaea (SP - OAK) Manaea earned his 11th win Monday as the A's beatdown the Mariners 7-4. The former Indiana State product went 7.1 innings, allowing just one earned run on four hits while striking out three and walking two. On the season, the big lefty owns a 3.39 ERA, but his 4.21 FIP suggests he may not be pitching as well as the ERA says. After posting some impressive strike out numbers in the lower minors, Manaea is currently posting a 6.07 K/9. If he limits home runs, he is getting outs and helping ratios despite the low number of strikeouts.
Andrew Heaney (SP - LAA) Heaney recorded a quality start Monday but didn't factor in the decision against the Padres. The Angels' lefty went 7.1 innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits, while striking out six and walking just one. The outing lowered Heaney's ERA to 3.88 on the season and gives him 128 strikeouts in 134.2 innings pitched. While he has been a nice mid rotation fantasy piece, to be anything more, he will have to up his 69.2% strand rate, and bring down his 39.6% hard contact rate. That said, he has been a valuable add and could be primed for a breakout season in 2019.
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