Mike Clevinger dazzled yesterday, racking up 12 K in just 6 IP against the Tigers. It's only been 35 innings, but Clevinger has been incredible, making a huge leap by increasing his SwStr% from 12% to 16.4% this season - a bona fide elite level. The sample size is still small, but he seems like a horse you may want to run with right now. I'm cautious to overpay completely because his value is a little inflated from last year's 3.02 ERA, but for the right price, he's an excellent target.
Martin Perez was effective against the Mets yesterday, going 6 IP and allowing just 1 ER (2 R total) with 4 strikeouts. Perez has been a sub-par starter this year, but made some big improvements compared to last year. His SwStr% is a respectable 10.5% this year, up from just 7.2% last year. He could garner fantasy consideration in two start weeks or highly favorable matchups (such as yesterday). Interestingly, he sports a solid 3.71 FIP, but a poor 4.76 SIERA. We typically don't see wildly different data like that. Its caused in part due a much lower HR/9 rate than is likely sustainable.
Spencer Turnbull posted a QS, going 6 IP with 3 ER. Turnbull is an excellent sell-high candidate, as his ERA is over a run less than his SIERA. He sports an impressive SwStr% (10.2%), but his control is sub-par and he's been very fortunate on flyballs this year. Now is the time to deal Turnbull to get some value if you can.
Nicholas Castellanos connected with his 10th HR of the year last night, adding a double as well. Coming off a breakout 2018, Castellanos has disappointed mightily this year. He's an interesting case, because while he's making MORE contact than last year, it's lower quality, so his LD% is down quite a bit, as is his HR/FB rate. And unfortunately playing for such a poor team, his RBI opportunities are extremely low. He could get a nice value bump on a new team as the deadline approaches, so keep an eye out.
Jesse Chavez had a night to forget, as he faced 9 batters and saw 7 of them score in just 0.2 innings. Chavez entered yesterday with an ERA under 4, and as you may guess, he did not leave yesterday with an ERA under 4. Chavez has taken a big step back from last year, as his SwStr% has dwindled to just 6.2%. His velocity is down almost 2 MPH from last year, which has materially decreased his effectiveness. Leave him on waivers.
