Reynaldo Lopez-White Sox-SP
Reynaldo Lopez went 5.1 IP and gave up 5 ER on 9 H, 2 BB, and 6 K's against the Angels. Lopez has been a disappointment once again given his plus raw stuff. He has a 5.29 ERA and 1.50 WHIP through 141.1 IP. The underlying skills don't paint a very pretty pitcher with below average strikeouts (21% K) and walks (9% BB). He has also been prone to the long ball (1.59 HR/9) because of his lack of control and being a fly ball pitcher (45% FB). The silver lining in all of this is that he has pitched well in the second half (2.13 ERA and 1.25 WHIP). However, the skills behind his success are nearly identical to the first half outside of is 82% LOB rate which is not going to last. He gets a tough matchup next time out against the Twins.
Danny Santana-Rangers-1B
Danny Santana was 2-5 with an RBI against the Twins. Santana has had a breakout 2019 season. He is hitting .310 with 19 HR, 61 R, 54 RBI, and 13 SB. The average is one part of his game that is not believable given his aggressive approach at the plate (27% K and 4% BB). He also chases out the zone a lot (43% O-swing) which is something that pitchers are eventually going to be able to exploit. The increased success he has had come from hitting the ball harder more often (46% Hard). His Statcast numbers above average in terms of exit velocity and barrel% and the double-digit steals makes him a valuable fantasy option with multi-position eligibility.
Kyle Seager-Mariners-SP
Kyle Seager was 2-5 with 1 R and 3 RBI against the Tigers. Seager has been red hot over the past 30 days hitting .318 with 8 HR, 15 R, 16 RBI, and 0 SB. On the year, he is hitting .242 with 14 HR, 34, 37 RBI, and 1 SB. The skills behind his recent surge (21% K and 9% BB) are very solid and his 38% Hard contact is good as well. His average exit velocity and barrel% are above league average. Seager doesn't have a huge ceiling due to his lack of an elite tool but he provides steady production and isn't in danger of losing playing time. Ride this hot streak and when things turn south, move in a different direction.
Niko Goodrum-Tigers-2B/OF
Niko Goodrum was 0-4 with a strikeout against the Mariners. On the year, Goodrum is hitting .249 with 11 HR, 60 R, 44 RBI, and 12 SB in 453 PA. The average isn't great but he has provided value through his power/speed and his runs scored aren't bad considering how bad the Tigers offense has been. Goodrum has been hot over the past month with a .283 AVG, 4 HR, 13 R, 14 RBI, and 2 SB. His average is going to be lower due to his swing and miss (29% K) but he does have a good eye (10% BB) which is going to allow him to get on base to steal and the non zero power is a nice bonus.
Mallex Smith-Mariners-OF
Mallex Smith was 3-4 with 1 R, 1 RBI, and 2 SB against the Tigers. On the year, Smith is hitting .238 with 5 HR, 55 R, 30 RBI, and 34 SB. Coming into the season Smith gained helium due to the perceived notion that he would hit for average, score a lot of runs leading off, and steal bases. Only one of those three things came true and that was the stolen bases but that was arguably the most important aspect with steals being rare in today's environment. Smith was able to steal 40 bases a year ago thanks in large part to a .367 OBP. The concerning part is that not only has his average fallen but so has his walk rate which has left him with a .300 OBP. He has provided enough value due to the stolen bases but if those dry up he has no value whatsoever.
DraftKings Value Plays: OF Teoscar Hernandez (TOR) $4,000 and 1B Travis d'Arnaud (TBR) $3,900
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