Nolan Arenado-Rockies-3B
Nolan Arenado was 1-5 with a run scored against the Giants. Arenado is slashing .261/.313/.470 with 7 HR, 17 R, 20 RBI, and 0 SB. He's undergone a major change at the plate in his approach in the shortened season. His strikeout rate has dropped from 14% last year to 8%. This would normally be a really good thing but the quality of contact has not been the same. His Statcast hard-hit rate is down 5% which measures balls 95mph+. The good news is that he isn't swinging more in general and not reaching out of the zone. This is likely a small sample issue that over the course of a full season would work itself out especially with his home park being Coors Field. He also mentioned that the short ramp-up period didn't give him enough time to get ready to face major league pitchers. Arenado is showing signs of coming out of the slump by slashing .351/.456/.632 over his last 15 games.
Mike Yastrzemski-Giants-OF
Mike Yastrzemski was 3-5 with an HR (8), 1 R, and 2 RBI against the Rockies. Yastrzemski has been better than advertised for the Giants. He is slashing .298/.411/.603 with 8 HR, 32 R, 27 RBI, and 2 SB. He has shown plate discipline (15% BB, 24% K) which is good news for his long term success and makes it easier to believe in the late bloomer (30-years-old). His quality of contact has also been impressive with 11% Barrels and 41% Hard contact. Outside of his age, there isn't much to nitpick about Yastrzemski and he should continue to be one of the better offensive outfielders.
Zack Wheeler-Phillies-SP
Zack Wheeler went 6.2 IP and gave up 0 ER on 3 H, 2 BB, and 6 K's against the Nationals. Wheeler now has a 2.20 ERA and 1.07 WHIP through seven starts. The ratios look great but the skills underneath are concerning. His strikeout rate has dropped to 15% which is well below average. His saving grace has been plus control (5% BB) and success in limiting hard contact (30%). The hope coming into the year was that a new organization would be able to take his raw stuff and make a small tweak to his pitch mix (less FB) to get increased strikeouts to go along with solid ratios. Wheeler has gone in the opposite direction by increasing the usage of his fastball and taking a weak contact approach that has produced results on the field but may not be sustainable long term. The velocity looks good and he is producing but it may not be sustainable.
Jeff McNeil-Mets-OF
Jeff McNeil was 1-5 with 1 R and 1 RBI against the Orioles. McNeil has been a disappointment from a fantasy perspective with 0 HR and 0 SB. The average has been there (.284 AVG) but even the counting stats have been below average (8 R, 10 RBI). He is still displaying plus plate skills (8% BB, 14% K) and hitting the ball hard (40% Hard) but most of it has been on the ground (46% GB). The good news is that he has hits in six straight games with 5 XBH which is hopefully a sign he is breaking out of his slump. He is someone to buy for the rest of the way.
Tyler Mahle-Reds-SP
Tyler Mahle went 7 IP and gave up 3 ER on 4 H, 2 BB, and 3 K's against the Cardinals. Mahle has looked good in his limited action this year. He has a 3.90 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. The increased strikeouts (33% K, 14% SwStr) have been the biggest positive. The change looks real given his new slider and increased velocity. There also may be more upside for Mahle given that his walk rate is currently 10% and he is someone that has shown plus control in 2019. It's going to be tough to get him if he is still available given the way he is pitching and the fact that he is lined up for two starts next week but he definitely is worth an add given the improvement in his stuff.
DraftKings Value Plays: OF Wil Myers (SDP) $3,600 and 3B Alec Bohm (PHI) $3,300
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