Kenta Maeda, SP, MIN
Maeda pitched 5.1 scoreless IP against the Rangers on Monday, allowing just 2 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 8. This is a huge turnaround from his last two outings in which he gave up a combined 12 ER's in 8.2 IP. His ERA is still an ugly 5.34 for the season, but his xFIP is down to 3.76 as he now has a 28:7 K:BB and 45.2% GB% through 28.2 IP. He should ultimately be fine, and makes for a good pick if he was dropped prematurely in your league.
Dane Dunning, SP, TEX
Dunning allowed 2 ER's in 5.2 IP against the Twins on Monday, striking out 5 and walking 2 in the contest. He rebounded from a rough stretch in which he allowed 9 ER's in 7.2 IP across his last two starts, and lowered his ERA to a respectable 3.81 for the season. Dunning has actually gotten a bit unlucky this season, as his xFIP is an impressive 3.19 and he has been hurt by a .321 BABIP and 64.4% LOB%. Entering Monday, opposing hitters had hit .375 against Dunning with men on base, compared to .203 with the bases empty, which has led to some of the uptick in his ERA. For the season, he has a nice 29:7 K:BB and 53.7% GB% through 28.1 IP, which makes him a very solid SP option.
Daniel Lynch, SP, KC
Lynch made his MLB debut against the Indians on Monday, and allowed 3 ER's on 4 hits in 4.2 IP, striking out 3 and walking 4. The Royals seem to be committed to keeping Lynch in the rotation, as they have moved Jacob Junis to the bullpen in order to clear Lynch's spot. Lynch had a solid 157:37 K:BB in 147.2 IP across two minor leagues seasons, but he never pitched above A+ ball. His debut was very mediocre, and we will have to see if his control gets better moving forward.
Jose Quintana, SP, LAA
Quintana struck out 9 in 3.2 IP against the Rays on Monday, but also allowed 5 ER's during that time. Quintana's 10.50 ERA through 5 starts is hard to believe, especially considering his stellar 14.82 K/9. Walking 14 batters in 17 IP can have that effect, but even so, his xFIP for the season is a very respectable 3.63, and he has gotten unlucky with a 477 BABIP. I don't blame you for not wanting to get involved with a pitcher whose ERA is in the double-digits, but there's a good chance Quintana is productive from here on out.
Harold Ramirez, OF, CLE
Ramirez made his season debut for the Indians on Monday, batting 6th and playing CF, and went 2-5 with a double and a run scored. Ramirez had a decent season as a rookie with the Marlins in 2019, hitting .276 with 11 HR's in 119 games, but played very little in 2020. With Jordan Luplow daling with some leg soreness, Ramirez may get some playing time in the short term. He's a decent contact hitter, but doesn't have a whole lot of fantasy value as he hasn't shown much power or speed at the big league level.
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