Shohei Ohtani-Angels-DH
Shohei Ohtani was 1-2 with an HR (41), 1, 1 RBI, and 2 BB against the Orioles. Ohtani has a .269 AVG with 41 HR, 83 R, 89 RBI, and 19 SB. He is on pace for a 45 HR/20 season with over 200 combined runs and runs batted in. His strikeout rate is a slight concern (31% K) heading into the future because it typically doesn't project a good batting average. The difference between Ohtani and the average hitter is that he has a good approach (13% BB) and has insane Statcast numbers (56% Hardhit and 24% Barrels). The skills are elite and he is playing every day which boosts his overall value. He is likely on his path to being a first-round pick as a hitter even though he is a DH.
Marcus Semien-Blue Jays-2B
Marcus Semien was 3-5 with 2 HR (32), 2 R, and 4 RBI in the loss to the White Sox. Semien has had one of the best fantasy seasons so far. He is hitting .271 with 32 HR, 91 R, 77 RBI, and 13 SB. Semien hasn't quite been the same hitter in the second half in terms of batting average (.245 AVG) but that is mainly due to a .250 BABIP because his strikeout rate has dropped over the same time period (17% K). The good news is that while he has been unfortunate in terms of batting average he has continued to provide both power (10 HR) and speed (3 SB). Everything he has done this year is backed up by his supporting skills. He has good plate skills (22% K and 9% BB) and he has improved his quality of contact drastically (42% Hard and 10% Barrels). Semien should see his luck turn when it comes to balls in play which should cap off a fantastic season.
Jose Abreu-White Sox-1B
Jose Abreu was 1-5 with an HR (27) against the Blue Jays. Abreu hasn't quite met expectations this year but he has picked it of late especially in the power department. He came into today hitting .266 AVG with 11 HR, 21 R, 30 RBI, and 0 SB in the second half (38 GP). On the year, he is hitting .257 AVG with 27 HR, 67 R, 97 RBI, and 1 SB. The batting average is much lower than expected coming into the year but he is also sporting a career-high 24% K. He is aging so a lower batting average expectation is in order but the good news is that his quality of contact metrics (50% Hard, 11% Barrels, and 115.6 mph maxEV) are still elite and are excellent signs that he should continue to hit for power. The White Sox lineup is finally getting healthy so he should see an uptick in his counting stats as well.
Amed Rosario-Indians-SS
Amed Rosario was 1-4 with 1 RBI against the Rangers. Rosario has done a little bit of everything this year in terms of fantasy. He is hitting .287 AVG with 8 HR, 63 R 44 RBI, and 12 SB. While he has contributed across the board he is still below-average in the power categories (HR and RBI). Rosario has improved his strikeout rate (20% K) which has allowed him to hit for average and maintain an OBP (.329) respectful enough for him to steal bases. He has the ability to hit for power (42% Hard and 111.5 mph maxEV) but his launch angle will not allow it (50% GB and 2% Barrels). Overall, he is still a valuable contributor in deeper mixed leagues and there is a chance that at 25-years-old and regular playing time that he could slowly raise his launch angle. He could work his way to becoming a 20 HR/15 SB type of threat if it all clicks.
Alex Verdugo-Red Sox-OF
Alex Verdugo was 1-4 with 1 RBI and 1 BB against the Twins. Verdugo is hitting .287 with 12 HR, 75 R, 49 RBI, and 5 SB. The batting average is something that he was known for coming into the year. He has above-average plate skills (15% K and 9% BB) and doesn't chase balls out of the zone often (28% ) O-swing. The issue with Verdugo from a fantasy perspective is the power. He hits the ball hard (44% Hard) but not at the right angles (7% Barrel and 50% Barrels). Until he hits the ball in the air more often, he is unlikely to hit for more power which is going to cap his fantasy value as someone who provides batting average and runs scored but not much else. He is just 25-years-old with the ability to control the zone and make contact, so the power should develop as he continues to make adjustments at the major league level. Verdugo has a nice floor for these same reasons and you can see the ceiling with a small tweak to his launch angle.
DraftKings Value Plays: 3B Josh Donaldson ($3,700) and OF Avisail Garcia ($3,900)
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