Dansby Swanson went 1-for-4 with a solo homer against the Yankees on Monday. Swanson scored Atlanta's only run of the game on his second-inning solo shot, which raised his home run and RBI totals to 25 and 75 -- both of which are career highs. Swanson has sustained his strong performance from last year, improving his OPS from .809 to .819 in his age-27 season. Leading the majors in games played has helped him compile some impressive counting stats, including 68 runs scored and nine stolen bases. He's also gotten better as the season has progressed with 12 home runs, 41 RBIs, 14 doubles, 35 runs, and four steals in 43 games dating back to the Fourth of July. Swanson has proven he belongs among the game's best shortstops, making him a legitimate star.
Daulton Varsho went 1-for-4 with a solo homer against the Pirates on Monday. Varsho's second-inning blast broke a scoreless tie, giving Arizona an early lead in a game it would ultimately go on to lose. Monday marked Varsho's third consecutive game with a long ball, which reflects how well he's been swinging the bat lately. After going 34 games without a homer to start the season, Varsho has gone yard nine times in his last 29 games. With 20 RBIs, 19 runs, six doubles, 14 walks, and three steals during that span as well, Varsho has been one of baseball's best hitters in the second half. His multi-position eligibility as a catcher and outfielder only enhances his fantasy value, making him a must-own in all formats.
Humberto Mejia pitched well in his Diamondbacks debut on Monday, limiting the Pirates to two runs on six hits and two walks with seven strikeouts over five innings. Mejia was promoted from Triple-A to make his Arizona debut and fourth MLB start of his career after making three starts for the Miami Marlins last year. The 24-year-old was fortunate to face one of the league's weaker teams in Pittsburgh for his season debut, which helped him get off on the right foot with his new team. He threw 65 of his 99 pitches for strikes and did not allow a run until the fourth. He exited the game in line for the win, only to watch Arizona's bullpen implode and ultimately lose the game. Fantasy GMs should wait to see if he can replicate his success against a more formidable opponent before adding him to their rosters, however, especially based on his 5.93 ERA and 1.59 WHIP at Triple-A this year.
Huascar Ynoa took the loss against the Yankees on Monday after allowing three runs on four hits and one walk with nine strikeouts over six innings. Ynoa did his job by turning in a quality start against a tough Yankees offense, but unfortunately for him Atlanta's bats didn't show up, dropping his record to 4-3. The 23-year-old still has an excellent 2.89 ERA, however, on the strength of his phenomenal 63:13 K/BB ratio in 56 innings. Ynoa has come back strong after spending three months on the injured list, allowing just three earned runs while striking out 13 in 11 1/3 innings in his first two starts back. He's essentially a must-start at this point, even with another tough home matchup looming against the San Francisco Giants this weekend.
Kyle Hendricks ended up with a no-decision on Monday after allowing four runs on nine hits and no walk with six strikeouts in seven innings against the Rockies. While that would have been an impressive stat line at Coors Field, it was a somewhat disappointing outing given how poorly the Rockies have played on the road this year. Hendricks quickly settled down after allowing three runs in the first, keeping Colorado off the board until permitting one more run in the seventh. The seven frames were his most in any start this month, but the four runs pushed his ERA to 4.09. While he's been a bit up and down lately, overall he's been Chicago's most reliable starter this year and is one of their few remaining veterans in the wake of their fire sale at the trade deadline. He'll hit the road for his next start against the cross-town White Sox this weekend.
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