Christian Yelich-Brewers-OF
Christian Yelich was 2-4 with 1 R and 1 BB against the Phillies. Yelich has recently been moved to the leadoff spot in order to try to get him going offensively. On the year, he is hitting .230 with 5 HR, 34 R, 21 RBI, and 8 SB. The steals have helped keep his fantasy value afloat because he isn't helping much outside of stolen bases. The plate skills remain strong (11% BB and 25% K). He isn't chasing out of the zone (24% O-swing) and has very good quality of contact metrics (12% Barrels, 50% Hardhit, and 113.7 mph maxEV). This is a profile to buy low on as better times are coming. The only part that isn't likely to come back is the power given his 56% GB rate. He looks more like the Yelich of old (15-20 HR) than the happy fun ball-era Yelich. This is perfectly fine if he gets his batting average up and continues to steal bases.
Randy Arozarena-Rays-OF
Randy Arozarena was 0-3 with a strikeout against the Cardinals. On the year, Arozarena is hitting .263 with 6 HR, 25 R, 28 RBI, and 10 SB. The batting average is lower than you expected coming into the year but is more in line with his skills (24% K and 6% BB) considering a normal BABIP. The part of his game that is most relevant is the power/speed combo and he has provided there. He hits the ball hard (41% Hardhit and 114.1 mph maxEV) but on the ground too much (53% GB) to take the next step in the power department. Fantasy managers shouldn't be concerned with that because he is on pace for another 20 HR/20 SB season which is incredibly valuable in today's climate.
Tommy Pham-Reds-OF
Tommy Pham was 1-4 with 1 R against the Diamondbacks. Unfortunately, Pham has made more news for what he does off the field than on it this year. He is hitting .242 with 7 HR, 33 R, 22 RBI, and 4 SB in 50 GP. He has provided power and speed which is what you wanted from him coming into the year. A deeper dive into his underlying skills and there is a lot to like. He has above-average plate skills (14% BB and 24% K) to go along with good quality of contact metrics (10% Barrels, 48% Hardhit, and 112.6 mph maxEV). Pham is also not chasing out of the zone (24% O-swing) and plays in a great home park for hitters. If he stays healthy look for a big summer for Pham.
Shane McClanahan-Rays-SP
Shane McClanahan went 8 IP and gave up 0 ER on 2 H, 1 BB, and 9 K's against the Cardinals. McClanahan has a 1.87 ERA and 0.86 WHIP through 12 starts. He has been the best pitcher in baseball this year. His 31% K:BB (36% k and 5% BB) is elite. This is fully supported by an increase in swinging strikes (17% SwStr) and 35% CSW. He has benefited from an 89% LOB rate and .263 BABIP but his 2.09 SIERA backs up everything he has done so far. McClanahan has made a significant change in his pitch mix this year. He is throwing fewer sliders in favor of more curves and split-fingers. He has also changed the shape of his fastball so that it plays just as well as his velocity suggests it should. His next start will be on the road against the Yankees but he is a must-start the rest of the way regardless of the matchup.
Miles Mikolas-Cardinals-SP
Miles Mikolas went 8 IP and gave up 2 ER on 3 H, 0 BB, and 9 K's against the Rays. Through 12 starts, Mikolas has a 2.93 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. He has excellent control (6% BB) but even that can't make up for his lack of strikeouts (19% K). He is a good real-life pitcher but his fantasy value is highly dependent on his ERA and WHIP being elite. He has benefited from a 79% LOB and .265 BABIP. Mikolas has also been able to keep the ball in the park (0.86 HR/9). He is throwing his slider more than ever but that hasn't resulted in more strikeouts. Regression is coming for Mikolas so the rest of the way won't be so pretty. His 4.05 SIERA gives a better indication of what is possible making him a back-end starter in deeper mixed leagues.
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