Pablo Lopez-Twins-SP
Pablo Lopez went 5 IP and gave up 2 ER on 5 H, 0 BB, and 5 K's against the Rockies. Lopez now has a 5.33 ERA and 1.21 WHIP through 76 IP. He has not had the results that fantasy owners expected when they took Lopez early in drafts following two very strong seasons. His underlying skills still look solid (26% K and 6% BB) which is why his SIERA (3.29) is much lower than his traditional ERA. He's been crushed by the long ball (1.66 HR/9) which would be the highest of his career. Better days are likely ahead for the right-hander given that his skills have not disappeared. He gets two starts next week (TB and @OAK).
Sonny Gray-Cardinals-SP
Sonny Gray went 7 IP and gave up 1 ER on 4 H, 1 BB, and 9 K's against the Astros. Gray now has a 3.01 ERA and 1.03 WHIP through 68.2 IP. It was nice to see Gray bounce back after giving up 7 ER and 7 BB in his previous two starts. Gray has seen his strikeout rate spike this year (33%) without sacrificing his control (7% BB). He has also been able to get more swinging strikes (13%). He has made a slight change in his pitch mix which has resulted in fewer fastballs (-5%) and more offspeed pitches. His 2.79 SIERA gives a better indication of how dominant he has been this year. He's lined up for another favorable matchup next week against the Marlins in Miami.
Matt Olson-Braves-1B
Matt Olson was 2-3 with an HR (10), 1 R, and 2 RBI in the loss to the Orioles. Olson is hitting .246 with 10 HR, 28 R, 36 RBI, and 0 SB. He has been a disappointment coming off his breakout 2023 season (.283 with 54 HR, 127 R, 139 RBI, and 1 SB). He is striking out more (26% K) and walking less (10% BB). Olson has also seen his barrel% and hardhit% fall as well. With that being said, he is still above-average across the board in terms of plate skills and quality of contact but it is not near last year. The Braves offense as a whole has been a disappointment and Olson has started to feel the pressure. His season is taking the shape of his 2022 season (.240 AVG, 34 HR, 86 R, 103 RBI, and 0 SB) with fewer runs batted in.
Christian Yelich-Brewers-OF
Christian Yelich was 3-4 with 1 R, 1 RBI, and 1 SB in the Brewers win over the Blue Jays. Yelich isn't getting the attention he deserves for how good he has been this year. He is hitting .325 with 6 HR, 22 R, 30 RBI, and 12 SB. He has maintained plus plate skills (22% K and 11% BB) while hitting the ball hard (50% Hardhit). Yelich is on pace for a season very similar to last year (.278 AVG with 19 HR, 106 R, 76 RBI, and 28 SB) with fewer runs scored but a higher batting average. If he stays healthy he will be one of the most valuable hitters out there.
Yordan Alvarez-Astros-OF
Yordan Alvarez was 2-4 with an HR (14), 2 R, and 2 RBI against the Giants. Alvarez is hitting .293 with 14 HR, 40 R, 35 RBI, and 3 SB. He hits the ball hard (12% Barrels and 48% Hardhit) and has excellent plate skills (9% BB and 15% K). The power is on par with his pre-season projections of 30+ HR's but the biggest disappointment has been the Astros lineup as a whole. This is cut into the counting stats of Alvarez despite hitting for average and power. If he stays healthy he should come close to his 2022 season (135 GP, .306 AVG, 37 HR, 95 R, 97 RBI, and 1 SB).
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