Carlos Rodon, SP, Yankees
Carlos Rodon cracked the double-digit strikeout threshold for the first time this season, punching out ten in seven innings against the Rays on Monday. He only allowed two hits, two walks, and one run. It was a great bounce-back start for him, as he is coming off two starts where he lasted just 4 innings in each. His slider was especially dominant in this outing, inducing 9 whiffs on 12 swings. He finished the day with a 35% whiff rate and 37% CSW%. Rodon continues to show flashes of his former self, but more often than not gets hit around too hard. His ERA still sits at 4.42, which is not what fantasy managers were hoping for when they drafted him as a popular breakout pick. He is still a usable pitcher for fantasy, but you'll want to pick and choose the matchups you use him in.
Hunter Greene, SP, Reds
Hunter Greene shut out the Braves over seven innings, allowing two hits while walking three and striking out seven. He has been on fire over his past three starts, allowing just one run and striking out 24 over 20 innings during that span. He is in the top 20 percent of the league or better in most metrics this season, such as his 87.5 average exit velocity, 30.1% whiff rate, 5.1% barrel rate, and 33.8% hard-hit rate. His .195 expected batting average against ranks in the 95th percentile. The flamethrower has simply been overpowering hitters as of late, and it's easy to see him as a top-30 fantasy starting pitcher for the rest of the season.
Erick Fedde, SP, White Sox
Erick Fedde turned in a solid outing in Texas, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out five over 6.1 innings. After transforming his arsenal last season in South Korea, he has carried over some of that success to the major leagues, as his ERA now sits at an excellent 2.98. His 35.8% hard-hit rate, 88.1 mph average exit velocity, and 6.6% walk rate are all good but not great, but he has still turned them into some pretty solid results. The most encouraging thing for Fedde might be a potential trade within the next week, with the White Sox figured to be major sellers at the deadline. With more run support behind him to get more wins, Fedde should continue to be a good fantasy option down the stretch.
Francisco Lindor, SS, Mets
Francisco Lindor went 2 for 4 with two home runs, a walk, and a stolen base on Monday. Both of the homers were solo shots, bringing his season total to 19. His stolen base was his 20th of the season, so he looks to have a good shot at a 30/30 year. Lindor is hitting the ball better than he ever has in his career, with his 13.3% barrel rate and .515 xSLG representing career highs. Shortstop is consistently one of the deepest positions in fantasy, so viewing Lindor as a top 5 shortstop is more impressive than it sounds. It's safe to value him higher than names such as CJ Abrams, Mookie Betts, and Corey Seager right now.
Bailey Ober, SP, Twins
Bailey Ober pitched well against the Phillies on Monday, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out four over seven innings. His changeup was especially dominant in this one, as he threw it 22% of the time and tallied 6 whiffs on 14 swings. Swings and misses haven't been a problem for him this season, as he has a 32.8% chase rate and 28.5% whiff rate. He has had an up-and-down year but finally seems to be settling into a groove, as this is his sixth straight quality start. People may have written Ober off too quickly since there's still time for him to deliver on that breakout label he was given in the preseason.
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