Hunter Brown-Astros-SP
Hunter Brown went 6 IP and gave up 2 ER on 5 H, 0 BB, and 8 K's against the Twins. Brown has turned himself into one of the top starters in the game. He was dominant in his first start (6 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, and 7 K). His stuff looks even better this year, thanks to a jump in velocity. He sat 96 mph last year and has been 97.8 mph so far. Brown had a huge second half (2.26 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 26% K, and 8% BB), and he has continued that in 2025. He will have games where the control is not pristine, but the stuff is good enough to overcome that, preventing true blow-up games. He doesn't have the strikeout rate to become a true elite starter, but being a tier right below the elite starters is nothing to sneeze at. His next scheduled start is on the road against the Mariners. This is an awesome matchup for Brown.
Nick Lodolo-Reds-SP
Nick Lodolo went 6.2 IP and gave up 1 ER on 4 H, 0 BB, and 4 K's against the Brewers. Lodolo's first start was good from a real-life perspective, but left some to be desired from a fantasy perspective (6 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, and 1 K). Lodolo has a career 4.48 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. The underlying skills paint a different picture (27% K, 8% BB, 46% GB, and a 3.55 SIERA). The disconnect between his skills and results so far has been his home park. He has a 4.88 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 25% K, and 8% BB) compared to a 3.94 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 29% K, and 8% BB on the road. It is hard to only use a pitcher on the road, but to get the most out of Lodolo, that is the best way to use him. His next start comes on the road against the Giants, which is a nice matchup for the southpaw.
Jordan Westburg-Orioles-2B
Jordan Westburg was 1-3 with 1 RBI and 1 BB against the Red Sox. Westburg has started the year on fire (.375 AVG with 3 HR, 5 R, 4 RBI, and 0 SB). This is coming off a strong 2024 season (.264 AVG with 18 HR, 57 R, 63 RBI, and 6 SB in 107 GP). He hits the ball hard (12% Barrels and 46% Hardhit) and has improved his plate skills (22% K and 5% BB). Westburg may not be elite in any one category, but he provides value across the board in a good Orioles lineup. If he can stay healthy, he's got 25 HR/10 SB upside with a respectable average (.260-.270).
J.T. Realmuto-Phillies-C
J.T. Realmuto was 3 for 3 with 1 R, and 2 SB in the Phillies' win against the Rockies. Realmuto is hitting .250 with 0 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, and 2 SB in 21 PA. The stolen bases were good to see because it is a signal of his health. Realmuto is coming off a 2024 season in which he played in just 99 games due to injury. He hit .266 with 14 HR, 50 R, 47 RBI, and 2 SB. Realmuto still hits the ball hard (10% Barrels and 46% Hardhit) with good plate skills (7% BB and 25% K). He is no longer the top fantasy catcher, but he is also no slouch. Another top-five season looks to be in store.
Michael Toglia-Rockies-1B
Michael Toglia was 1-4 with 2 K's in the loss to the Phillies. Toglia is hitting .087 through 24 PA. He has struggled to make contact (58% K), which is a major flaw in his game. Toglia hit .218 with 25 HR, 65 R, 55 RBI, and 10 SB with 32% K in 2024. He doesn't chase much out of the zone (29% O-swing) but does have a high swinging strike rate (15% SwStr). It looks like he is pressing in the early going because he is chasing 38% out of the zone and 22% SwStr. One could point to the fact that the Rockies haven't played a home game yet, but Toglia was much better on the road (110 wRC+ with 17 HR) than at home (86 wRC+ and 8 HR). It is a small sample, and his profile lends itself to a lot of volatility, but this slow start is not what fantasy managers envisioned drafting him. They were hoping for a 30 HR/10 SB season with a better batting average.
This is just a small sample our daily analysis, join our member area for tools that will help you win your fantasy championship. Click here for details: http://www.insiderbaseball.com/baseballsample.htm Click here to register: http://www.fantistics.com/salesbaseball.php3
