Category Power Rankings: Week 15

After a week off for the holiday and as we head into the second half of the season, we are back with your weekly dose of CPR!

 

Batting Average (AVG)

 

Top 25

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Christian Yelich	MIL	OF	–
2	Nolan Arenado	COL	3B	–
3	Michael Brantley	HOU	OF	–
4	Freddie Freeman	ATL	1B	–
5	Mike Trout	LAA	OF	–
6	Anthony Rendon	WSH	3B	–
7	J.D. Martinez	BOS	OF	–
8	Cody Bellinger	LAD	1B/OF	–
9	Jorge Polanco	MIN	SS	–
10	Charlie Blackmon	COL	OF	–
11	Jeff McNeil	NYM	2B/3B/OF	+1
12	Justin Turner	LAD	3B	-1
13	Whit Merrifield	KC	1B/2B/OF	–
14	DJ LeMahieu	NYY	1B/2B/3B	+2
15	Elvis Andrus	TEX	SS	–
16	Xander Bogaerts	BOS	SS	-2
17	David Dahl	COL	OF	+1
18	Mookie Betts	BOS	OF	-1
19	Josh Bell	PIT	1B	–
20	Juan Soto	WSH	OF	+2
21	David Peralta	ARZ	OF	-1
22	Francisco Lindor	CLE	SS	+3
23	Javier Baez	CHC	2B/3B/SS	+1
24	Kris Bryant	CHC	3B/OF	Unranked
25	Jean Segura	PHI	SS	-4

Off the List: Tommy Pham

DJ LeMahieu has turned in a legit MVP-caliber season to this point and is not slowing down. The former batting champion is currently leading the AL in AVG and has mashed his way to a .365 clip over his last 30 games.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Bryan Reynolds	PIT	OF	–
2	Scott Kingery	PHI	3B/SS/OF	–
3	Hanser Alberto	BAL	2B/3B	+5
4	Howie Kendrick	WSH	1B/2B/3B/OF	–
5	Miguel Cabrera	DET	1B	–
6	Alex Verdugo	LAD	OF	+1
7	David Fletcher	LAA	2B/3B/SS/OF	-4
8	Miguel Rojas	MIA	1B/2B/3B/SS	Unranked
9	Josh Reddick	HOU	OF	-3
10	Leury Garcia	CHW	OF	Unranked

Off the List: Avisail Garcia, Jose Iglesias

It would be easy to overlook Miguel Rojas as he plays for the Marlins, but he is on quite a tear. Rojas has hit .354 since June 1st and has shown a great ability to make contact and rarely strikes out. Might as well ride this out.

Runs (R)

 

Top 25

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Mookie Betts	BOS	OF	+1
2	Mike Trout	LAA	OF	+2
3	Cody Bellinger	LAD	1B/OF	–
4	Christian Yelich	MIL	OF	-3
5	Charlie Blackmon	COL	OF	+1
6	Freddie Freeman	ATL	1B	+1
7	Nolan Arenado	COL	3B	-2
8	Anthony Rendon	WSH	3B	–
9	Whit Merrifield	KC	1B/2B/OF	–
10	Kris Bryant	CHC	2B/OF	–
11	Xander Bogaerts	BOS	SS	–
12	Ronald Acuna Jr.	ATL	OF	–
13	George Springer	HOU	OF	–
14	Trevor Story	COL	SS	+5
15	Javier Baez	CHC	2B/3B/SS	–
16	Josh Bell	PIT	1B	–
17	J.D. Martinez	BOS	OF	+1
18	Jean Segura	PHI	SS	-4
19	Bryce Harper	PHI	OF	-2
20	Rafael Devers	BOS	3B	–
21	Francisco Lindor	CLE	SS	–
22	DJ LeMahieu	NYY	2B/3B	–
23	Fernando Tatis Jr.	SD	SS	+2
24	Carlos Santana	CLE	1B/3B	–
25	Edwin Encarnacion	NY	1B	-2

Off the List: None

Trevor Story is currently on a 144-run pace. Pretty remarkable when you consider that the Rockies shortstop missed about two weeks due to injury.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Leury Garcia	CHW	OF	–
2	Nick Markakis	ATL	OF	–
3	Adam Eaton	WSH	OF	–
4	Daniel Vogelbach	SEA	1B	–
5	Kole Calhoun	LAA	OF	–
6	Ramon Laureano	OAK	OF	+1
7	Bryan Reynolds	PIT	OF	+2
8	Kyle Schwarber	CHC	OF	–
9	David Fletcher	LAA	2B/3B/SS/OF	-3
10	Yandy Diaz	TB	1B/3B	Unranked

Off the List: Jorge Soler

Over his last 22 games, Adam Eaton has hit .333 and scored 13 runs. It is no coincidence that the Nationals recent hot streak as a team has gone hand in hand with Eaton’s great play in recent weeks.

 

Home Runs (HR)

 

Top 25

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Christian Yelich	MIL	OF	–
2	Cody Bellinger	LAD	1B/OF	–
3	Mike Trout	LAA	OF	+1
4	Nolan Arenado	COL	3B	-1
5	Pete Alonso	NYM	1B	–
6	Joey Gallo	TEX	1B/OF	+8
7	Gary Sanchez	NYY	C	–
8	Edwin Encarnacion	NYY	1B	-2
9	Khris Davis	OAK	OF	-1
10	Mike Moustakas	MIL	2B/3B	–
11	Aaron Judge	NYY	OF	+6
12	Rhys Hoskins	PHI	1B/OF	-3
13	Javier Baez	CHC	2B/3B/SS	-2
14	Alex Bregman	HOU	3B/SS	-2
15	Freddie Freeman	ATL	1B	+1
16	J.D. Martinez	BOS	OF	-1
17	Josh Bell	PIT	1B	+1
18	Matt Chapman	OAK	3B	–
19	Trevor Story	COL	SS	+6
20	Francisco Lindor	CLE	SS	-1
21	Hunter Renfroe	SD	OF	+3
22	Anthony Rizzo	CHC	1B	-1
23	Eddie Rosario	MIN	OF	–
24	Paul Goldschmidt	STL	1B	-2
25	Max Muncy	LAD	1B/2B/3B	Unranked

Off the List: Marcell Ozuna

Max Muncy has slugged five HRs over his last ten games. The multi-position eligible slugger has shown that 2018 was no fluke with 22 bombs in the first half.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Franmil Reyes	SD	OF	–
2	Jorge Soler	KC	OF	–
3	Daniel Vogelbach	SEA	1B	+1
4	Miguel Sano	MIN	1B/3B	+2
5	Kyle Schwarber	CHC	OF	–
6	Yandy Diaz	TB	1B/3B	+2
7	Christian Walker	ARZ	1B	Unranked
8	Kole Calhoun	LAA	OF	+1
9	Renato Nunez	BAL	1B/3B	Unranked
10	Ramon Laureano	OAK	OF	Unranked

Off the List: C.J. Cron (injury), Derek Dietrich, Rowdy Tellez

Christian Walker has gone though his ups and downs this season. He is currently back on the upswing with six dongs across his last 19 games.

 

Runs Batted In (RBI)

 

Top 25

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Nolan Arenado	COL	3B	–
2	Cody Bellinger	LAD	1B/OF	–
3	Christian Yelich	MIL	OF	–
4	Freddie Freeman	ATL	1B	+1
5	Josh Bell	PIT	1B	+9
6	Edwin Encarnacion	NYY	1B	–
7	Anthony Rizzo	CHC	1B	+1
8	Anthony Rendon	WSH	3B	+1
9	Rhys Hoskins	PHI	1B/OF	-2
10	Jose Abreu	CHW	1B	–
11	J.D. Martinez	BOS	OF	–
12	Pete Alonso	NYM	1B	+2
13	Khris Davis	OAK	OF	-1
14	Mike Trout	LAA	OF	+3
15	Javier Baez	CHC	2B/3B/SS	–
16	Alex Bregman	HOU	3B/SS	–
17	Trevor Story	COL	SS	Unranked
18	Eddie Rosario	MIN	OF	–
19	Gary Sanchez	NYY	C	+1
20	Bryce Harper	PHI	OF	-1
21	Eduardo Escobar	ARZ	3B/SS	–
22	Aaron Judge	NYY	OF	Unranked
23	Xander Bogaerts	BOS	SS	–
24	Joey Gallo	TEX	1B/OF	-2
25	Juan Soto	WSH	OF	-1

Off the List: Marcell Ozuna (injury), Ronald Acuna Jr.

In the 13 games since returning from injury, Aaron Judge has been—well, Aaron Judge. He is getting on base, he is dropping bombs, and he is driving in runs. When fully healthy, Judge is as an elite of a run producer as there is.

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Jorge Soler	KC	OF	–
2	Daniel Vogelbach	SEA	1B	–
3	Franmil Reyes	SD	OF	+2
4	Howie Kendrick	WSH	1B/2B/3B/OF	+2
5	Miguel Sano	MIN	1B/3B	+2
6	Renato Nunez	BAL	1B/3B	+4
7	Colin Moran	PIT	2B/3B	+2
8	Bryan Reynolds	PIT	OF	Unranked
9	Asdrubal Cabrera	TEX	2B/3B/SS	-1
10	Nick Markakis	ATL	OF	Unranked

Off the List: C.J. Cron (injury), Dansby Swanson (ownership)

Why isn’t Bryan Reynolds universally owned yet? It boggles my mind. The dude will not stop hitting and is still only 32% owned on Yahoo. 

 

Stolen Bases (SB)

 

Top 25

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Adalberto Mondesi	KC	2B/SS	+1
2	Mallex Smith	SEA	OF	-1
3	Jose Ramirez	CLE	2B/3B	–
4	Billy Hamilton	KC	OF	–
5	Jonathan Villar	BAL	2B/SS	+1
6	Trea Turner	WSH	SS	+1
7	Whit Merrifield	KC	1B/2B/OF	+1
8	Jarrod Dyson	ARZ	OF	+1
9	Christian Yelich	MIL	OF	+1
10	Elvis Andrus	TEX	SS	+3
11	Dee Gordon	SEA	2B/SS/OF	–
12	Starling Marte	PIT	OF	–
13	Tim Anderson	CHW	SS	-8
14	Francisco Lindor	CLE	SS	–
15	Fernando Tatis Jr.	SD	SS	+1
16	Byron Buxton	MIN	OF	+1
17	Ronald Acuna Jr.	ATL	OF	+1
18	Victor Robles	WSH	OF	-3
19	Trevor Story	COL	SS	+3
20	Mike Trout	LAA	OF	-1
21	Kevin Kiermaier	TB	OF	+2
22	Lorenzo Cain	MIL	OF	-1
23	Mookie Betts	BOS	OF	-2
24	Andrew Benintendi	BOS	OF	–
25	Tommy Pham	TB	OF	–

Off the List: None

While, overall, Trea Turner’s season has felt like a disappointment due to injuries, he has been excellent when on the field. The uber dynamic shortstop is on a 56-steal pace currently and should be an elite fantasy asset moving forward. Health permitting, of course.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Mallex Smith	SEA	OF	–
2	Jarrod Dyson	ARZ	OF	–
3	Kevin Kiermaier	TB	OF	–
4	Kolten Wong	STL	2B	–
5	Delino DeShields	TEX	OF	–
6	Ramon Laureano	OAK	OF	–
7	Amed Rosario	NYM	SS	–
8	Leury Garcia	CHW	OF	+1
9	Manuel Margot	SD	OF	+1
10	Danny Santana	TEX	1B/2B/OF	-2

Off the List: None

Not much change here.

 

On-Base Percentage (OBP)

 

Top 25

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Mike Trout	LAA	OF	–
2	Christian Yelich	MIL	OF	–
3	Freddie Freeman	ATL	1B	–
4	Alex Bregman	HOU	3B/SS	–
5	Cody Bellinger	LAD	1B/OF	–
6	Anthony Rendon	WSH	3B	–
7	Rhys Hoskins	PHI	1B/OF	–
8	Carlos Santana	CLE	1B/3B	+1
9	Tommy Pham	TB	OF	-1
10	Kris Bryant	CHC	3B/OF	+2
11	Juan Soto	WSH	OF	–
12	Mookie Betts	BOS	OF	-2
13	J.D. Martinez	BOS	OF	–
14	Nolan Arenado	COL	3B	–
15	Anthony Rizzo	CHC	1B	–
16	Jeff McNeil	NYM	2B/3B/OF	+3
17	Bryce Harper	PHI	OF	-1
18	Josh Bell	PIT	1B	–
19	Jorge Polanco	MIN	SS	-2
20	Shin-Soo Choo	TEX	OF	+1
21	George Springer	HOU	OF	+2
22	Justin Turner	LAD	3B	+2
23	Michael Conforto	NYM	OF	-3
24	Charlie Blackmon	COL	OF	+1
25	Luke Voit	NYY	1B	-3

Off the List: None

Jeff McNeil is really shaping up to be one of the best pure hitters in baseball. The guy does not strike out, and while he does not walk a ton, his hitting tool is so strong that he will always be a strong source of OBP due to his incredible AVG.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Daniel Vogelbach	SEA	1B	–
2	Adam Eaton	WSH	OF	–
3	Bryan Reynolds	PIT	OF	+1
4	Miguel Cabrera	DET	1B	+1
5	Brandon Belt	SF	1B/OF	-2
6	Nick Markakis	ATL	OF	–
7	Jason Heyward	CHC	OF	+1
8	David Fletcher	LAA	2B/3B/OF	-1
9	Alex Verdugo	LAD	OF	+1
10	Justin Smoak	TOR	1B	Unranked

Off the List: Dexter Fowler

Jason Heyward has enjoyed a nice season so far. While Heyward may never live up to the expectations that were set for him when he was initially called up as a top prospect in the Braves system, he is showing signs of why he was so highly touted. Heyward has a .412 OBP over his last 13 games and remains a solid play in deeper OBP leagues.

 

Wins (W)

 

Top 25

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Justin Verlander	HOU	SP	–
2	Max Scherzer	WSH	SP	–
3	Zack Greinke	ARZ	SP	–
4	Gerrit Cole	HOU	SP	+1
5	Jose Berrios	MIN	SP	-1
6	Trevor Bauer	CLE	SP	–
7	Clayton Kershaw	LAD	SP	–
8	Jacob deGrom	NYM	SP	–
9	Hyun-Jin Ryu	LAD	SP	–
10	Aaron Nola	PHI	SP	+1
11	Blake Snell	TB	SP	-1
12	Charlie Morton	TB	SP	+1
13	Luis Castillo	CIN	SP	-1
14	Stephen Strasburg	WSH	SP	+1
15	Patrick Corbin	WSH	SP	-1
16	Walker Buehler	LAD	SP	–
17	Lucas Giolito	CHW	SP	+2
18	Chris Sale	BOS	SP	-1
19	German Marquez	COL	SP	-1
20	Brandon Woodruff	MIL	SP/RP	+1
21	Jake Odorizzi	MIN	SP	-1
22	Mike Minor	TEX	SP	–
23	Masahiro Tanaka	NYY	SP	–
24	Lance Lynn	TEX	SP	–
25	James Paxton	NYY	SP	–

Off the List: None

Trevor Bauer has tallied three consecutive victories and four in his last five starts. He has had his share of inconsistency this year, but Bauer still remains a top tier SP and should see better results in the second half. There is too much talent here.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Wade Miley	HOU	SP	+1
2	Marco Gonzales	SEA	SP	+1
3	Kyle Gibson	MIN	SP	-2
4	Mike Fiers	OAK	SP	+3
5	Merrill Kelly	ARZ	SP	-1
6	Zach Davies	MIL	SP	–
7	John Means	BAL	SP/RP	+1
8	Brett Anderson	OAK	SP	+1
9	Andrew Cashner	BAL	SP	Unranked
10	Mike Leake	SEA	SP	–

Off the List: Ryan Yarbrough

Three consecutive wins, five straight quality starts, an IPS across that span of 6.4 and an ERA of 1.41. Pretty nice run, right? That is what Andrew Cashner has been up to recently. Yes, that Andrew Cashner.

 

Earned Run Average (ERA)

 

Top 25

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Justin Verlander	HOU	SP	–
2	Max Scherzer	WSH	SP	–
3	Jacob deGrom	NYM	SP	–
4	Clayton Kershaw	LAD	SP	–
5	Hyun-Jin Ryu	LAD	SP	+2
6	Trevor Bauer	CLE	SP	-1
7	Charlie Morton	TB	SP	+1
8	Chris Sale	BOS	SP	-2
9	Jose Berrios	MIN	SP	–
10	Gerrit Cole	HOU	SP	–
11	Luis Castillo	CIN	SP	+1
12	Blake Snell	TB	SP	-1
13	Zack Greinke	ARZ	SP	–
14	Walker Buehler	LAD	SP	–
15	Patrick Corbin	WSH	SP	–
16	Stephen Strasburg	WSH	SP	–
17	Aaron Nola	PHI	SP	–
18	Lucas Giolito	CHW	SP	–
19	Shane Bieber	CLE	SP	+3
20	Mike Soroka	ATL	SP	+1
21	James Paxton	NYY	SP	-2
22	Jake Odorizzi	MIN	SP	-2
23	Masahiro Tanaka	NYY	SP	–
24	Kyle Hendricks	CHC	SP	Unranked
25	Matt Boyd	DET	SP	-1

Off the List: German Marquez

Shane Bieber had turned in five straight solid starts before the All-Star break to the tune of a 2.06 ERA during that span. He is shaping up to be a legit top-15 SP right now.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Wade Miley	HOU	SP	–
2	John Means	BAL	SP	+1
3	Sonny Gray	CIN	SP	Unranked
4	Zach Davies	MIL	SP	-2
5	Dakota Hudson	STL	SP	+3
6	Brett Anderson	OAK	SP	+1
7	Chris Bassitt	OAK	SP	-2
8	Sandy Alcantara	MIA	SP	+1
9	Andrew Cashner	BAL	SP	Unranked
10	Trevor Richards	MIA	SP	-6

Off the List: Zach Plesac

It has gone somewhat unnoticed that Sonny Gray is enjoying an excellent bounce-back season so far. He was selected to the All-Star game for the second time in his career and deservedly so. He should be universally owned but yet is still only 40% owned in ESPN leagues.

 

Strikeouts (K)

 

Top 25

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Max Scherzer	WSH	SP	–
2	Gerrit Cole	HOU	SP	–
3	Justin Verlander	HOU	SP	–
4	Chris Sale	BOS	SP	–
5	Trevor Bauer	CLE	SP	–
6	Stephen Strasburg	WSH	SP	–
7	Jacob deGrom	NYM	SP	–
8	Blake Snell	TB	SP	–
9	Matt Boyd	DET	SP	–
10	Patrick Corbin	WSH	SP	–
11	Charlie Morton	TB	SP	+1
12	Shane Bieber	CLE	SP	+1
13	Luis Castillo	CIN	SP	-2
14	Zack Wheeler	NYM	SP	–
15	Aaron Nola	PHI	SP	–
16	Robbie Ray	ARZ	SP	–
17	Lucas Giolito	CHW	SP	–
18	James Paxton	NYY	SP	–
19	Walker Buehler	LAD	SP	+3
20	Jose Berrios	MIN	SP	-1
21	Brandon Woodruff	MIL	SP/RP	–
22	German Marquez	COL	SP	-2
23	Jack Flaherty	STL	SP	+1
24	Yu Darvish	CHC	SP	Unranked
25	Noah Syndergaard	NYM	SP	–

Off the List: Mike Minor

Despite being mind-numbingly inconsistent, Yu Darvish will always rack up the K’s. He is up to 119 on the year and has shown some signs of the old Darvish lately. Here’s to hoping he finds his groove because when he is going right, he has always been a fun arm to watch pitch.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Sonny Gray	CIN	SP	+6
2	Trent Thornton	TOR	SP	-1
3	Kyle Gibson	MIN	SP	+2
4	Tyler Mahle	CIN	SP	-2
5	Jordan Yamamoto	MIA	SP	+4
6	Tanner Roark	CIN	SP	+2
7	Chris Bassitt	OAK	SP	-4
8	Chase Anderson	MIL	SP/RP	Unranked
9	Jordan Lyles	PIT	SP/RP	Unranked
10	Dylan Bundy	BAL	SP	-4

Off the List: Joey Lucchesi (ownership), Elieser Hernandez

Kyle Gibson has posted a career-high K% and SwStr% this year. He is a solid innings-eater for fantasy owners and, if he can maintain this strikeout rate, a good source of punch outs.

 

Saves (SV)

 

Top 25

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Kirby Yates	SD	RP	–
2	Kenley Jansen	LAD	RP	–
3	Aroldis Chapman	NYY	RP	–
4	Roberto Osuna	HOU	RP	–
5	Felipe Vazquez	PIT	RP	–
6	Brad Hand	CLE	RP	–
7	Josh Hader	MIL	RP	–
8	Shane Greene	DET	RP	–
9	Edwin Diaz	NYM	RP	–
10	Blake Treinen	OAK	RP	–
11	Sean Doolittle	WSH	RP	–
12	Will Smith	SF	RP	–
13	Craig Kimbrel	CHC	RP	+3
14	Alex Colome	CHW	RP	+1
15	Hector Neris	PHI	RP	-2
16	Ken Giles	TOR	RP	-2
17	Raisel Iglesias	CIN	RP	–
18	Wade Davis	COL	RP	–
19	Greg Holland	ARZ	RP	–
20	Sergio Romo	MIA	SP/RP	–
21	Luke Jackson	ATL	RP	–
22	Hansel Robles	LAA	RP	–
23	Ian Kennedy	KC	SP/RP	–
24	Carlos Martinez	STL	SP/RP	Unranked
25	Shawn Kelley	TEX	RP	-1

Off the List: Jose Alvarado

Carlos Martinez is the fill-in closer for the Cardinals right now. I say “fill-in” because there is a decent chance the Cardinals add a bullpen piece that could potentially fill that closer’s role. Regardless, Martinez should be owned if you are in need of saves.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-Team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Sergio Romo	MIA	SP/RP	–
2	Luke Jackson	ATL	RP	–
3	Hansel Robles	LAA	RP	–
4	Ian Kennedy	KC	SP/RP	–
5	Shawn Kelley	TEX	RP	–
6	Emilio Pagan	TB	RP	+1
7	Taylor Rogers	MIN	RP	+1
8	Diego Castillo	TB	SP/RP	Unranked
9	Roenis Elias	SEA	SP/RP	Unranked
10	A.J. Minter	ATL	RP	-1

Off the List: Jose Alvarado (injury), Jose Leclerc

Hansel Robles has been a nice surprise for the Halos so far. Once Cody Allen collapsed as the closer, Robles slid into the role and has done a nice job. Whether he is long for the role is still questionable, but he should be owned until further notice.

 

WHIP (Walks+Hits/Innings Pitched)

 

Top 25

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Justin Verlander	HOU	SP	–
2	Max Scherzer	WSH	SP	–
3	Gerrit Cole	HOU	SP	–
4	Clayton Kershaw	LAD	SP	–
5	Zack Greinke	ARZ	SP	–
6	Chris Sale	BOS	SP	–
7	Jacob deGrom	NYM	SP	–
8	Hyun-Jin Ryu	LAD	SP	–
9	Trevor Bauer	CLE	SP	–
10	Jose Berrios	MIN	SP	+1
11	Luis Castillo	CIN	SP	+1
12	Blake Snell	TB	SP	-2
13	Charlie Morton	TB	SP	+1
14	Stephen Strasburg	WSH	SP	-1
15	Matt Boyd	DET	SP	–
16	Aaron Nola	PHI	SP	–
17	Walker Buehler	LAD	SP	–
18	Shane Bieber	CLE	SP	+1
19	Patrick Sorbin	WSH	SP	-1
20	David Price	BOS	SP	–
21	Lucas Giolito	CHW	SP	–
22	Mike Soroka	ATL	SP	–
23	Masahiro Tanaka	NYY	SP	–
24	Yonny Chirinos	TB	SP/RP	Unranked
25	James Paxton	NYY	SP	–

Off the List: German Marquez

Yonny Chirinos has been a must-start pitcher over the last couple months. He owns a sub-1.00 WHIP on the year and a 2.93 ERA across his last seven starts. He is one of the best SP/RP options for points leagues and appears to be pretty legit.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Wade Miley	HOU	SP	–
2	Mike Fiers	OAK	SP	+5
3	Sonny Gray	CIN	SP	+7
4	Kyle Gibson	MIN	SP	+1
5	Tyler Mahle	CIN	SP	+3
6	Michael Pineda	MIN	SP	+3
7	Jordan Yamamoto	MIA	SP	Unranked
8	Andrew Cashner	BAL	SP	Unranked
9	Chris Bassitt	OAK	SP	-6
10	Jeff Samardzija	SF	SP	Unranked

Off the List: Joey Lucchesi (ownership), Zach Plesac, Trevor Richards

With each passing week, Mike Fiers, somehow, becomes more and more must-own. Fiers owns a WHIP under 1.00 over his last 12 starts and his numbers are looking very respectable at the moment. He won’t strike anyone out, but quality starts have become automatic.

 

Quality Starts (QS)

 

Top 25

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Max Scherzer	WSH	SP	–
2	Justin Verlander	HOU	SP	–
3	Zack Greinke	ARZ	SP	–
4	Jacob deGrom	NYM	SP	–
5	Gerrit Cole	HOU	SP	–
6	Trevor Bauer	CLE	SP	–
7	Clayton Kershaw	LAD	SP	–
8	Jose Berrios	MIN	SP	+1
9	Chris Sale	BOS	SP	-1
10	Patrick Corbin	WSH	SP	+1
11	Blake Snell	TB	SP	-1
12	Matt Boyd	DET	SP	–
13	Aaron Nola	PHI	SP	–
14	Stephen Strasburg	WSH	SP	–
15	Hyun-Jin Ryu	LAD	SP	–
16	Luis Castillo	CIN	SP	–
17	Charlie Morton	TB	SP	–
18	Shane Bieber	CLE	SP	+1
19	Madison Bumgarner	SF	SP	-1
20	Masahiro Tanaka	NYY	SP	–
21	Walker Buehler	LAD	SP	+3
22	Lucas Giolito	CHW	SP	-1
23	Mike Minor	TEX	SP	–
24	German Marquez	COL	SP	-2
25	Jon Gray	COL	SP	Unranked

Off the List: Noah Syndergaard

Jon Gray has looked much more like the pitcher we thought he was a couple of years ago. He now has 11 quality starts and is actually pitching tremendously at the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field.

 

Deep League Top 10 (>12-team leagues/65% owned or less)

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Mike Fiers	OAK	SP	+1
2	Wade Miley	HOU	SP	-1
3	Dakota Hudson	STL	SP/RP	Unranked
4	Merrill Kelly	ARZ	SP	–
5	Brett Anderson	OAK	SP	+2
6	Andrew Cashner	BAL	SP	Unranked
7	Marco Gonzales	SEA	SP	+2
8	Jordan Yamamoto	MIA	SP	–
9	Chris Bassitt	OAK	SP	-3
10	Mike Leake	SEA	SP	–

Off the List: Zach Plesac, Trevor Richards

Nine of Dakota Hudson’s last twelve starts have been of the quality variety. Things may come crashing down for the 24-year old as he does not miss many bats and puts WAY too many guys on base. But if you need a decent start in a good matchup, give him a look.

Featured Image by Justin Paradis (@freshmeatcomm on Twitter)