Category Power Rankings: Week 19

It is time for your weekly dose of CPR!

 

Batting Average (AVG)

 

Top 25

 

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

Off the List: Josh Bell

This Bryan Reynolds guy can flat-out hit. He has not slowed down one bit and for whatever reason is not universally owned in fantasy. The dude is hitting .330 and getting everyday at-bats toward the top of the Pirates lineup. He isn’t putting up monster counting stats, but has more than enough to contribute and appears to be an elite source of batting average down the stretch.

 

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

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Bryan Reynolds	PIT	OF	–
2	Hanser Alberto	BAL	2B/3B	–
3	J.D. Davis	NYM	1B/3B/OF	Unranked
4	Leury Garcia	CHW	SS/OF	+2
5	Miguel Cabrera	DET	1B	+2
6	Corey Dickerson	PHI	OF	Unranked
7	Dee Gordon	SEA	2B/SS/OF	Unranked
8	Adam Eaton	WSH	OF	Unranked
9	David Fletcher	LAA	2B/3B/SS/OF	-5
10	Amed Rosario	NYM	SS	Unranked

Off the List: Alex Verdugo (injury), Howie Kendrick (injury), Miguel Rojas (injury), Nick Markakis (injury), Jose Martinez

Mets fans have been patiently waiting for Amed Rosario to take that next step as their cornerstone middle infielder they have been hoping for since Jose Reyes was in his prime. Rosario has made some strides this year, improving his walk rate and increasing his power output. He is also swinging a very hot bat. The 23-year old is hitting .343 over his last month of play and, with his decent speed numbers, is worth a look in leagues with middle infield spots.

 

Runs (R)

 

Top 25

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Mookie Betts	BOS	OF	–
2	Mike Trout	LAA	OF	–
3	Cody Bellinger	LAD	1B/OF	–
4	Freddie Freeman	ATL	1B	+2
5	Charlie Blackmon	COL	OF	–
6	Ronald Acuna Jr.	ATL	OF	+3
7	Christian Yelich	MIL	OF	-3
8	Kris Bryant	CHC	3B/OF	-1
9	Anthony Rendon	WSH	3B	-1
10	Xander Bogaerts	BOS	SS	+1
11	Whit Merrifield	KC	1B/2B/OF	+1
12	Trevor Story	COL	SS	+1
13	Nolan Arenado	COL	3B	-3
14	Rafael Devers	BOS	3B	+1
15	George Springer	HOU	OF	-1
16	Javier Baez	CHC	2B/3B/SS	–
17	DJ LeMahieu	NYY	1B2B/3B	+1
18	Fernando Tatis Jr.	SD	SS	+2
19	Francisco Lindor	CLE	SS	–
20	Alex Bregman	HOU	3B/SS	+2
21	J.D. Martinez	BOS	OF	–
22	Josh Bell	PIT	1B	-5
23	Marcus Semien	OAK	SS	Unranked
24	Starling Marte	PIT	OF	+1
25	Carlos Santana	CLE	1B/3B	-2

Off the List: Bryce Harper

George Springer has only 69 runs scored on the year, but he did miss some time. Those 69 runs have come in an astonishingly low 83 games played. Thats a 135-run pace across a full season! When Springer is healthy, he is a multi-category stud.

 

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

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Bryan Reynolds	PIT	OF	+4
2	Leury Garcia	CHW	SS/OF	-1
3	Adam Eaton	WSH	OF	–
4	Christian Walker	ARZ	1B	+6
5	Kyle Schwarber	CHC	OF	+1
6	Kole Calhoun	LAA	OF	+1
7	Brian Anderson	MIA	3B/OF	Unranked
8	J.D. Davis	NYM	1B/3B/OF	Unranked
9	Daniel Vogelbach	SEA	1B	-5
10	Manuel Margot	SD	OF	Unranked

Off the List: Nick Markakis (injury), David Fletcher, Brandon Belt

Brian Anderson has been on fire the past couple of weeks. Over his last 14 games, he has scored 12 runs while mashing seven home runs and 14 RBI. Anderson is a gifted hitter who has posted good numbers in the minors. He may finally be putting it together down the stretch and could find himself on draft boards in 2020.

 

Home Runs (HR)

 

Top 25

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Christian Yelich	MIL	OF	–
2	Mike Trout	LAA	OF	–
3	Pete Alonso	NYM	1B	+1
4	Cody Bellinger	LAD	1B/OF	-1
5	Nolan Arenado	COL	3B	-1
6	Aaron Judge	NYY	OF	+1
7	Javier Baez	CHC	2B/3B/SS	+3
8	Mike Moustakas	MIL	2B/3B	–
9	Alex Bregman	HOU	3B/SS	+2
10	Freddie Freeman	ATL	1B	+3
11	Jorge Soler	KC	OF	Unranked
12	Hunter Renfroe	SD	OF	+2
13	J.D. Martinez	BOS	OF	+3
14	Max Muncy	LAD	1B/2B/3B	+5
15	Khris Davis	OAK	OF	-6
16	J.D. Martinez	BOS	OF	–
17	Matt Chapman	OAK	3B	–
18	Trevor Story	COL	SS	–
19	Eugenio Suarez	CIN	3B	+4
20	Ronald Acuna Jr.	ATL	OF	Unranked
21	Josh Bell	PIT	1B	-6
22	Max Kepler	MIN	OF	-1
23	Francisco Lindor	CLE	SS	-3
24	Matt Olsen	OAK	1B	Unranked
25	Manny Machado	SD	3B/SS	–

Off the List: Edwin Encarnacion (injury), Nelson Cruz (injury), Paul Goldschmidt

J.D. Martinez is getting his power stroke back, which is not good for opposing fantasy owners. He has seven homers across his last 15 games and has his total up to 27. With 43 games left, do not be surprised if Martinez cranks another baker’s dozen and finishes the year with at least 40 bombs.

 

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

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Franmil Reyes	CLE	OF	–
2	Miguel Sano	MIN	1B/3B	+1
3	Christian Walker	ARZ	1B	+2
4	Daniel Vogelbach	SEA	1B	-2
5	Renato Nunez	BAL	1B/3B	-1
6	Kyle Schwarber	CHC	OF	–
7	Brian Anderson	MIA	3B/OF	Unranked
8	Teoscar Hernandez	TOR	OF	Unranked
9	Aristides Aquino	CIN	OF	Unranked
10	Kole Calhoun	LAA	OF	-3

Off the List: Nomar Mazara, Justin Smoak, Mark Canha

Seven home runs in his first 10 career games. If you have not picked up Aristides Aquino in your league yet, it is probably too late.

 

Runs Batted In (RBI)

 

Top 25

 

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

Off the List: Edwin Encarnacion (injury)

Ronald Acuna Jr. has been the best player in fantasy over his last month. Legitimately doing it all, Acuna has 29 runs, 11 HRs, 26 RBI, and 15 SBs over the last 30 days. The kid is a the truth, and he is gonna require a top-five pick next year to get him.

 

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

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Daniel Vogelbach	SEA	1B	–
2	Miguel Sano	MIN	1B/3B	+4
3	Franmil Reyes	CLE	OF	-1
4	Bryan Reynolds	PIT	OF	–
5	Brian Anderson	MIA	3B/OF	Unranked
6	Kyle Schwarber	CHC	OF	Unranked
7	Aristides Aquino	CIN	OF	Unranked
8	Kole Calhoun	LAA	OF	+2
9	Mike Tauchman	NYY	OF	Unranked
10	Renato Nunez	BAL	1B/3B	-7

Off the List: Nomar Mazara, Colin Moran, Nick Markakis (injury)

The Yankees’ battle cry of “Next Man Up” has never been more true than with Mike Tauchman. He has virtually come out of nowhere and has filled in with flying colors for the Bombers with 41 RBI across 64 games, including 27 runs driven in over his last 25 contests. His time in the spotlight may not last much longer with Aaron Hicks and Giancarlo Stanton potentially returning before the end of the year, but you have no choice but to ride this out.

 

Stolen Bases (SB)

 

Top 25

 

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

Off the List: Byron Buxton

After getting caught 10 times in 35 chances a year ago, Francisco Lindor has been very efficient on the basepaths in 2019. He is 18-for-20 in steal attempts and remains one of the best power/speed threats in fantasy.

 

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	Billy Hamilton	KC	OF	–
4	Kevin Kiermaier	TB	OF	–
5	Manuel Margot	SD	OF	–
6	Kolten Wong	STL	2B	–
7	Amed Rosario	NYM	SS	–
8	Leury Garcia	CHW	SS/OF	Unranked
9	Adam Eaton	WSH	OF	Unranked
10	Jon Berti	MIA	2B/3B/OF	Unranked

Off the List: Ramon Laureano, Danny Santana (ownership), Oscar Mercado

Jon Berti is getting some regular at-bats in Miami and has a lengthy track record in the minors when it comes to speed. He once stole 56 bases in High-A and has swiped 23 or more in every season of his minor league career. He is worth a look in deeper formats, especially if you are in need of speed.

 

On-Base Percentage (OBP)

 

Top 25

 

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

Off the List: Nelson Cruz (injury), Josh Bell

Alex Bregman had been pretty stagnant with his production up until the last couple of weeks. But the one thing that has remained has been his incredible ability to get on base. Over the past month, Bregman has a .444 OBP, and for the year he sits at .404. Very few have the approach at the plate that he has.

 

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

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Bryan Reynolds	PIT	OF	+3
2	Daniel Vogelbach	SEA	1B	-1
3	J.D. Davis	NYM	1B/3B/OF	Unranked
4	Adam Eaton	WSH	OF	-1
5	Jason Heyward	CHC	OF	–
6	Mark Canha	OAK	1B/OF	Unranked
7	Manuel Margot	SD	OF	Unranked
8	Kolten Wong	STL	2B	+2
9	Christian Walker	ARZ	1B	Unranked
10	Miguel Cabrera	DET	1B	-2

Off the List: Alex Verdugo (injury), Brandon Belt, David Fletcher, Justin Smoak

J.D. Davis has been at the forefront of this scorching hot streak the Mets have been on. He has hit .387 over the past month with THE highest OBP in baseball during that stretch of .455. He is starting to get everyday run and should be picked up in most standard leagues.

 

Wins (W)

 

Top 25

 

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

Off the List: German Marquez

Over the past month, Clayton Kershaw has gone 4-0 with a 1.74 ERA and has an 11.61 K/9. The 31-year old is still as good as they come.

 

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

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Ryan Yarbrough	TB	SP/RP	–
2	Kyle Gibson	MIN	SP	–
3	Jeff Samardzija	SF	SP	+4
4	Marco Gonzales	SEA	SP	-1
5	Dakota Hudson	STL	SP/RP	-1
6	Brett Anderson	OAK	SP	-1
7	Aaron Sanchez	HOU	SP	+3
8	Zach Plesac	CLE	SP	Unranked
9	Cal Quantrill	SD	SP/RP	Unranked
10	Jakob Junis	KC	SP	Unranked

Off the List: Zach Davies (injury), Jason Vargas, Andrew Cashner

Cal Quantrill has dominated over his last five outings, going 3-1 with a 0.93 ERA. Quantrill has a very good fastball, which has registered an 11.2 pVAL. He needs to be picked up in most formats.

 

Earned Run Average (ERA)

 

Top 25

 

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

Off the List: Matt Boyd

Since the end of June, Sonny Gray has a 1.74 ERA and has lowered his mark to 3.10 for the year. He is striking out batters at a career-high rate and appears to have gotten his career back on the right track in Cincinnati after a tumultuous stint in the Bronx.

 

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

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Jeff Samardzija	SF	SP	+4
2	Zach Plesac	CLE	SP	-1
3	Kyle Gibson	MIN	SP	-1
4	Chris Bassitt	OAK	SP	–
5	Cal Quantrill	SD	SP/RP	Unranked
6	Zac Gallen	ARZ	SP	+1
7	Chris Bassitt	OAK	SP	-3
8	Ryan Yarbrough	TB	SP/RP	Unranked
9	Brett Anderson	OAK	SP	-1
10	Reynaldo Lopez	CHW	SP	Unranked

Off the List: Zach Davies (injury), Tanner Roark, Taylor Clarke

Reynaldo Lopez’s season-long numbers are not too flattering, but over his last six starts, Lopez has registered a 2.13 ERA. He finished 2018 really strong and is looking like a good bet to do the same this go around as well. If only we could get this sort of consistency over the course of a full season from the talented righty.

 

Strikeouts (K)

 

Top 25

 

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

Off the List: Madison Bumgarner

Jack Flaherty has racked up 43 Ks across his last 31.1 innings and is looking like the electric arm we saw in 2018. For those who are in leagues who have not reached their trade deadline, the window to buy low on Flaherty has pretty much closed.

 

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

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Dinelson Limet	SD	SP	Unranked
2	Chris Archer	PIT	SP	Unranked
3	Jordan Yamamoto	MIA	SP	-1
4	Zac Gallen	ARZ	SP	Unranked
5	Trent Thornton	TOR	SP	–
6	Jordan Lyles	MIL	SP	+2
7	Kyle Gibson	MIN	SP	-6
8	Chris Bassitt	OAK	SP	-1
9	Aaron Sanchez	HOU	SP	–
10	Jakob Junis	KC	SP	-6

Off the List: Tanner Roark, Reynaldo Lopez, Chase Anderson

It took a few starts, but Dinelson Lamet is starting to find his footing on the mound after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Even during his early struggles this year, he has been piling up the strikeouts. He now has 42 across 30 innings, including 12 across seven scoreless in his previous outing. It is time to make a speculative pickup on the right-hander, as he could be a huge boost for fantasy owners down the home stretch.

 

Saves (SV)

 

Top 25

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Kirby Yates	SD	RP	–
2	Aroldis Chapman	NYY	RP	–
3	Kenley Jansen	LAD	RP	–
4	Roberto Osuna	HOU	RP	–
5	Brad Hand	CLE	RP	–
6	Josh Hader	MIL	RP	+1
7	Sean Doolittle	WSH	RP	+2
8	Will Smith	SF	RP	+2
9	Felipe Vazquez	PIT	RP	-3
10	Edwin Diaz	NYM	RP	+1
11	Alex Colome	CHW	RP	+2
12	Raisel Iglesias	CIN	RP	+3
13	Hector Neris	PHI	RP	+1
14	Shane Greene	ATL	RP	-6
15	Ian Kennedy	KC	SP/RP	+4
16	Liam Hendriks	OAK	SP/RP	+1
17	Ken Giles	TOR	RP	-1
18	Hansel Robles	LAA	RP	+2
19	Carlos Martinez	STL	SP/RP	+2
20	Taylor Rogers	MIN	RP	+4
21	Emilio Pagan	TB	RP	+1
22	Scott Oberg	COL	RP	+3
23	Archie Bradley	ARZ	RP	Unranked
24	Jose Leclerc	TEX	RP	-1
25	Pedro Strop	CHC	RP	Unranked

Off the List: Greg Holland, Craig Kimbrel (injury)

Lots of shaking up here. After the likes of Wade Davis, Greg Holland, and Shane Greene lost their ninth-inning jobs in recent weeks, this list looks a little different. Saves are a real crapshoot during the course of such a long season, and it is times like these why I never invest much draft capital in closers.

 

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

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Emilio Pagan	TB	RP	–
2	Scott Oberg	COL	RP	+2
3	Archie Bradley	ARZ	RP	Unranked
4	Jose Leclerc	TEX	RP	-2
5	Pedro Strop	CHC	RP	Unranked
6	Mark Melancon	ATL	RP	Unranked
7	Brandon Workman	BOS	RP	–
8	Anthony Bass	SEA	RP	-2
9	Derek Law	TOR	RP	Unranked
10	Mychal Givens	BAL	RP	-1

Off the List: Taylor Rogers (ownership), Diego Castillo, Sergio Romo, Wade Davis

Mark Melancon was given the first crack at saves once Shane Greene was dethroned from the closer’s role and it did not go well. There is no telling who will get the next chance in the Atlanta bullpen, but Melancon is worth a shot in deeper leagues if you are the Greene owner.

 

WHIP (Walks+Hits/Innings Pitched)

 

Top 25

 

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

Off the List: Yonny Chirinos (injury)

Jacob deGrom may not be putting together a historic season as he did in 2018, but the guy is still downright dominant. Over his last six starts, deGrom has a 1.35 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP to go along with 54 Ks across 41 innings. 

 

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

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Jeff Samardzija	SF	SP	–
2	Ryan Yarbrough	TB	SP/RP	+6
3	Zach Plesac	CLE	SP	Unranked
4	Chris Bassitt	OAK	SP	-2
5	Cal Quantrill	SD	SP/RP	Unranked
6	Kyle Gibson	MIN	SP	-3
7	Zac Gallen	ARZ	SP	Unranked
8	Gio Gonzalez	MIL	SP	Unranked
9	Jordan Yamamoto	MIA	SP	-5
10	Aaron Sanchez	HOU	SP	Unranked

Off the List: Taylor Clarke, Mike Leake, Merrill Kelly, Brett Anderson, Andrew Cashner

Gio Gonzalez has been a WHIP killer over the last few years, but he has found his stride in Milwaukee this year. The veteran lefty has posted a 1.16 WHIP on the year and has been pretty solid for the Brew Crew. At the very least, he is a good streamer against lesser lineups.

 

Quality Starts (QS)

 

Top 25

 

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

Off the List: None

Luis Castillo has thrown three straight quality starts and seven in his last eight starts. It has been so great to watch Castillo pitch this year. He is a special talent.

 

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

 

Rank	Name	Team	Position	Change
1	Brett Anderson	OAK	SP	–
2	Zach Plesac	CLE	SP	+1
3	Zac Gallen	ARZ	SP	+4
4	Jeff Samardzija	SF	SP	Unranked
5	Reynaldo Lopez	CHW	SP	Unranked
6	Dakota Hudson	STL	SP/RP	-4
7	Marco Gonzales	SEA	SP	-2
8	Jordan Yamamoto	MIA	SP	–
9	Brad Keller	KC	SP/RP	+1
10	Jakob Junis	KC	SP	Unranked

Off the List: Mike Leake, Andrew Cashner, Merrill Kelly

Jeff Samardzija continues his strong stretch with a 1.13 ERA across his last four starts. “Shark” has six quality starts over his last eight and should be owned until further notice.

Featured image by Justin Paradis (@freshmeatcomm on Twitter)