Welcome to the SP Roundup, my daily fantasy baseball article reviewing every starting pitcher’s performance from every Sunday game. I apologize for the jokes written in my delirium in advance. Have questions? Ask me during my office hours on Playback.tv weekday mornings from 10 am-12 pm ET.
Jose Quintana (MIL) @ STL (W) – 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BBs, 6 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 98 pitches.
It seems like every season we see Jose Quintana go on a stretch that many can ignore as he gets hand-waved for his boring skill set and low velocity. I was one of those! And yet here we are, four starts in, and Quintana has allowed just 3 ER total, including today’s 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BBs, 6 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 98 pitches (W) performance against the Cardinals. I guess we’re jumping in, right?
Yes, it is a Vargas Rule, though that will be heavily challenged with the Cubs next on the docket. His changeup, curve, and sinker have been effective against RHB, though I’m still in shock at his sinker’s effectiveness down the pipe to RHB in this one. It’s not the elite pitch separation I’ve seen in the past from Quintana during these patented stretches, either, and dare I say you should break the rules and not start him against Chicago? I think I might. I have no problem with anyone rolling with the hot hand, but it doesn’t quite seem like the guy I want to lean on against a strong squad. The ceiling isn’t that high, after all.
Let’s see how every other SP did Sunday:
Joe Ryan (MIN) vs LAA (W) – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 11 Ks – 26 Whiffs, 38% CSW, 98 pitches.
Aces gonna FINALLY DO IT. What, have a great start? No, I mean, yes, he had a phenomenal outing for a Gallows Pole, but it’s all because he FOUND A #2 PITCH. The sweeper! It returned 37% CSW and had a stupid amount of horizontal break at -18″ inches, marking a 35″ difference between his sinker and sweeper, which is all kinds of fun. Oh, and his four-seamer went 42% CSW with 18/57 whiffs. BUT THE SWEEPER!
Nick Lodolo (CIN) @ COL (W) – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 1 BBs, 9 Ks – 15 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 91 pitches.
I know, I know. The Rockies are still a poor offense and Coors isn’t so tough. STILL. Lodolo didn’t face a single LHB and had both his changeup and curve cooking, while living upstairs with his heater to great effect. So much soft contact, a ton of strikeouts, and a lovely day at the park. Atta boy Lodolo. One of the underrated surprises of the season so far.
Tarik Skubal (DET) vs BAL (W) – 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 Hits, 0 BBs, 11 Ks – 22 Whiffs, 41% CSW, 91 pitches.
Aces gonna ace for a King Cole. The changeup was alive with the sound of music and Skubal has obliterated teams since his pair of poor outings to kick off the year. Funny how that works. At the end of the season, we’ll hear plenty of “If you ignore Skubal’s first two starts, his ERA is actually…”
Max Fried (NYY) vs TOR (W) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 101 pitches.
Aces gonna ace. Fried is the stable stud that everyone dreams a back-end SP #1 can be. But the strikeouts! He’s on pace for close to 170 strikeouts this year given his volume. I’ll take that all day.
Hunter Brown (HOU) @ KCR (W) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 9 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 100 pitches.
YES, I’M NOTICING. Please stop sending me hate mail, I’m a human, you know. I already said in the last roundup that I’d be raising Hunter and he’s still right at 97 mph on the four-seamer. Expect him to be Top 25 tomorrow, even if I still don’t see a legit breaker in the mix. The heaters are working and the changeup woke up in this one for a 42% CSW across 19 thrown. Not a whole lot of soft contact, though (oh hey! Poor WHIP!).
Osvaldo Bido (ATH) vs CHW (ND) – 5.1 IP, 1 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 1 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 22% CSW, 90 pitches.
You got a lovely date with the White Sox and all you could give us was a decent ERA? HAISTBMBWT?! I really don’t want to go after Bido.
Clarke Schmidt (NYY) vs TOR (ND) – 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 1 Hits, 4 BBs, 6 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 34% CSW, 90 pitches.
It’s obviously great but those four walks make it feel icky, don’t they? The sweeper did its job against RHB, but curves and cutters were hard to wrangle like a pack of sheep in a thunderstorm. He’s up to 90 pitches now and gets the Rays next, so we’re all thrilled there.
Jameson Taillon (CHC) vs PHI (ND) – 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 Hits, 0 BBs, 2 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 20% CSW, 88 pitches.
This is such a good Vargas Rule to kick off the season. Taillon has faced a ton of strong offenses and powered through it, leading the charge previously with his sweeper, but here nailing his cutter to RHB and changeup + curve to LHB. A lovely offering to Koufax was paid, of course, but I’m just happy for the guy. We ride this as the Rule dictates – until he slips.
Aaron Nola (PHI) @ CHC (ND) – 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 16 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 99 pitches.
Nola, you really needed this one. The curve was great, but to see 36% cutters to RHB was a shock, to say the least, and it returned 41% CSW along the way, taking the edge off the sinker to RHB. This can work if that feel sticks moving forward, and let’s also celebrate the sinker and four-seamer sitting comfortably over 90 mph at 91/92 mph this time around. That 89.8 mph sinker last game gave me the shivers. Here’s to hoping the feel is still there against the Sneks – this may end up being a Dennis in the end, and I’d so hate for that to happen.
Brandon Eisert (CHW) @ ATH (ND) – 1.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 Hits, 0 BBs, 0 Ks – 1 Whiffs, 15% CSW, 13 pitches.
I’m getting pretty annoyed with these openers in Chicago. Davis Martin followed for 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 5 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 73 pitches as the changeup did work against LHB and he was able to find outs with inside fastballs and an array of sliders to RHB. I’m happy he had the good graces of Koufax here as I’m not seeing an overwhelming arm for us to trust, especially on the CrySox.
Brandon Pfaadt (ARI) vs ATL (W) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 9 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 100 pitches.
The fella keeps producing as I anxiously glance away from the 1.67 WHIP in hopes of not making eye contact. Oh no, it’s walking this way—Heeyyy! Look at my eye. Uh huh. I got Singled Out by Atlanta because Pfaadt left too many sweepers up. Awww jeez, that can happen. Can you talk to him? Sure, I’ll try. Make him throw better changeups and curves too. Working on it! Say hi to the other half for me. ERA is out with their friends. Lucky them. Haha yeah. Welp, see ya later.
Logan Evans (SEA) vs MIA (W) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 2 Hits, 3 BBs, 3 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 17% CSW, 78 pitches.
It’s the Wrong Logan! He’s the replacement for Gilbert and while I’m happy he was able to earn a Win in this debut, I see a 93 mph sinker with great run that didn’t get inside to RHB + an array of changeups, curves, and cutters to LHB that lack electricity. It can work if the command stabilizes past the adrenaline of a debut, and I’ll reassess if that time comes.
Jordan Hicks (SFG) vs TEX (ND) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 7 Hits, 0 BBs, 3 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 84 pitches.
Uhhhh. Hicks was down to 94.2 mph on his sinker. Not 97-99. 94 mph. But he only allowed two runs! Yeah yeah yeah, I don’t like Hicks at 94 mph, even with all his pitches filling up the zone. That said, he ramped up the velocity through the start to get it back to 97, and maybe that’s the plan? He came out firing, dropped it down, realizing he should conserve, and it’s possible he jumps back up later. I don’t love it, but we have Rockie Road next SO FINE. We’ll take this one and move on.
Zack Littell (TBR) @ SDP (W) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 1 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 73 pitches.
This feels awfully like a Dusty Donut with that HAISTBMBWT?! and I’m happy for all of you who streamed this on a desperate Sunday. Please send him back to the wire now. Yes, before the Monday waiver rush.
Jack Leiter (TEX) @ SFG (ND) – 3.1 IP, 2 ER, 2 Hits, 4 BBs, 3 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 20% CSW, 76 pitches.
It’s so nice to see Jack Zippo back, who was horrific in the first before settling in for the next 2.1 frames after. I’m glad this one is out of the way and we should expect more from his next outing hosting Seattle.
Tyler Glasnow (LAD) vs PIT (ND) – 1.0 IP, 2 ER, 2 Hits, 1 BBs, 0 Ks – 2 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 17 pitches.
Glasnow left this one early with a shoulder injury, and now we wait. Not again. Yeaaaah. Props to Ben Casparius for stepping in for 3.2 frames of shutout ball and he may be an arm to consider this week, though he may need some time to stretch out to 5+ frames with just 54 pitches in the books here. That slider/cutter combo is pretty fun, though. I love saving the 96/97 mph fastball for special moments to remind them not to get too far up in the box to cut off the breaking pitches.
Tylor Megill (NYM) @ WSN (ND) – 6.1 IP, 3 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 9 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 37% CSW, 105 pitches.
TYLORD MEGILL. His four-seamer is truly cooking with its high location + slider underneath and even the changeup and curve are earning strikes now. There are still mistake pitches over the plate that I can do without, but it’s so dang fun to see the four-seamer actually succeed as it should. Keep this going y’all.
Spencer Schwellenbach (ATL) @ ARI (L) – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 16 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 88 pitches.
Uhhh, remember when we wanted to give him AGA? We haven’t seen an ace-worthy performance since. A PQS with few strikes on the slider and curveball + poorly spotted fastballs and cutters do not describe the man we want to see. We’ll get there.
Brayan Bello (BOS) @ CLE (W) – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 6 Hits, 3 BBs, 4 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 21% CSW, 99 pitches.
A bit of a Careful, Icarus for Bello here, who allowed a three-run shot in the sixth. That said, he failed to eclipse a 25% CSW on any of his pitches, featuring solid changeups down and scattered four-seamers for 44% strikes mixed with somewhat hittable sliders over the plate. Solid work given the lack of RHB that would allow his sinker to run freely, but still not quite the Bello I’m looking for. Consider him a Toby for now.
José Soriano (LAA) @ MIN (L) – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 90 pitches.
Meh. The sinker wasn’t jamming RHB and the curve wasn’t ole reliable. Weird to see so many splitters get involved to LHB, while the slider has been put on the shelf for whatever reason. I legitimately don’t understand that choice. We’re rolling him out there for the Tigers up next.
Randy Vásquez (SDP) vs TBR (L) – 4.2 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 1 Ks – 3 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 77 pitches.
What is it with the two walk/one strikeout outings today? It sounds like the latest drink coming out of Williamsburg. Yeah, I’ll take two walks with a K. Those not in the know think it’s disgusting, but those in the know also think it’s disgusting but also super cool. Wait, no. I’m not saying Randy is cool. Sorry. Maybe as a person, just not for your fantasy teams.
Chris Bassitt (TOR) @ NYY (L) – 5.2 IP, 4 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 92 pitches.
Dang Yankees. The curve struggled for another outing and it was mostly sinker/cutter doing the rest. He either needs that curve working or to not be facing a powerhouse like the pinstripes. Things should be better against the Guardians.
Kris Bubic (KCR) vs HOU (L) – 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BBs, 4 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 22% CSW, 93 pitches.
Bleeeegh. I was optimistic that Bubic’s changeup would show up and take down the Stros, but the pitch returned just a 50% strike rate and he featured far too many sliders and sweepers over the plate. I dug the high heater, though. Things are fine here, keep rolling Bubic out there against the Orioles.
Dean Kremer (BAL) @ DET (L) – 5.2 IP, 5 ER, 4 Hits, 4 BBs, 3 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 20% CSW, 97 pitches.
You’re still rostering Kremer? Why? Is it the hair?
Bailey Falter (PIT) @ LAD (L) – 4.1 IP, 5 ER, 8 Hits, 2 BBs, 2 Ks – 3 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 81 pitches.
No one could have predicted this – Rando talking about the thing that everyone predicted. It’s because he’s not on the Rays, right? BINGO.
Max Meyer (MIA) @ SEA (L) – 4.0 IP, 5 ER, 5 Hits, 4 BBs, 6 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 86 pitches.
Oh no. Max. BUDDY. You gave us the highest of highs with your last start, now you went to the @TEA and what is this?! His command of the changeup and fastball was horrendous, while the slider couldn’t get outside to RHB, nor take control against LHB. This was rough and I hope there wasn’t something bothering him. Hopefully it was just a weird off day and if we don’t hear anything before his next outing, we brush it off and start him against the Athletics.
Mitchell Parker (WSN) vs NYM (ND) – 5.0 IP, 6 ER, 7 Hits, 5 BBs, 0 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 19% CSW, 96 pitches.
Womp womp. Parker had been on a stellar run to kick off the season and got bamboozled by the Mets despite a whole lot of strikes on his four-seamer and splitter. The curve and slider really let him down, sadly, and the fastball went just 7/54 CSW if you can believe it. They fouled off a ton to keep at-bats alive, while Parker’s extension fell down over the laborious day. He could recover in Cincy, though I’ll continue passing on him.
Bradley Blalock (COL) vs CIN (L) – 4.0 IP, 6 ER, 7 Hits, 2 BBs, 1 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 20% CSW, 80 pitches.
How do you spell Bradley Blalock? With 2 BBs and 1 K. You have no idea how long I’ve waited to make that joke.
Kevin Gausman (TOR) @ NYY (L) – 2.2 IP, 6 ER, 3 Hits, 5 BBs, 2 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 71 pitches.
All of the hope that some had for Gausman getting his groove back after a few good outings? Annnnnd there it goooooeess SEE YA. His splitter feel is gone and the heater is not enough, even if it sure seemed that way for a start or two. But fine, it was the Yankees. He’s likely still good enough for the Guardians up next. I think. Probably.
Erick Fedde (STL) vs MIL (L) – 5.2 IP, 7 ER, 10 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 103 pitches.
Yikes. If you keep this up, you’ll have to be Ant-Man. But I already bought the web-slingers. Sorry Fedde, get your act together and stop getting Singled Out if you want to be Spider-Man. He could rebound against the Mets – that sweeper was still excellent.
Logan Allen (CLE) vs BOS (L) – 4.1 IP, 7 ER, 9 Hits, 3 BBs, 2 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 20% CSW, 96 pitches.
This wasn’t the start to target Allen. Is there a start to target Allen? Uhhhh, good question. Let’s table that for now.
Watch Nick Discuss The Roundup Live On YouTube
Game of the Day
Bailey Ober vs. Gavin Williams – Two pitchers I want to see more from and have the capacity to be Top 25 SP the rest of the way.
But Nick?! Where are the streaming picks? – I’ve moved them to the daily SP Matchups & Streamer Rankings article.
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