Welcome to the SP Roundup, my daily fantasy baseball article reviewing every starting pitcher’s performance from every Friday 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.
Albert Suárez (BAL) vs TBR (ND) – 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 5 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 95 pitches.
The Orioles lost both Tyler Wells and John Means for the rest of the 2024 season and Albert Suárez stepped in as the first call of reinforcements. His 95 mph heater at the top of the zone got him through his first outing, suggesting success against a poor Rays offense on Friday and ultimately, he came through: 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 5 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 95 pitches. No Win, but that’s a line you can hang your hat on.
You may not want to leave your hat there for long, though. Suárez had a rough pair of opening frames and was hit hard inside the zone before settling down in the final three innings. His heater failed to earn the same number of whiffs (just 3/35!) and I’m not a believer in his secondaries excelling against stronger lineups.
Feel free to chase one more against the Jays – it’s possible his 13/35 foul ball rate on the fastball converts to whiffs next time and his secondaries hold up – though I have to preach caution for those considering a longer stay. He’s too hittable and carries a floor that can kill a week.
Let’s see how every other SP did Friday:
Bryan Woo (SEA) vs LAA (ND) – 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 0 BBs, 2 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 66 pitches.
Apparently, Woo had “some arm stuff” earlier this week, so the Mariners held him to a limited pitch count. I’ll take Terrible ways to lower my anxiety for $400, Alex. We also didn’t see secondaries come into play much at all and it’s hard to expect Woo to A) avoid the IL before July 1st and B) get into a groove with his secondaries before August 1st. At the same time, he’s returning gorgeous ratios so we just ride this out, especially with the Athletics ahead. Good luck, everyone.
Bailey Falter (PIT) @ TOR (ND) – 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 2 BBs, 5 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 81 pitches.
Hot dang, look at you! Props to Falter for working in the sinker effectively for 42% CSW, but the real winner was his four-seamer, sitting 92/93 mph (up a full tick), while flattening out his four-seamer to a respectable 1.2 HAVAA and increasing its iVB to a fantastic 17.5″. That’s 1.5″ more than his season average, complementing his elite 7.4′ extension. THAT’S A WHOLE LOT OF DUMB STATS NICK. Okay okay okay, it’s all to say that he’s made his four-seamer far better and it makes sense he’s having success with it, even when he didn’t spot it beautifully. Too bad it’s the Dodgers up next or I’d consider him as a streaming option. Let’s see if the heater is just as good there, too.
Tanner Houck (BOS) vs DET (W) – 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 95 pitches.
The dude just doesn’t quit, albeit getting the Tigers always helped. He’s as locked in as ever and avoiding the longball incredibly well. Much higher slider here, too, with fewer breakers missing all over the zone and leaning more gloveside than usual. Is this good? Yes. This is very good. WHERE’S HIS AGA THEN? Well…maybe he gets it in a few weeks? I want to see Houck thrive against legit offenses as I still question whether his slider can continue its dominance in the zone against proper offenses. The CrySox are not and that’s not a great litmus test, sadly, but hot dang, it sure feels like he deserves it.
Dakota Hudson (COL) @ LAD (W) – 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 101 pitches.
There’s your Gold Star as Hudson shrugged his way through seven frames with a 37% CSW curveball and a ton of sinkerballs churning outs. What a ridiculous man.
Pablo López (MIN) @ HOU (W) – 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 17 Whiffs, 33% CSW, 93 pitches.
ATTA BOY. A Golden Goal against a legit squad with a 32% CSW changeup and 16/19 sweeper strikes is just what we wanted. I’m skeptical he can replicate 12/35 four-seamer whiffs, but hot dang we needed this. Now survive against the Yankees and get a few more secondary whiffs and we’ll be all good. You got this.
José Berríos (TOR) vs PIT (ND) – 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 6 Hits, 0 BBs, 5 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 101 pitches.
You gotta love The Great Undulator boasting perfectly spotted curveballs and a changeup landing armside consistently. This is some good undulation.
Tanner Bibee (CLE) vs WSN (W) – 6.1 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 7 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 89 pitches.
You love to see it. The four-seamer shape took a small step back from its massive gains of last start, but it’s still better than its April edition and he’s keeping it upstairs with ease. The slider/curve/change are all doing their best to find the zone and stay low, but I rarely feel like Bibee executes the perfect secondary. It absolutely happens, sure, but it’s not an expectation. And yet, if the heater is performing well and he finds secondary strikes, all is well. Let’s keep it going.
Reynaldo López (ATL) vs OAK (W) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 8 Ks – 16 Whiffs, 33% CSW, 87 pitches.
Fantastic BSB work from ReyLó here, earning his third Win of the season (that’s it?!) and a co-share of the King Cole (super rare to see a co-share!). This was the most locked-in I’ve seen Reynaldo all year and I’m stoked to see it again when he faces the Nationals later this week.
Aaron Civale (TBR) @ BAL (ND) – 5.1 IP, 1 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 21% CSW, 92 pitches.
The man survived against the Orioles and we have to give him props for that. Sadly, we’re not seeing curveball dominance (14% usage) and his breakers combined for just 2/28 whiffs. We have to go back. It isn’t that easy, Jack. Civale has to endure the birds a second time next week and I’m still avoiding this.
Marcus Stroman (NYY) @ SFG (W) – 7.1 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 2 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 91 pitches.
Cutters were the secondary of choice and Stroman did Stroman things. Thanks for being a reliable Toby, Marcus.
Aaron Nola (PHI) vs STL (W) – 6.1 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 96 pitches.
Aces gonna ace. Nothing like some good ole curveball dominate with more four-seamers upstairs. 71 strikeouts, 3.03 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 7 Wins, it’s all going according to plan…
Patrick Corbin (WSN) @ CLE (L) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 90 pitches.
Oh snap! TWO EARNED RUNS. We’re all so very proud of you Corbin.
Michael Wacha (KCR) vs SDP (ND) – 5.1 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 17% CSW, 78 pitches.
Wacha found a way to the finish line despite not having a good feel for his changeup. Kudos to him for that, I’d be hesitant to chase this in Cleveland next.
Javier Assad (CHC) vs CIN (ND) – 5.1 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BBs, 7 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 98 pitches.
The WHIP isn’t fun, but there’s clearly still value in the tank for Assad as this Vargas Rule trucks along. Will we get more of the same in Cin City? Maybe, I think you have to give it a try.
Sixto Sánchez (MIA) vs TEX (ND) – 4.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 0 Ks – 0 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 53 pitches.
Oh cool, Sixto is now a part of the HAISTBMBWT?! crew. Not a single whiff in 53 pitches is just…not good. Suitman whispers into my ear FOUR TICKS DOWN ON HIS FASTBALL?! Yeeeeesh, there’s yer problem. Pretty easy to say this is likely donezo. So sorry, Sixto. We were all rooting for you.
José Ureña (TEX) @ MIA (L) – 2.1 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 1 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 17% CSW, 65 pitches.
Remember kids, If you start Josè, Ureña boatload of trouble. Though, I also had some small hope he’d come through for a Win against the Marlins. You’re not alone.
Walker Buehler (LAD) vs COL (L) – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 6 Hits, 4 BBs, 7 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 33% CSW, 92 pitches.
Blegh. A VVPQS is not the delicate order I placed. I think he’s getting closer as he lived more along the edges and had better pitch separation, but why isn’t he throwing more elevated heaters? I seriously don’t get it and will continue to bang the drum that Buehler’s four-seamer shape is made for it. You’re so money and you don’t even know it.
Miles Mikolas (STL) @ PHI (L) – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 96 pitches.
That’s a solid Mikolas outing, especially against the Phils. He’s a bit fortunate they fouled off so many heaters instead of lashing them in play per usual and that’s your ball game. Let’s not.
Dylan Cease (SDP) @ KCR (ND) – 5.1 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 16 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 98 pitches.
Cease, with Darvish and Musgrove down, the team needs you. We need you. YU need you. 53% slider strikes can’t be the world you provide, got it? Cool. NOW FINE TUNE THE CUTTER.
Graham Ashcraft (CIN) @ CHC (ND) – 4.2 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 83 pitches.
Mmmm. That’s an Ashcraft start, alright. Just 10% sinkers, one changeup, and a whole lotta cutters & sliders. You should chase something else.
JP Sears (OAK) @ ATL (L) – 7.0 IP, 4 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 5 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 97 pitches.
Huh, this was the most focused I’ve seen Sears at executing a game plan. Four-seamers were generally up, and the rest were in their right vicinity in the lower half of the zone. I hope that sticks for starts not against strong offenses (yes, I still label Atlanta strong, if not elite).
José Soriano (LAA) @ SEA (ND) – 6.0 IP, 4 ER, 7 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 98 pitches.
Bleeeegh. A trio of doubles messed him up as the Mariners loved the low sinker. I’m still a fan of Soriano and happy he threw sinker strikes (sub 60% curveball strikes, though…) and would roll with him against the Padres next. Consider him a Toby, still.
Luis Severino (NYM) vs ARI (W) – 5.1 IP, 4 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 97 pitches.
You got a Dusty Donut and that will happen often with Severino as a fastball/sweeper arm. Nothing is great in this package, but he’ll often find his way into the sixth. I don’t blame you for trying him another time against the Nationals, especially in a QS league.
Jordan Hicks (SFG) vs NYY (L) – 5.1 IP, 4 ER, 7 Hits, 0 BBs, 4 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 101 pitches.
It’s the Yankees and he threw 9/24 splitter strikes, including a blast off Judge’s blast. Wasn’t that a sinker? No, that was the other Home Run. Ohhhhhh. Hand wave this start and let him fly against the Sneks.
Erick Fedde (CHW) @ MIL (ND) – 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 9 Hits, 4 BBs, 8 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 22% CSW, 98 pitches.
You know, there’s a whole lot to like here as he went for the Neckbeard approach, but the man got Singled Out and couldn’t find the zone when he needed to and it feels like a case where the line is far worse than the skills. It hurt, though. A lot. He’s still a decent dart throw against the Reds Sox on the road though.
Ronel Blanco (HOU) vs MIN (L) – 4.2 IP, 4 ER, 3 Hits, 3 BBs, 6 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 21% CSW, 95 pitches.
Uh oh. Nah, the Twins fouled off a ton of pitches and that’s your ball game. Seriously, just six baserunners and 14 fouls with one whiff on 35 sliders is the difference. All is good.
Kenta Maeda (DET) @ BOS (L) – 4.2 IP, 5 ER, 8 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 85 pitches.
He’s a Cherry Bomb. You don’t get that label without starts like these. DEMS THE RULES.
Tobias Myers (MIL) vs CHW (ND) – 4.1 IP, 5 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 78 pitches.
Womp womp. Okay, fine. His command isn’t there and even though I LOVE his four-seamer shape, it’s just at 93 mph and he needs more to supplement it. He’s a Young Gun and we move on.
Jordan Montgomery (ARI) @ NYM (L) – 4.0 IP, 6 ER, 9 Hits, 3 BBs, 4 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 83 pitches.
I was tempted to lead with Monty, but there’s not a whole lot to say – he’s a Toby and had a bad day on the bump. He’ll face the Dodgers and you should start him there. Don’t make this more than what it is.
Game of the Day
Cal Quantrill vs. Yoshinobu Yamamoto – Feels weird to focus on this, but I’m awfully curious if The UnQuantrillfiable can keep it up against the Dodgers + it’s always fun watching Yamamoto pitch.
But Nick?! Where are the streaming picks? – I’ve moved them to the daily SP Matchups & Streamer Rankings article.
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