Welcome to the SP Roundup, my daily fantasy baseball article reviewing every starting pitcher’s performance from every Saturday game. I apologize for the jokes written in my delirium in advance. Have questions? Ask me during my office hours on Twitch.tv weekday mornings from 10 am-12 pm ET.
Gerrit Cole (NYY) @ BOS (L) – 5.1 IP, 4 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 22% CSW, 89 pitches.
I was really stoked for Gerrit Cole to return to the field this season, and after two games that included a ten-strikeout performance with 15/79 whiffs, it sure seemed like stashing him for two months was worthwhile. Since then? It has not. Cole has dawdled with decency in five games, but two straight clunkers is starting to get managers worried, including a disappointing 5.1 IP, 4 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 22% CSW, 89 pitches (L) against the “rival” Red Sox, one of the worst teams in the majors against RHB. It marked the fifth time in seven starts where he’s failed to eclipse six whiffs – not strikeouts. WHIFFS. That’s a problem.
The catalyst is simple: He can’t locate. Think of Cole like deGrom: Slider nailing down-and-gloveside + four-seamers upstairs with curveballs and changeups intertwined to help out. Maybe sinkers get introduced to help out, too. I haven’t seen the slider get settled in during a game for a while, the changeup is inconsistent, and he’s not getting that fastball upstairs often at all. It’s a problem (What about the cutter? That’s been missing all year and I’m with you, I think it needs to return. It’s generally easier to spot cutters than other offerings since they move less, but that can vary from pitcher-to-pitcher, of course.).
Gerrit’s stuff is very much present (97 mph heaters, legit 83/85 curveballs with awesome two-plane movement, 89 mph sliders with extra sweep, etc.), and the issue lies in their execution. That’s not the Strider case (he’s had worse stuff), and is classic situation of a pitcher who is still shaking off rust. So, when will he be better? This is the moment when I look you square in the eye and shrug. It could be tomorrow, it could require the all-star break when he gets extra time to hit the reset button, but I would be shocked if he didn’t have it before August arrives. The Yankees will do whatever they can to get him ready for the playoffs, and for those in H2H leagues, you should expect him at his peak for your fantasy playoffs. (View Game Card)
Let’s see how every other SP did Saturday:
Logan Webb (SFG) vs ATL (W) – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 92 pitches.
One down, one to go. Webb’s crown can be found among the peaks of the Colorado Rockies, and I’m confident he’ll find it. How annoying would it be if he came back dishelved, shaking his head in failure? Don’t be that guy. (View Game Card)
Foster Griffin (WSN) @ BAL (ND) – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 9 Ks – 17 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 112 pitches.
Wow. I’m blown away at hoe much of a stud he’s been over the last seven games. 1.49 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 27% strikeout rate, 4% walk rate, while averaging six frames per game. That’s dope. This was a game of fantastic cutters inside to RHB with changeups and heaters away, making full use of his kitchen sink to keep batters on their toes. I don’t want to call it a full Vargas Rule, and how can I not call him a Holly moving forward? This is awesome. (View Game Card)
Slade Cecconi (CLE) vs SEA (W) – 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 87 pitches.
Hot dang, this is something else. That’s a 2.63 ERA and 1.23 WHIP for the Slade Brigade across his last ten starts, though it does come with four or fewer strikeouts in all but three of those games. What does that mean? It means Koufax is a kind fella, but also that Slade is better these days at inducing weak contact (only 39% hard here vs. 61% weak), and you can look at his pitch separation against LHB in this one to see how he gets it done. I’m not fully endorsing this against CHW and @MIN next, but certainly in the Questionable Start tier moving forward. (View Game Card)
Davis Martin (CHW) vs KCR (ND) – 5.1 IP, 0 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 22% CSW, 87 pitches.
A ‘Toby” against a poor offense? Seems about right to me. And get this: He’ll get @CLE and hosts the Sawx after. Fire it up? FIRE. IT. UP. (View Game Card)
Cal Quantrill (TEX) @ TOR (ND) – 4.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 35% CSW, 55 pitches.
I’m a little surprised they pulled Quantrill after he struck out all three batters he faced in the fourth, but fine, it was his first game above 40 pitches since May 8th. And it’s not like he was going to keep it up. Yeah, fair. Speaking of which…I know, I know. Don’t pick him up. I always knew you were smart. (View Game Card)
Ryan Gusto (MIA) @ STL (ND) – 3.1 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 3 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 63 pitches.
Okay. The Marlins aren’t pushing him yet and we sit back to chase something else. (View Game Card)
Michael Grove (TB) vs ARI (W) – 3.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 0 BBs, 4 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 50% CSW, 34 pitches.
He was opened for and stole a dub. I got a text from the wonderful Jason Collette suggesting that Grove is going the way of the Ras Pack. I can see it with 16 four-seamers + sinkers + cutters in the mix, but his collection is kinda mid, while the slider is going all hero ball at 50% usage and a 59% CSW. I wonder if the Rays push Grove for more in the future, and until I see him go at least 60 pitches, then we’ll talk. (View Game Card)
Michael Wacha (KCR) @ CHW (ND) – 7.2 IP, 1 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 7 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 105 pitches.
Ahhhh, lovely. After three poor outings + a questionable PQS, Wacha has returned 7+ IP twice in a row with 12 strikeouts and 1 ER apiece. He’s getting his cutter and heater on the inner half and changeup on the outer half to LHB in standard Wacha fashion, and I’m cool with it against the Phils. Not excited, but the innings potential with some strikeouts is there. (View Game Card)
Jake Bennett (BOS) vs NYY (W) – 6.1 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 87 pitches.
It’s the SWATCH life where Bennett’s 7.1 feet of extension, two-plane four-seamer at 13″ vert and run (is that good? I’m not sure…? I think so when it’s both like that), and precision upstairs ate up RHB for 73% strikes and a fair share of whiffs, while the changeup, sinker, and sweeper nestled into the zone below. Now it’s the Angels and I’m down for that, even if he had Koufax to help him out here. The intent and placement is there. (View Game Card)
Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD) @ SDP (W) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 89 pitches.
Aces gonna ace. You know why he returned few strikeouts. Few high heaters? YOU’RE SO SMART. Pretty wild to see The Inquisitor hold a paltry 24% strikeout rate through fifteen games, but it’s 90 strikeouts, which turns into 180 if he goes 30 starts. Six-man rotation, Nick. Fine, 170 strikeouts in 28 starts? That’s still cool with y’all, right?
David Peterson (CHC) @ MIL (W) – 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 0 BBs, 2 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 19% CSW, 69 pitches.
Say it with me, y’all. LOLmets. He didn’t pitch all that much better, save for finding his spots upstairs with four-seamers move often, but the Koufax was kind, featuring a sly grin on his face as so many balls found mitts instead of grass. Don’t let this Philly make you think he’s worth your time against the Cardinals. Please. Ahem. Alright, stop puffing out yer chest, David. Here’s your Gold Star. I’m so proud. I’m sure you are. (View Game Card)
Reid Detmers (LAA) vs ATH (ND) – 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 3 BBs, 8 Ks – 18 Whiffs, 34% CSW, 99 pitches.
We had a bit of Careful, Icarus here, kicking Detmers out of the game with a Philly due to a single, walk, single to score his second ER in the sixth. His slider is doing the things we want to see and his four-seamer cooked upstairs. Yeah, we love this, even without the curve or change doing a whole lot of anything. Keep. It. Going. (View Game Card)
Michael Lorenzen (COL) @ MIN (W) – 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 7 Hits, 0 BBs, 1 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 92 pitches.
I think this is one of those rare moments where we’re celebrating a Birthday Party and screaming HAISTBMBWT?! as we shove another bite of Rocky Road cake into our mouths. (View Game Card)
Kyle Harrison (MIL) vs CHC (ND) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 9 Ks – 15 Whiffs, 39% CSW, 92 pitches.
The curveball came back to land low and return 66% strikes and I was ready to give him the AGA tag with this King Cole…until I saw the four-seamer and changeup command. It’s weird. He’s not locating the heater upstairs as often and missing low a ton, while the changeup was thrown seven times for three strikes. On one hand, his season of a 2.57 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 31% strikeout rate deserves the tag, but I also don’t think this is his best version. Look, it’s a great schedule ahead – @ARI, @STL, MIA – can you execute it once in a solid start so I can give it to you? (View Game Card)
Jack Perkins (ATH) @ LAA (ND) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 81 pitches.
Atta boy Perkins! Not the prettiest with just 1/25 four-seamer whiffs and a bit of chaos around the zone (you scared us in that fourth frame with two runs on the board), but this was good enough for us to start you in Sacré Verde against the Marlins up next. Just get that heater upstairs, alright? Take advantage of that awesome 1.6 HAVAA! (View Game Card)
Brandon Young (BAL) vs WSN (ND) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 7 Hits, 2 BBs, 8 Ks – 23 Whiffs, 34% CSW, 93 pitches.
Dude, what?! A Gallows Pole for Young against the Nats?! The Nationals are much worse against RHP than LHP. Still, they’re average this year in wRC+, and I’m shocked Young actually returned splitter whiffs this time around (11/31!) while sitting high with the heater. Maybe I should give more credence to his success even with @CIN up next… (View Game Card)
Christian Scott (NYM) vs PHI (ND) – 4.1 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks – 17 Whiffs, 38% CSW, 82 pitches.
He’s back! And I’m surprised they let him go 82 pitches. Gotta love 17 whiffs, gotta hate the 3-2 four-seamer down the pipe to Bryce for a two-run shot after throwing him just heaters and sliders, but it’s not like the cutter was well spotted to LHB yesterday, either. I’m encouraged by this from Scott – 66% strikes! – but there’s still work to be done. We won’t get his Michael J. Fox moment likely until the second half of the year as he continues developing, and I can’t wait to yell GREAT SCOTT! That’s played out, Nick. I don’t care, it’s so good. (View Game Card)
Mike Paredes (MIN) vs COL (L) – 5.1 IP, 3 ER, 8 Hits, 0 BBs, 2 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 74 pitches.
Look at that, 74 pitches and 5+ frames for the second straight game! But he gave you a Wonka against Rockie Road. Yup. No reason to chase it. (View Game Card)
Jared Jones (PIT) vs CIN (ND) – 4.2 IP, 3 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 81 pitches.
This was a frustrating watch. He’s right there and you get stoked, until he fails to execute the pitch he needs to progress the at-bat as planned. He’s become the biggest example of a PEAS you’ll get all season. Jones was not that guy when he first arrived and I believe he’s still in there, but I understand moving on if you must. Valu now >>> Value Later n all. (View Game Card)
Logan Gilbert (SEA) @ CLE (L) – 7.0 IP, 4 ER, 7 Hits, 0 BBs, 7 Ks – 16 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 103 pitches.
Aces gonna Dusty Donut. You know, the whole piggybacking discussion likely led some people to bench Gilbert this week, and hey, that ERA hurt! The four-seamer is still cooking and I’m happy he got a few extra frames to ease the pain. Nothing to worry about here, we move on. (View Game Card)
Framber Valdez (DET) vs HOU (ND) – 6.0 IP, 4 ER, 8 Hits, 0 BBs, 2 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 20% CSW, 88 pitches.
Blegh. I thought the curveball was back? Nah, just 52% strikes and 1/23 whiffs. Sigh. COME ON FRAMBER. PLEASE. (View Game Card)
Jose Cabrera (ARI) @ TBR (L) – 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 7 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 80 pitches.
This was looking solid through four, but a two-run shot in the fifth and more baserunners in the sixth ended this one in despair. He’s the same guy as before – cutters ‘Dancing With The Disco” at 90 mph, but he didn’t locate his sweeper super well and his fastball is susceptible to damage when over the plate. Fun fact: Zero cutters for hits on 25 thrown. It’s a great foundation at 31% usage and makes me inclined to consider him for streams moving forward. (View Game Card)
Dylan Cease (TOR) vs TEX (L) – 4.2 IP, 4 ER, 4 Hits, 5 BBs, 10 Ks – 19 Whiffs, 35% CSW, 107 pitches.
Cease’s starts always feel like that one basketball team from an unathletic part of town, where all of their players are 5’10”, 5’9″, 5’11”, 6’1″ then there’s one dude who’s SIX EIGHT. Mr. K knows how to dunk, y’all. Cease’s four-seamer was horrendous without a single ball in play at 40% strikes (how’s that for inefficient?) and you know what you signed up for. Those strikeouts are just so dang tasty. (View Game Card)
Alan Rangel (PHI) @ NYM (L) – 4.0 IP, 4 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 70 pitches.
The dude with a screwball appeared with an opener once again, but he lost the game for his squad in the sixth with two singles, a triple, and a walk in the sixth, with all baserunners coming around to score. Womp womp. He was pitching well before the frame, refusing to throw anything well over the plate and still returning a 67% strike rate. Even the two singles were unlucky hits, but the four-seamer down to Lindor was in the nitro zone and the damage was done. There’s a chance he performs against the Pirates, but they’re one of the better teams against RHP…? I’d hold off. (View Game Card)
Kai-Wei Teng (HOU) @ DET (ND) – 3.2 IP, 4 ER, 8 Hits, 1 BBs, 1 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 16% CSW, 58 pitches.
I know he had nine strikeouts two starts ago, but this makes eleven strikeouts in the four other games in his last five. Oh jeeeeez. Please don’t do this. (View Game Card)
Andre Pallante (STL) vs MIA (L) – 6.2 IP, 5 ER, 11 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 98 pitches.
Womp womp. He was Singled Out, mostly on four-seamers over the plate to LHB (shocking, more at 11), but he also located a ton of pitches for strikes that didn’t get a blind eye from Koufax. I think this was a mix of some poor luck on hittable pitches + some good execution. This floor will still be there against the Cubs and Brewers up next, I don’t think that’s the best balance of risk/reward. (View Game Card)
Chase Burns (CIN) @ PIT (ND) – 6.0 IP, 5 ER, 9 Hits, 0 BBs, 10 Ks – 17 Whiffs, 35% CSW, 93 pitches.
Aces gonna stumble for just the second time all year, yet still give you ten strikeouts in the process. THAT’S WHAT ACES DO. He really shouldn’t have thrown that 2-1 changeup down the pipe to Lowe, eh? It was just one of three thrown on the day and we all hope he kept it at two. (View Game Card)
Bryce Elder (ATL) @ SFG (L) – 4.0 IP, 5 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 69 pitches.
Even against the Giants, the Elder rings for no one. It’s a dark day for souls who held for this demonic outing. Please let it go, y’all. Vanquish this former hero and don’t let him become a villain. (View Game Card)
Randy Vásquez (SD) vs LAD (L) – 3.1 IP, 5 ER, 8 Hits, 1 BBs, 1 Ks – 3 Whiffs, 18% CSW, 79 pitches.
Welp, I miss the times Vásquez was missing bats and taking names. Now he’s produced back-to-back HAISTBMBWT?! and even against the Dodgers, it’s very clear he’s not trustworthy. (View Game Card)
Game of the Day
Carlos Rodón vs. Sonny Gray – Red Sox vs. Yankees = FUN.
But Nick?! Where are the streaming picks? – I’ve moved them to the daily SP Matchups & Streamer Rankings article.
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