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Fantasy Baseball SP Roundup – Perfecto Germán

Nick Pollack reviews every starting pitcher performance from Wednesday.

Welcome to the SP Roundup, my daily fantasy baseball article reviewing every starting pitcher’s performance from every Wednesday game. I apologize for the jokes written in my delirium in advance. Have questions? Ask me during my office hours on Twitch weekday mornings from 10 am-12 pm ET.  

Domingo Germán (NYY) @ OAK (W) – 9.0 IP, 0 ER, 0 Hits, 0 BBs, 9 Ks – 17 Whiffs, 37% CSW, 99 pitches.

On the one night I happen to go to a concert (Dream Theater + Devin Townsend), Domingo Germán throws a perfect game. THE ONE NIGHT. The final line was technically a Maddux as well – 9.0 IP, 0 ER, 0 Hits, 0 BBs, 9 Ks – 17 Whiffs, 37% CSW, 99 pitches – as he went under the 100 pitch threshold and let’s talk about this.

First of all, I hope this gets rid of the notion that a pitcher is instantly terrible because he’s had two poor starts. Small sample is a very real thing. Germán had the curveball through the poor games and very much here as well with 41% CSW and 12/51 whiffs, but it also earned a fair number of outs in play. Speaking of which, that’s 0/18 BABIP, that’s not sustainable! Well of course it isn’t, but as Katie Sharp pointed out, only one had a hit probability above 50%. Getting that better-than-a-coin-flip seventeen times is still lucky, yes, but the fella pitched well and it wasn’t all luck.

At the end of the day, this was a lot of Blame it on the Athletics and Germán having a fantastic hook with good-enough four-seamers and changeups. It really doesn’t change anything from a fantasy perspective – we obviously start him against the Orioles and Cubs next – but sometimes it’s important just to take a moment and appreciate that a pitcher did something special. Speaking of which, we’re obviously watching all of this on the morning Twitch stream (to be posted on YouTube after) and make sure to hang out as I break it down.

 

Let’s see how every other SP did Wednesday:

 

Zach Davies (ARI) vs TB (ND) – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 84 pitches.

Nick says all Davies needs to do is have a good changeup and not let his heaters get pummeled. Oh. Um. About that. Davies went just 6% CSW on his changeup here, while the sinker, four-seamer, and cutter did all the work. WHAT. Yeah. It’s not sustainable at all and I don’t buy it for the future but…yeah. His pitch separation was insane and if that’s something that sticks around, then he can go 6% CSW on his changeup all day long.

Patrick Corbin (WSH) @ SEA (W) – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 5 Hits, 0 BBs, 9 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 102 pitches.

We have to give Corbin the Gold Stareven if this was the Mariners and a perfect game was thrown and Davies tossed seven shutout frames against the Rays. IT DOESN’T MATTER, THIS IS CORBIN. He sported a new slider in this one, sitting three ticks harder with far less vertical break. The result? 9/39 whiffs and the ability to keep it down, allowing him to execute the BSBLook, that’s interesting and if Corbin repeats both skills and has success, we may have to rethink the guy. Just saying.

Kolby Allard (ATL) vs MIN (ND) – 4.2 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 8 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 41% CSW, 71 pitches.

It’s the return of Dralla and I mean a return. Eight strikeouts in just 4.2 IP is a statement as he avoided the heart of the plate, elevated four-seamers, and spotted a ton of beautiful curveballs right at the bottom of the zone. Sadly, it’s command focused and I can’t tell you Kolby will have that sticking around if he gets more chances in the rotation. If he does in fact get the Guardians next, I’d have him at the very end of the Questionable start tier (this really was a fantastic outing), but I’l be super cautious about it.

Logan Allen (CLE) @ KC (ND) – 3.2 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 5 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 21% CSW, 98 pitches.

I’m sorry Allen, you can’t go just 3.2 innings with 98 pitches. But the Royals earned 32 foul balls! THEN THROW BETTER PITCHES. Sorry, sorry. His sweeper hasn’t been there for a bit (0/8 CSW) and it’s messing him up a fair amount. You can send him back to the wire if you haven’t yet with Atlanta up next. Yes, even with the Royals on the docket after.

Trevor Richards (TOR) vs SF (ND) – 3.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 48% CSW, 40 pitches.

Richards went for three, Bowden Francis went for four, and I went for Five Guys after the concert forgetting it was closed. Nick. Oh right, I have no interest in either one of these piggybacking starters. Neither the one piggying, nor the backing.

Mitch Keller (PIT) vs SD (W) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 5 Ks – 3 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 104 pitches.

Atta boy Mitch. Tons of called strikes with fastballs without a single whiff on anything but the four-seamer and yet I don’t care…? He’s still hard to hit and the command is solid. One day he’ll unlock the slider for real. One day.

Braxton Garrett (MIA) @ BOS (W) – 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks – 3 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 66 pitches.

It wasn’t as good as we’d seen Garrett as of late, partly because of the 14% CSW cutter, and partly because the curve and change were out of the picture. It’s not enough to stop starting the man, though. Those ratios have been bliss.

Kaleb Ort (BOS) vs MIA (ND) – 2.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 Hits, 0 BBs, 1 Ks – 1 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 24 pitches.

He saw a fair share of Nick Pivetta after this and I’m going to stop typing now. If I write about bullpen games, I’m wasting your time, I’m wasting my time, I’m wasting EVERYBODY’S time. You’re not a sports coach until you say that line once.

Dane Dunning (TEX) vs DET (W) – 8.2 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 0 BBs, 10 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 37% CSW, 100 pitches.

You saw the Tigers and thought hey, maybe Dunning can make this work. I saw it and thought I wonder what I’m having for lunch. Oh right, Dunning. I guess there’s a small chance but I hate it. Oh. TURKEY AND SWISS! He did the whole Brady Singer thing with sinker called strikes and slider whiffs and the Tigers rolled over onto their backs hoping for belly rubs. No rubs, just chin music. Circle the Nationals start in ten days if you must, at the very least we ignore him now with the Astros up next.

Zach Eflin (TB) @ ARI (ND) – 7.0 IP, 2 ER, 7 Hits, 0 BBs, 7 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 33% CSW, 83 pitches.

That’s some good curveballin’ from Eflin. 42% usage of the hook for 40% CSW is a dream come true, while the sinker and cutter got outs. Atta boy.

Blake Snell (SD) @ PIT (L) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 10 Ks – 20 Whiffs, 37% CSW, 102 pitches.

Snell earned another Gallows Pole because it’s that kind of stretch, and yet his slider is still a sub 50% strike pitch. Why was it thrown more than the 58% CSW curveball?! Whatever, the changeup is still super elite and has saved his season after it was the inhibitor for two straight years. That’s baseball, Suzyn. Oh and his heater was kinda bad? It’s still strange and yet we keep starting him because duh.

Kodai Senga (NYM) vs MIL (ND) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 8 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 102 pitches.

Ayyyyy we saw 7/31 whiffs for 32% CSW on the forkball! And a sub 50% strike rate. But the whiffs! And a solid cutter and slider with four-seamer called strikes! This is good enough against the Brewers and I’m glad he came through. Needing 102 pitches for 15 outs sure is telling, though. Be careful with the Diamondbacks and Padres up next.

Kenta Maeda (MIN) @ ATL (L) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 82 pitches.

Solid stuff here from Maeda with splitters generally working (even if they could be slightly lower to get more swings and misses) and his slider acting as the primary strike-earning. I dig this and with the Royals up next, I’d be thrilled to slot Maeda into the lineup.

Wade Miley (MIL) @ NYM (ND) – 4.0 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 3 BBs, 3 Ks – 2 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 74 pitches.

Getting the hook at just 74 pitches is a bit frustrating here, but the velocity was up over two ticks on the four-seamer and you love to see that. What about the Wallows’ Pole he won. Considering that two whiffs normally means that something smells terrible and you need to verify it, it’s certainly unwelcome here and the early hook meant you got close to nothing for your faith. At least it’s the Cubs up next. Surely they’ll let him go at least five frames there, right?

Lucas Giolito (CWS) @ LAA (ND) – 7.0 IP, 4 ER, 6 Hits, 0 BBs, 9 Ks – 16 Whiffs, 35% CSW, 98 pitches.

93.7 mph + 7 slider whiffs + 6 changeup whiffs? SIGN ME UP. But 4 ER! And a fantastic WHIP with nine strikeouts. Giolito is looking as good as ever. Get in on this.

Logan Gilbert (SEA) vs WSH (L) – 6.0 IP, 4 ER, 8 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 19% CSW, 100 pitches.

He had just ten strikeouts across his last three starts combined and a small four spot isn’t helping his narrative a whole lot. I wanted to believe that Gilbert figured out his splitter + his slider to build off the heater, but when you also see the four-seamer fail to dominate as it’s supposed to, then everything falls apart. I can build on something that doesn’t exist. So we sit in our luxury armchair, attacking our anxiety, and close our eyes as he gets the Giants next.

Aaron Nola (PHI) @ CHC (W) – 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 7 Hits, 3 BBs, 4 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 97 pitches.

Bleeeeeeeegh. I don’t know what to tell ya. This is annoying as anything and yet we know he’s better than this. My hand is on your heart as I feel your pain and still tell you to start him against the Nationals + Marlins next. I know, I know.

Michael Grove (LAD) @ COL (ND) – 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 8 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 22% CSW, 78 pitches.

I’m shocked the Dodgers let Grove go for 78 pitches. That’s all of my surprise, though, as this was Coors n all. If only that four-seamer could land upstairs with regularity…

Joey Wentz (DET) @ TEX (L) – 4.2 IP, 4 ER, 9 Hits, 2 BBs, 5 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 21% CSW, 97 pitches.

Get the nine-strikeout game out of your head. Like that balloon I got for my fifth birthday, IT AIN’T COMING BACK.

Luke Weaver (CIN) @ BAL (ND) – 4.1 IP, 4 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 2 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 84 pitches.

We have the ability to weave the tapestries of our own lives. We are the Weavers. Yes. But then why doesn’t that include Luke? Because that’s just one Weaver and that’s not allowed. So wise.

Austin Cox (KC) vs CLE (L) – 3.2 IP, 4 ER, 4 Hits, 4 BBs, 2 Ks – 2 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 68 pitches.

Womp womp. I had a touch of hope Cox would show us something here after going 8/24 four-seamer whiffs last time out and sadly the pitch went 1/40 whiffs here. Welp, that was a fun idea for checks watch 12 hours.

Miles Mikolas (STL) vs HOU (ND) – 5.2 IP, 5 ER, 7 Hits, 3 BBs, 4 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 86 pitches.

I feel like this line should be the top post in /r/notthatinteresting. I could have told you this line a month ago.

Logan Webb (SF) @ TOR (L) – 5.0 IP, 5 ER, 8 Hits, 0 BBs, 5 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 92 pitches.

Ouch. You were caught in a Webb as the once marvelous changeup was hit around by the Jays and the slider returned just 53% strikes. I’m blaming the Jays on this one and don’t shift the course.

JP Sears (OAK) vs NYY (L) – 4.0 IP, 5 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 92 pitches.

Womp womp. I’ve been calling him 2022 Eric Lauer and yet I’ve been acting like he was 2000 Austin Powers. WHY I DON’T I LISTEN TO MYSELF. He gets the Tigers next, we’re starting him there, yeah? Sure, that’s fine. I’m sorry, I’m just muttering to myself, wishing there were a way for me to make Sears get that dang four-seamer out of y-mLoc.

Jaime Barría (LAA) vs CWS (ND) – 3.0 IP, 5 ER, 7 Hits, 2 BBs, 0 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 19% CSW, 59 pitches.

Me hope was that Barría’s slider would eat up the White Sox, and it absolutely didn’t. There is no butter on this bread and I’M SUFFERING.

Kyle Freeland (COL) vs LAD (ND) – 5.0 IP, 6 ER, 4 Hits, 5 BBs, 7 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 100 pitches.

Yep, that’s Freeland alright.

Kyle Gibson (BAL) vs CIN (ND) – 4.2 IP, 6 ER, 9 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 95 pitches.

Okay, at least this made sense with it being the Reds n all. Thanks for that…?

Cristian Javier (HOU) @ STL (ND) – 4.0 IP, 6 ER, 8 Hits, 1 BBs, 1 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 21% CSW, 80 pitches.

Oh no. I see the eight hits and some came on excellent fastballs and a pair of hung sliders. He got a bit unlucky, but just a 21% CSW and one strikeout?! HAISTBMBWT?! That’s not typical for Javier (even without slider strikes) and it has to make us all a bit more worried. Let’s hope he gets some respite now-Suitman whispers into my ear THE RANGERS?! OH COME ON.

Drew Smyly (CHC) vs PHI (L) – 3.2 IP, 7 ER, 9 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 86 pitches.

That curve is allowing so many hits. We ignore Smyly for now until he displays excellence once again. Let’s turn that Smyly upside down…on the wire and far from us.

 

Game of the Day

 

Brandon Pfaadt vs. Tampa Bay Rays – Do I have high expectations? Absolutely not! But who cares, he’s back and I’m curious.

But Nick?! Where are the streaming picks? – I’ve moved them to the daily SP Matchups & Streamer Rankings article.

Have Questions? – Join my morning Twitch livestream! I answer all questions there for free: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm ET Monday through Friday.

Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire | Featured Image by Ethan Kaplan (@DJFreddie10 on Twitter and @EthanMKaplanImages on Instagram)

 

 

Nick Pollack

Founder of Pitcher List. Creator of CSW, The List, and SP Roundup. Worked with MSG, FanGraphs, CBS Sports, and Washington Post. Former college pitcher, travel coach, pitching coach, and Brandeis alum. Wants every pitcher to be dope.

4 responses to “Fantasy Baseball SP Roundup – Perfecto Germán”

  1. MF says:

    Dream Theater AND Devin!?!??! Must have been awesome (aside from LaBrie’s vox)!

  2. Chucky says:

    You *experts* need to come to your senses and stop with the has been commentary. Nola is a has been. He’s not coming back. He is who he is and accept it. Stop trying to make a silk purse out is sow’s ear. You’re not doing your readers any favors by leading them along on a path of *he’s better than this* No he’s not!

  3. Aaron says:

    You can put “experts” in quotations for a lot of them but definitely not Nick. It’s obvious to me the amount of time and knowledge gained from time + experience has actually added up to one of the top 5 experts available. So make sure you read everything not just what you wanna hear.

  4. Aaron says:

    Also as far as Nola … it’s kind of like predicting everything else in baseball. There are so many things that come into play for a guy to have the same great year or years he’s had before but ome.of those things changes and it changes the whole outlook. I’m personally not too keen on Nola because in my opinion he’s one of those guys that when one thing is wrong it effects everything he does. Where as some guys have so many different things they can kill u with that if one goes wrong it just makes them reach their really good floor. That said I’m positive that if Nola fixes whatever that one thing is… he’s ace all tye way.

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