Fantasy Baseball SP Roundup: CS Major Complete

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.

Cristopher Sánchez (PHI) vs MIA (W) – 9.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 0 BBs, 9 Ks – 16 Whiffs, 34% CSW, 101 pitches.

We gotta talk about Cristopher Sánchez, who barely missed hurling a Maddux on Friday night: 9.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 0 BBs, 9 Ks – 16 Whiffs, 34% CSW, 101 pitches. Yes, some Blame it on the Marlins, but that would give him too little credit for what he is – one of the most efficient pitchers in baseball.

He returns a low pitches-per-out, catalyzed by a consistently high strike rate across all his pitches. Over a 70% strike rate for 101 pitches and returning 16 whiffs is a legit accomplishment, which requires batters to swing, fail, or hit into outs to go a nine full innings. That’s hot. Paris, please. I’m writing a roundup here.

The changeup is the signature pitch and it cooked. The sinker earned the outs you want to see. And the slider? It traditionally acts as the runt of the family, but went 47% CSW across 17 thrown and returned a 35% SwStr rate. Gotta love it.

The best comp to Sánchez is Logan Webb, if Sánchez can return a higher called strike rate on his sinker. It’s one of the biggest question marks I have about the pitch, which could benefit from more glove-side locations to mirror the changeup and steal called strikes instead of relying on contact and Koufax above granting him outs. It’s because of his high 1.28 WHIP and should come down over time…or if he keeps facing the Marlins. That would be nice.

 

Let’s see how every other SP did Friday:

 

Charlie Morton (ATL) vs PIT (W) – 6.1 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 7 Ks – 15 Whiffs, 35% CSW, 104 pitches.

A Cherry Bomb who did something new! The curve was great – that’s expected – but the changeup stepped up as well at a 41% CSW, though they may have been a product of the Pirates and less of its legit ability. Let’s hope it’s the latter and you may want to gamble with the Giants to see if that changeup sticks and we can get the Wins + strikeouts we’ve chased without the ratio dent.

Albert Suárez (BAL) vs TEX (W) – 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 0 BBs, 2 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 14% CSW, 87 pitches.

Yes, the Rangers offense isn’t that great. And also, that’s just two strikeouts with a 14% CSW. Lol. The Rangers were served many hittable heaters over the plate and simply didn’t take advantage of them. He’s not the best option, but it’s either the Mariners or Athletics and that should be good enough for us.

Zach Eflin (TBR) vs WSN (W) – 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 93 pitches.

Lovely work from Eflin, who has settled into his role as a reliable Holly. The curve was legit, and the trifecta of sinkers, cutters, and sweepers were like the good ole days. If it’s always this, then maybe we can talk about a replication of 2023 for the final three months of the year. Maybe.

Andre Pallante (STL) vs CIN (W) – 5.1 IP, 0 ER, 4 Hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 20% CSW, 88 pitches.

That’s a Gold Star for Pallante, even when facing a poor Reds offense. Just 3/13 strikes on the curve with four-seamers over the plate and sinkers armside. That’s about it. Glad it worked, probably just a Birthday Party.

Bailey Ober (MIN) @ SEA (ND) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 Hits, 3 BBs, 9 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 34% CSW, 88 pitches.

Yesssss. The four-seamer wasn’t the breadwinner here, but the cutter + slider + changeup did wonders. Way to do what you were supposed to do and I’m excited for another game against the Mariners.

Frankie Montas (CIN) @ STL (L) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 Hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks – 17 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 98 pitches.

Hot dang, look at you! 17 Whiffs is awfully shocking as Montas tossed heaters over the plate and was able to get secondaries out of the zone for chases. I’m happy for him and I wouldn’t expect this regularly.

Alec Marsh (KCR) vs CLE (W) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 5 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 91 pitches.

A pretty boring game of heaters getting called strikes and tossing enough curveballs in the zone to get through the sixth. It wasn’t a start that made me say “Mmmm, that’s the good stuff”. That’s reserved for Jacob’s Pickles BBQ chicken sandwich. IT’S SO GOOD.  He gets the Rays next and I think that’s okay? Not a bad chance without the worst ratio floor.

Landon Knack (LAD) @ SFG (ND) – 4.2 IP, 1 ER, 5 Hits, 0 BBs, 7 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 76 pitches.

He wouldn’t have had a Win at a full five frames, and he got the hook after a solo shot and a pair of hits. Solid stuff here across the board, if only just a little more expression of the solid ratios. Not the worst idea against the Sneks, but I’m not the biggest fan of his four-seamer and slider command.

Kyle Tyler (MIA) @ PHI (L) – 4.2 IP, 1 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 20% CSW, 81 pitches.

Hey, that’s kinda good against the Phillies! Suitman whispers into my ear Schwarber? And Bryce?! No wonder you had 7/25 curveball whiffs and survived in this one. Let’s not make this a regular thing.

Randy Vásquez (SDP) @ BOS (ND) – 4.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 1 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 59 pitches.

He took a 98 mph comebacker to the arm (X-Rays were negative), abruptly ending his evening. I’m still not seeing enough to roll with this in general, but at least he’s getting outs and could go five frames regularly…?

Logan Webb (SFG) vs LAD (ND) – 7.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BBs, 6 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 93 pitches.

Lovely stuff from Webb who dominated with the sinker more than the changeup via fifteen called strikes.

Drew Thorpe (CHW) vs COL (W) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 2 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 88 pitches.

Thorpe is turning into that decent Toby with his changeup doing proper work. I’d be cautious with @ Cleveland next given their HR rates and keep an eye on his schedule.

Logan Gilbert (SEA) vs MIN (ND) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 0 BBs, 3 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 22% CSW, 92 pitches.

Aces gonna ace. Just three strikeouts is a bit disappointing, but I dig the BSB with four-seamers up and sliders down. He’s in a lovely groove and the strikeouts would have been there if the splitter or cutter did a bit more. All good here.

Colin Rea (MIL) vs CHC (W) – 5.1 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 8 Ks – 15 Whiffs, 35% CSW, 97 pitches.

Are the Cubs simply a blegh offense? This was a weird one of four-seamers and sinkers getting the job done, leading to a King Cole, which I honestly can’t believe. Call him a Werewolf if you like, I’ll label him as a desperate Sunday streamer.

Kenta Maeda (DET) @ LAA (ND) – 5.1 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 87 pitches.

This isn’t bad, but it doesn’t encourage me to chance it with Maeda moving forward. This is a streaming matchup you’d want to get value out of and it was…not that. Leave him off the list like a fella with an expired ID. Sorry, manager is strict like that. 

Max Scherzer (TEX) @ BAL (L) – 5.1 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 77 pitches.

Hey, that’s productive. He’s locating well with good pitch separation, though I’m still cautious that his stuff isn’t as overwhelming and the demolition derby it once was. At least he’s up to 77 pitches now and should be fine against the Padres. Think of him as a Holly at best and you’ll be happy.

Mitchell Parker (WSN) @ TBR (L) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 92 pitches.

Atta boy Parker, the command was generally good here and while he wasn’t quite as efficient as ideal and a few hits landed more than you wanted, we’ll take it. I think you’re fine against the Mets, but you make your own call about the quality of their offense and the OMG vibes.

Jose Quintana (NYM) vs HOU (ND) – 4.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 3 BBs, 7 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 93 pitches.

Not efficient, but seven strikeouts and a matchup against the Astros with great pitch separation equates to trust against a middling offense like the Nationals. He gets the Nationals next. WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT.

Zach Plesac (LAA) vs DET (ND) – 2.2 IP, 2 ER, 1 Hits, 4 BBs, 3 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 57 pitches.

You forgot that Plesac was back starting in the majors and prepare to forget. How does one prepare to forget? You write it down and take deep breaths. What do you think this roundup is?

Jameson Taillon (CHC) @ MIL (L) – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 90 pitches.

A PQS is totally acceptable against the tough Brewers, especially with a low WHIP and five strikeouts. Sadly it’s the Phillies and we’re okay leaving him on the wire for that. He’s in a good spot of throwing plenty of strikes effectively, just treat him like a Toby you can pick up off the wire.

JP Sears (OAK) @ ARI (ND) – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 83 pitches.

A productive PQS is wonderful to see here as Sears has massively struggled lately. So many changeups down the pipe, high sweepers…nah. This looks like a trap against the Angels.

Ronel Blanco (HOU) @ NYM (L) – 5.2 IP, 3 ER, 6 Hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 98 pitches.

Blegh. A Philly and a near VPQS isn’t what we want. Blame a trio of solo shots for the end result as the searing glare of Grimace rose across the horizon. SOON, it spoke. What, it doesn’t speak. I COULD HEAR IT IN ITS EYES.

Marcus Stroman (NYY) @ TOR (ND) – 4.1 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BBs, 3 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 88 pitches.

He got Singled Out with some bad luck, but also didn’t have the breakers he generally needs to succeed. It’s normal for this to happen here and there with Stroman, all is fine.

Slade Cecconi (ARI) vs OAK (ND) – 4.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 7 Ks – 19 Whiffs, 35% CSW, 88 pitches.

Whoaaaaa 7/9 curveball whiffs?! No wonder he got a Gallows Pole. But the ratios were terrible. Yeah, that’s a bit strange. Three sliders and a pair of heaters did the damage as he was Singled Out, without the most efficient at-bats. It does make me a bit intrigued, though. I wonder if he can move away from heaters and pull from those changeups and curveballs more.

Yusei Kikuchi (TOR) vs NYY (L) – 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 7 Ks – 15 Whiffs, 33% CSW, 84 pitches.

He’s ready. But 4 ER! A three-run shot from Soto, sliders as the #2 pitch, and a 37% CSW with nine whiff four-seamer. I can imagine Kikuchi getting dropped after this (the ERA!) and think of it like Crochet’s three-game run that induced confusion before his stupid ace-like breakout after. But it’s the Astros next! I think I’m still in? It’s tough but I think I’m doing it.

Dakota Hudson (COL) @ CHW (L) – 5.0 IP, 5 ER, 6 Hits, 5 BBs, 3 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 78 pitches.

Not on the road. Not in his abode. Not against the Sox. Not for the Rox.

Nick Pivetta (BOS) vs SDP (L) – 4.0 IP, 5 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 73 pitches.

Jeeeeeeez. Pivetta didn’t have a fun June. The cutter isn’t there. Too many hittable pitches. He’s not the guy. He’s a Cherry Bomb at the moment and he could be simply wearing a TIARA, but there is a thought that Pivetta had a good feel for the sweeper & cutter for the second half of last season and a month or so this year, and is now reverting. I hope that’s not the right take.

Triston McKenzie (CLE) @ KCR (L) – 2.1 IP, 5 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BBs, 3 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 58 pitches.

We gotta stop doing this until we see something real. Please.

Martín Pérez (PIT) @ ATL (L) – 4.0 IP, 6 ER, 8 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 92 pitches.

It’s a terrible line, though Pérez’s arsenal was spotted better than you’d think. Atlanta is solid and there was some rust in this Still ILL. Don’t rule out a decent outing against the Cardinals next considering he went 92 pitches here.

 

Game of the Day

 

Pablo López vs. Bryce Miller – I’d love to watch Pablo continue where he left off + Bryce needs a rebound start.

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

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Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire | Adapted by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter/X)