Fantasy Baseball SP Roundup: Bradford Tough

Welcome to the SP Roundup, my daily fantasy baseball article reviewing every starting pitcher’s performance from every Tuesday 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.

Cody Bradford (TEX) vs PIT (L) – 7.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 0 BBs, 8 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 36% CSW, 96 pitches.

I might be as shocked as you are that I’m into Cody Bradford, but he’s impressing me plenty and even after taking the Loss against the Pirates yesterday, his final line of 7.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 0 BBs, 8 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 36% CSW, 96 pitches fits with what he’s become – a sneaky four-seamer/change southpaw with excellent command. Just don’t expect more than a strikeout per inning, alright?

The best comp I have is Jeffrey Springs, though his four-seamer is very much like a left-handed version of Bailey Ober (low velo, elite extension, precision upstairs). Like Springs, Bradford doesn’t throw hard and has a deadly changeup, leaning mostly on command of those two offerings to get his outs. His main breaker is a curve that doesn’t miss bats, but earns a decent number of called strikes, while the slider still needs refinement but can be an effective weapon against left-handers – Springs struggles with his breaking stuff as well.

Watching Bradford doesn’t elicit excitement and I do worry that he’s a little too hittable at times (even his elevated heaters allowed three of his five hits), though he’s sneaky good for a guy that has barely been discussed this year. With a fantastic schedule ahead for Texas, you should add Bradford and expect a solid Holly through the end of the year.

 

Let’s see how every other SP did Tuesday:

 

Shane Baz (TBR) @ OAK (W) – 7.2 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 3 BBs, 4 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 92 pitches.

Hmmmm. That’s obviously productive and we’re thrilled about it (they let him go nearly eight innings?! 92 pitches, y’all), but the breakers weren’t the stud muffins we want them to be. Just 6/41 whiffs on them with the slider heavily favored over the hook, while the four-seamer didn’t bully per usual. Well, the slider and heater did earn outs, and even the changeup surprised us with two outs on three thrown, so alright, we’re cool with this. I just want the floating head of Baz The Destructor, you know?

Frankie Montas (MIL) @ STL (W) – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 89 pitches.

Oh wow, that’s cool. Montas is holding onto the increased velocity with a 96 mph four-seamer and the pitch overwhelmed at 8/29 whiffs. I don’t think that will be a standard affair, though he earned them when elevated in the upper third and above – a trait we don’t typically see from Montas. He’ll have a reunion in Oakland on Sunday and I’m still skeptical with this absurd BABIP (thanks Koufax!), but hey, it could happen.

Mitch Keller (PIT) @ TEX (W) – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 0 BBs, 9 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 37% CSW, 98 pitches.

After bombing against the Padres, Keller gave us the pixie stick of sweet with a King Cole against the Rangers. He’s a Cherry Bomb alright, and I wish I had something impressive to point to that I’d believe would stick for future games. Alas, it was called strikes on cutters, sweepers, and curves + 7/35 sinker whiffs as he incessantly lived inside the strikezone. That seems backward. Yes. Yes it does.

Alex Faedo (DET) @ CHC (ND) – 1.2 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 1 BBs, 1 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 35 pitches.

As expected, we saw Bryan Sammons follow Faedo, and he did all the boring things with 4.1 IP, 3 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 2 Ks across 72 pitches. It could have been worse and it’s the gamble you take if you’re in a max-start league. Not all volume is good volume. Sammons is a Toby at best, but with the CrySox next, that may be worth a look.

Joey Estes (OAK) vs TBR (L) – 7.2 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 94 pitches.

Blame it on the Rays. They really are a terrible offense. Estes simply hurled four-seamers over the plate with the occasional mix-up pitches and that’s all it takes. Don’t read into this and don’t feel safe against the Brewers.

Austin Gomber (COL) @ WSN (W) – 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 5 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 96 pitches.

Hot dang, look at you! I’m giving you the Gold Star for actually coming through in a road start, even if I saw many offerings down the pipe and a large number of terrible curves spiked into the dirt. Sounds like it was a wonderful Birthday Party, wish I could have been there.

Robbie Ray (SFG) vs CHW (W) – 6.2 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 0 BBs, 9 Ks – 22 Whiffs, 34% CSW, 96 pitches.

Okay, the command returned. Four-seamers and sliders separated brilliantly and it was demolition. You deserve that Gallows Pole, even if there was some Blame it on the White Sox here. If he has this command for a few more games, he’ll get the AGA.

Dean Kremer (BAL) @ NYM (W) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 Hits, 3 BBs, 7 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 100 pitches.

Oh dang, we had the sweet Kremer against the Mets. Cutters and four-seamers? What? Nah, I’m talking SPLITTERS AND SINKERS BAYBEEEE. Wait, that’s not typical Kremer. Not really, the splitter sometimes appears, but a 35% CSW sinker isn’t traditional and 9/21 cutter strikes is laughable. No, this doesn’t look sustainable at all.

Javier Assad (CHC) vs DET (W) – 5.2 IP, 1 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 7 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 95 pitches.

Whoa, you actually came through?! Nearly six frames and seven punchouts?! Blame it on the Tigers. Sorry to cop out like that, but this wasn’t ultra-precise Assad, who lived in the zone and wasn’t punished. At least we saw some nice curves and sweepers in the mix, though, and it could make way for a stream against the Marlins next. Questionable Start.

Eduardo Rodriguez (ARI) @ MIA (W) – 5.1 IP, 1 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 100 pitches.

Yep, that’s a Toby taking advantage of a good matchup. He’s four-seamer/change with some cutters like the good ole days (just two sinkers now. Huh.), though the four-seamer is only 92 mph and generally has terrible shape. Its high location with good command + legit changeup make it far better than it should. I’m fine with him against the Mets up next.

Reynaldo López (ATL) vs PHI (ND) – 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 10 Ks – 18 Whiffs, 34% CSW, 90 pitches.

WHAT. His heater sat 96/97 and induced a ton of foul balls, leading to deeper counts that allowed his slider and curve to dance around the zone and earn 13/39 whiffs between them. That’s the ticket y’all – FOUL BALLS. On the real, it’s great to see ReyLó clearly healthy at 90 pitches and have feel for his arsenal. I’d be careful anticipating 96/97 every night (normally 95 and change), but we’re back to slotting him into our lineups with little fear.

José Berríos (TOR) vs CIN (W) – 7.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 7 Ks – 16 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 96 pitches.

A 44% CSW on the four-seamer with just 15% usage on his curve is highly atypical for Berríos and let’s be happy he was able to attack with fastball/change, find that groove, and lead him through seven. The schedule has been a gift for José since his horrific stretch and it continues with the Angels next. Phew. Boy was I wrong for outlining how I was letting him loose in that SP Roundup lede. Sorry y’all.

Zack Wheeler (PHI) @ ATL (L) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 0 BBs, 8 Ks – 20 Whiffs, 33% CSW, 97 pitches.

Aces gonna ace. That’s our SP #1.

DJ Herz (WSN) vs COL (L) – 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 7 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 93 pitches.

The WHIP hurts a little and it should have been a Win (the man was Gomber’d!), but we’re happy with this from Herz. The changeup was solid and the slider hung around the zone, helping his heater return 9/50 whiffs. Now he gets Atlanta, which may be an easier time than you’d think with Riley on the shelf. Consider him a Cherry Bomb there.

Erick Fedde (STL) vs MIL (L) – 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 4 BBs, 2 Ks – 2 Whiffs, 21% CSW, 95 pitches.

He’s a Toby who has lost his step a bit over the summer. I’m glad he did what he could to survive as he labored with his command, but don’t feel like you need to hold on to Fedde. I’d be dropping him for a streamer.

Davis Martin (CHW) @ SFG (L) – 4.1 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 5 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 82 pitches.

So close to a full five and being worthwhile. He went back to the well with his slider and cutter, making a true four-pitch mix with his four-seamer and changeup. I’m not necessarily against that, but I do think his changeup is the best secondary and I kinda want to see him lean into more than the others, even when he’s struggling with the pitch at times like he did here. I’d normally say “Go experiment, it’s a lost season in Chicago!” but I grasp that Martin is fighting to keep this rotation spot. He doesn’t have the security to focus strictly on development. With the Tigers next, I’d still consider him a deep streamer, but not a risk I’d take in 12-teamers. The ceiling isn’t established yet.

Bryce Miller (SEA) @ LAD (ND) – 4.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 5 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 92 pitches.

Annnnnnd the splitter went 9% CSW across eleven thrown. Sigh. Are you ready for the cool part? Bryce threw seven different pitches. Four-seamer, sinker, splitter, slider, cutter, curve, sweeper. He’s trying to figure it out! I love that and while the cauldron of weapons led to a whole lot of inefficiency and this blegh line, the path of development is paved with failure. Keep trying Bryce, you’ll find it.

Edward Cabrera (MIA) vs ARI (L) – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 4 Hits, 3 BBs, 3 Ks – 2 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 90 pitches.

Uhhh, Cabrera went 13/20 called strikes with his curveball. That’s absolutely bonkers. The Sneks refused to swing at it and it saved his outing. Don’t be alarmed by the 1.5 tick drop in his four-seamer as I think that was a product of mislabeled changeups (he hit 97+) and Ladies and Gentlemen, WE HAVE A SLIDER SIGHTING. He mostly saved it for the second and third time through the lineup, but 6/8 strikes without a hit is glorious. He even threw them down the pipe and got away with it, imagine if he actually spotted them down? I legit think the future is bright for Cabrera as he continues to polish his arsenal (he’s not a lost cause, I won’t buy that!), though it’s Coors next. I’d avoid that.

Bailey Ober (MIN) @ SDP (ND) – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 4 Hits, 0 BBs, 5 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 83 pitches.

Aces gonna PQS with a Bailey Special of old. Which is fine – that WHIP is gorgeous – but you’re in my Top 10 SP now. Just give us another strikeout or two, okay? I blame the cutter and slider for being a touch off in this one.

Matthew Boyd (CLE) @ NYY (ND) – 5.1 IP, 3 ER, 4 Hits, 4 BBs, 2 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 20% CSW, 85 pitches.

It was a Soto + Judge party in the first with two home runs, then Boyd fought for the next five frames. I was hoping to see a bit more from his arsenal despite the matchup, but just 1/33 whiffs on changeups + sliders is deflating, to say the least. I’d personally wait until Boyd flexes legit feel for both secondaries, especially with his BSB intent.

Martín Pérez (SDP) vs MIN (ND) – 4.2 IP, 3 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 79 pitches.

Womp womp. I was wondering if this week’s tougher offenses would slow down Pérez’s hot stretch with the Padres and…yep. It didn’t help that his curveball was floated up more often and his cutter failed to land gloveside properly, but you have less margin for error than against, say, the Pirates. I think you’re okay against the Mets and definitely against the Rays, but I’d feel better if the curve was in a better place. I’m expecting an adjustment to be made.

Walker Buehler (LAD) vs SEA (ND) – 4.0 IP, 3 ER, 7 Hits, 3 BBs, 1 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 82 pitches.

Hahahaha. A HAISTBMBWT?! against the strikeout-friendly Mariners is a laughably poignant showcase of Buehler’s journey inside the void. Where am I? What am I doing here? How am I supposed to make this work?! Why is Nick talking about real life issues and not baseball? (If you’re not watching the daily morning livestreams, sorry that last one is lost on you.) I suggest moving on from Buehler at this point with so little baseball left. Maybe it clicks next start, maybe in September, maybe in 2025. Value now is worth far more.

Luis Gil (NYY) vs CLE (ND) – 3.0 IP, 3 ER, 3 Hits, 6 BBs, 3 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 22% CSW, 78 pitches.

Gil left this one early with lower back pain, which could explain the highly erratic command the entire night. Let’s be happy it’s not an arm injury and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Yankees jump on this to give Will Warren a start or two and limit the innings of Gil for an IL stint. However, if he’s good to go, then you better start him for Rockie Road – I’d start both him or Warren there.

Cole Ragans (KCR) vs LAA (L) – 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 3 Hits, 3 BBs, 9 Ks – 19 Whiffs, 35% CSW, 97 pitches.

Aces gonna annoy. Allowing four runs on three hits is a bit frustrating, and to see Ragans allow a solo shot + walk + HBP to lead off the sixth and promptly get pulled for all inherited runners to score? Not fun at all. His slider is still not what we want it to be, but the cutter was generally solid, while the four-seamer/change combo is still elite. And yeah, nine strikeouts y’all.

Tyler Anderson (LAA) @ KCR (W) – 6.0 IP, 5 ER, 12 Hits, 2 BBs, 2 Ks – 15 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 95 pitches.

Oh jeez. The man got Singled Out, once again mostly from high cutters and four-seamers. A quartet of changeups were also smacked, all beautifully spotted, though, and Bobby Witt is a machine. Anderson needs to figure out how to keep more batters off of selling out for high pitches (maybe some low?) and with a second date against the Jays in three starts up next, I’m a little worried he won’t have it solved yet.

Nick Pivetta (BOS) @ HOU (ND) – 5.0 IP, 5 ER, 6 Hits, 3 BBs, 2 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 84 pitches.

Blegh. Oh look honey, more home runs. His second frame was annoying with a double and sac fly for a run, but a two-run shot and a solo shot were the real backbreakers. He’s not locked in as we saw this time last year, but at least the cutter made its return and returned strikes without a hit. Hopefully that can be the glue he needs moving forward. He’s questionable against the Jays at this point as a Cherry Bomb. It’s no lock that the cutter can fix this as he still needs to get that sweeper and curve spotted better in the process.

Ronel Blanco (HOU) vs BOS (ND) – 3.2 IP, 5 ER, 6 Hits, 4 BBs, 6 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 84 pitches.

Blanco got bamboozled for 3 ER before an out, then allowed his final two in the fourth before getting the hook. In between wasn’t so bad, but this was a game of his changeup and slider – the two foundational pitches of his arsenal – letting him down. It happens and I’m not gonna Chicken Little this one.

Jose Quintana (NYM) vs BAL (L) – 5.0 IP, 7 ER, 8 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 90 pitches.

Ouch. Command was worse and even if we were jumping off the Quintana train with his rough matchups, I still wanted to see if he could come through against a tough lineup if he was in that groove. I guess we’ll have to wait until next time out against the Padres. From the sidelines. With orange slices.

Carson Spiers (CIN) @ TOR (L) – 4.1 IP, 9 ER, 13 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 85 pitches.

Welp, alright then. Here’s the floor you’re risking for the 5+ IP of 2 ER ceiling. It doesn’t seem worth it. Look at you, so wise.

 

Game of the Day

 

Garrett Crochet vs. Logan Webb – It would be so cruel for Crochet to go just four frames while Webb goes CGSHO. I hope our presence can grant Crochet at least five frames. PLEASE.

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

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Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)