Welcome to the SP Roundup, my daily fantasy baseball article reviewing every starting pitcher’s performance from every Sunday 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.
Adam Mazur (MIA) vs DET (L) – 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 83 pitches.
I was wondering if we’d get a good outing from Adam Mazur before the season ended and he submitted a performance early against the Tigers with 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 83 pitches (L). With the final weeks ahead and potential streamers at a premium, is Mazur one to circle?
Sadly, I don’t think so, even if I’m giving him a Gold Star for this one. There was a lot of Koufax help here in a game where he went Dancing With The Disco via sliders and curveballs + a four-seamer that returned just above a 40% strike rate across nineteen thrown. That’s not the approach we want when considering a young arm to stream. It’s possible the breakers are great a second time in Arlington for those in dire straits, but I’m not ready to latch onto an arm that breaks the Huascar Rule (no, the curve isn’t that good).
Let’s see how every other SP did Sunday:
Nolan McLean (NYM) vs TEX (ND) – 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 7 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 92 pitches.
He cannot be stopped. Don’t think, just let him fly. But he’s a sinker/sweeper guy at heart! His cutter, change, and curve are inconsistent! JUST FOUR WHIFFS! I told you. Don’t. Think.
Keider Montero (DET) @ MIA (W) – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 0 BBs, 5 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 76 pitches.
Montero made the most of a spot start that may turn into a regular spot in the rotation in the place of Sawyer Gipson-Long. Blame it on the Marlins and don’t change your tone about Keider. He’s not worth grabbing for ATL and @BOS ahead.
Nabil Crismatt (ARI) @ MIN (W) – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 0 BBs, 4 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 83 pitches.
Ha, he did it! This was the best changeup he’s had all year, with the rest of his arsenal doing everything they could to keep their head above water (I’m not even sure they did). It looks like Anthony DeSclafani could return and take his spot later this week, but if Tony Disco isn’t ready to party, I still wouldn’t consider Crismatt. It’s the Phils and Padres, y’all. No thanks.
Tyler Glasnow (LAD) @ SFG (W) – 6.2 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 4 BBs, 4 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 108 pitches.
Aces gonna ace. I guess. We’ve so rarely seen Glasnow look like the stud of old this season.
Shane Bieber (TOR) vs BAL (W) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 18 Whiffs, 37% CSW, 97 pitches.
Atta boy Bieber. Cool to see the changeup help a little to LHB (albeit, a bit too floated, which led to a pair of hits), while the BSB with four-seamers and curves came through. And yes, the slider was stellar to RHB because of course it was.
Jacob Latz (TEX) @ NYM (ND) – 4.2 IP, 1 ER, 2 Hits, 4 BBs, 4 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 88 pitches.
The changeup wasn’t great and his four-seamer, while elevated a ton, returned just 51% strikes as he didn’t get the bites he wanted up top. Props to the slider for filling up the zone without punishment, but the lack of efficiency on his two main offerings was a disappointment. He may get replaced by Tyler Mahle later this week, however, I wouldn’t be shocked if that was a piggy-back situation given the unknown pitch count for Mahle. You may find a sneaky Win in there.
Albert Suárez (BAL) @ TOR (ND) – 3.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 53 pitches.
Fun to see Suárez show up and hey! Five strikeouts! But you know there’s nothing to see here at 53 pitches and meh stuff.
Noah Cameron (KCR) @ PHI (W) – 7.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 7 Ks – 18 Whiffs, 33% CSW, 97 pitches.
The dude doesn’t care if you doubt him. He just keeps going. His curve led the way at 31% usage overall and a whopping 40% CSW with 8/30 whiffs and that’s dope. Still hard to hold for the Jays and Sacré Verde next, but you want to, don’t you.
George Kirby (SEA) vs LAA (W) – 6.1 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 0 BBs, 14 Ks – 17 Whiffs, 37% CSW, 101 pitches.
OH HI THERE. Kirby felt so guilty about his last start that he elected to absolutely hammer his four-seamer upstairs with sinkers and make life miserable for the Angels. This really was Hit my fastball ya dinguses! of a start, which they actually did twice for two homers (one off the four-seamer, the other off the sinker). It’s hard to make out what to expect moving forward with the Dodgers on the horizon, but you know both sides of the coin now. Whatever, I’m gonna do it.
Adrian Houser (TBR) @ CHC (ND) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks – 3 Whiffs, 21% CSW, 90 pitches.
He’s a QS play and nothing more. In the end, it’s a Dusty Donut, even if we want to applaud success against a tough squad. I’m not too interested in Houser against the Sawx in Tampa Bay, but you do what you need to do.
Slade Cecconi (CLE) vs CHW (ND) – 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 93 pitches.
Wow, that heater returned 10/48 whiffs and that’s kinda bonkers for what it is. Fine, Slade Brigade, HAVE YOUR FUN. I still find it hard to trust.
Yoendrys Gómez (CHW) @ CLE (ND) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 2 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 77 pitches.
Meh. I’m happy it’s a good line, it’s just underwhelming, especially with his approach of throwing everything over the plate and hoping for the best. There’s a chance he comes through again, I’m just not enthused about it.
Miles Mikolas (STL) @ MIL (W) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 0 BBs, 5 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 88 pitches.
That’s a lovely thing, Mikolas. It’s likely your final dub of the season. SO HAPPY FOR YOU.
Joey Wentz (ATL) vs HOU (ND) – 4.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 93 pitches.
Oh dang, a changeup hath arrived! It wasn’t incredible, but it helped and I’m a little surprised he wasn’t able to make it deeper into the game given his high strike rates. Stupid foul balls. He’s a start to circle against the Pirates and I could even see him pulling it off against the Tigers. Tough call there.
Garrett Crochet (BOS) vs NYY (W) – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 12 Ks – 23 Whiffs, 37% CSW, 99 pitches.
Aces gonna ace for a Golden Goal. He sat nearly 98 mph across this one. What a stud. But a 4.50 ERA. I said WHAT. A. STUD.
Cade Cavalli (WSN) vs PIT (ND) – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 3 Hits, 4 BBs, 2 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 67 pitches.
Blegh. His curveball didn’t do enough, again, and this line helps no one. You can ignore him the rest of the season, save for y’all in NL-Only leagues who need Cavalli for a chance of a strikeout-per-inning against the SlySox during the final weekend.
Luis Morales (ATH) vs CIN (W) – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 2 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 80 pitches.
It was the Reds Carpet, but is that really a thing inside Sacré Verde? Morales is still a decent play at PNC Park next, but maybe cut the line there.
Shota Imanaga (CHC) vs TBR (ND) – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 7 Hits, 0 BBs, 9 Ks – 19 Whiffs, 34% CSW, 91 pitches.
IM AN AGA. But three ER in five. Worth it. Kinda. That sweeper had 12/33 whiffs, alright? Can we please look past the two solo shots off splitters in the first? K thx.
Yu Darvish (SDP) vs COL (W) – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 4 Hits, 0 BBs, 5 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 82 pitches.
You couldn’t take advantage of the Marlins. Or Reds Carpet. Or Rockie Road?! Seriously?! I hate to say it, but he’s a desperate streamer at this point. How can you trust him to come through against anyone now? But he got me a Win and a sub 1.00 WHIP with a strikeout-per-inning. Okay, fair. STILL.
Mike Burrows (PIT) @ WSN (ND) – 4.1 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 43% CSW, 61 pitches.
Yeaaaah, make like Mike and Burrows your head when he stares at you during kickball drafting. I’ll take … … … Kevin. Atta boy. Just skip over Mike. He’ll get over it and still invite you to his birthday party. For the record, we as kids cared way too much about winning our recess games instead of making life-long friendships. Funny, isn’t it?
Jose Quintana (MIL) vs STL (L) – 4.0 IP, 3 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 2 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 67 pitches.
Blegh. Quintana is getting an MRI on his calf and if he’s okay, I’d let him fly with his good schedule. We may see Chad Patrick in his place, though, and that may be an awfully sneaky play for NL-Only squads. He’s not stellar enough to jump to the wire for in your 12-teamers, but he’s not the worst desperate play across the upcoming weekend @STL, and if Patrick gets the Reds Carpet after, he’d be worth the pickup in all standard formats.
Bailey Ober (MIN) vs ARI (L) – 6.0 IP, 4 ER, 4 Hits, 0 BBs, 9 Ks – 18 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 101 pitches.
This was really just a three-run HR and dominance otherwise. Ober sat exactly 90 mph (Yay! Not 89! But I want 92 mph. YOU’RE NOT GONNA GET THAT), but more importantly, his command to LHB was magnificent. The best I’ve seen all year. The good news? He’ll get a slew of LHB next time out, too, when he faces the Guardians. I’m in. The four-seamer, slider, and changeup were all located in their intended spots across the outing.
Nick Lodolo (CIN) @ ATH (L) – 5.1 IP, 5 ER, 8 Hits, 0 BBs, 5 Ks – 17 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 91 pitches.
It’s so frustrating to watch Lodolo pitch a great game, but due to the terrible schedule in front of him, he’s forced to carry home a terrible line like this. Three HRs were the issue in Sacré Verde and now he has to get the Cubs?! IT’S NOT FAIR. At least he’ll get a great chance to close the season on a high note with a start against the Pirates. I’m tempted to start him for both.
Robbie Ray (SFG) vs LAD (L) – 4.0 IP, 5 ER, 6 Hits, 4 BBs, 5 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 98 pitches.
Yeaaaaah. His four-seamer was constantly missing way up and out of the zone + the slider wasn’t getting far enough down to pick up the slack. At least it was nearly 95 mph velocity? Suitman whispers into my ear He has to face the Dodgers AGAIN?! So cruel. I don’t like that one, but he should be solid in his final outing of the year.
Framber Valdez (HOU) @ ATL (L) – 4.0 IP, 5 ER, 6 Hits, 4 BBs, 2 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 76 pitches.
Oh Framber. I was down on you in the preseason and you won me over by the end of May as your curve was the beautiful pitch of late 2024 once again. But now? You’ve hit the wall that terrifies us all. The curve isn’t what it used to be and that incident throwing at your catcher has me wondering if Alex-Think-Fast is at play: Is he not in a great headspace? I dunno. I don’t think you can really bench him, but I get your anxiety with SEA up next. I hope it works out for you.
Aaron Nola (PHI) vs KCR (L) – 6.0 IP, 6 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 97 pitches.
OH COME ON. He pitched great outside of a two-run shot in the fifth and a three-run shot in the sixth. Careful, Icarus. It was a slap in the face for those in weekly leagues who took the gamble and recorded brilliance against the Mets. You probably feel conflicted about @ARI on the docket, but you should go for it. His stuff is still good, y’all. Home runs are weird.
Will Warren (NYY) @ BOS (L) – 5.0 IP, 6 ER, 10 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 89 pitches.
Warren had himself a disaster of a first frame with a bamboozling of six runs and props to him for sticking it out to throw four shutout after.
Germán Márquez (COL) @ SDP (L) – 2.1 IP, 6 ER, 9 Hits, 2 BBs, 0 Ks – 2 Whiffs, 16% CSW, 74 pitches.
Márquez has limited upside, pitches his home games at Coors Field, and doesn’t deserve a spot on your team. This should be the blurb for every Colorado starter.
Kyle Hendricks (LAA) @ SEA (L) – 3.1 IP, 9 ER, 10 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 69 pitches.
Please do not start Hendricks, cool? Cool.
Game of the Day
Jack Leiter vs. Jason Alexander – I know it’s Trey Yesavage’s MLB debut, but I’ll actually be AT this game tonight in Houston, around section 110. Come say hi!
But Nick?! Where are the streaming picks? – I’ve moved them to the daily SP Matchups & Streamer Rankings article.
Have Questions? – Join my morning Playback.tv livestream! I answer all questions there for free: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm ET Monday through Friday.
Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire | Adapted by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter/X; @justinparadis.bsky.social on BlueSky)
