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.
Mitch Farris (LAA) @ KCR (W) – 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 16% CSW, 70 pitches.
I feel like baseball is testing us. How far can we go with soft-tossing southpaws with a changeup? The Angels gave us the newest Boyer (Moyer + Boyd?) with Mitch Farris making his debut on Tuesday, sporting a 90 mph blegh fastball, a 81/82 mph gyro slider, and a 77/78 mph slothball, which obviously produced a Win against the Royals: 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 16% CSW, 70 pitches (W).
The guy knows how to pitch! Sure, fine. You don’t make it to the majors with a 90 mph fastball if you’re just hurling pitches over the plate with reckless abandon. Farris did go the BSB to RHB effectively with nearly exclusively high four-seamers and low changeups, but you’d think he’d be able to spot a low 80s slider better than he did yesterday. He got awfully fortunate on many of those pitches getting fouled off, with 8/9 swings making contact on fourteen thrown. Yup.
That slothball has a ton of drop, for what it’s worth. There’s a reason every pitch is in the majors and this changeup drops 17″ more than his four-seamer. That’s legit and it’s no surprise the pitch returned four whiffs and three outs without surrendering a hit. I’d expect him to throw more than two to LHB if he sticks in the majors given the anxiety-inducing fastball/slider combo he served on a silver platter yesterday.
You can chase it if you must. With the RHB command, I can see him as an AL-Only streamer when he hosts the Athletics next week (assuming he stays), but even then, he was pushed to just 70 pitches here and the ceiling is what you see above, maybe over six frames. I just can’t see this working out for so long.
Let’s see how every other SP did Tuesday:
Luis Severino (ATH) @ STL (ND) – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 61 pitches.
He returned from the IL and was able to go 61 pitches while featuring fastballs just 30% of the time. He flipped the sweeper over the plate to RHB without care, then kept it down to LHB well with cutters jamming them up-and-in. I dig this approach. The four-seamer did slip over the plate for a pair of hits, but was mostly saved for two-strikes, recording a pair of punchouts, and he was careful with the sinker. A little front-hip here, a little up-and-in there, no hits allowed and everything is fine. Fine, like start him in Sacré Verde against the Sawx fine? Ehhhh he’s not fully stretched out and I hate that park. How about waiting until after for the Reds Carpet and PNC Park?
Max Fried (NYY) @ HOU (W) – 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 Hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 101 pitches.
Aces gonna ace. Oh he’s back, baybeeee. 96.3 mph on the heater as he was amped for this one. I absolutely loved watching him dance off the outside corner with sinkers and changeups, leaning the sinker off the plate and the changeup coming back on, then cutters would surprise inside. Fun stuff.
Miles Mikolas (STL) vs ATH (W) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 0 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 19% CSW, 67 pitches.
I had this weird temptation to try Mikolas on this night and this night alone and I’m never going to do that again. HAISTBMBWT?!
Carmen Mlodzinski (PIT) vs LAD (ND) – 2.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 Hits, 1 BBs, 1 Ks – 3 Whiffs, 18% CSW, 50 pitches.
Carmen was pushed by the Dodgers early and handed the keys to Bubba Chandler, who had a Win sealed up if not for the pen losing his lead in the seventh – 4.0 IP, 3 ER, 6 Hits, 0 BBs, 3 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 34% CSW, 65 pitches (ND). Sigh. I’m not into holding Chandler at this time given how the Pirates are using him in the piggy-back role until further notice, nor are the frames we’re getting all too productive. If he were to start in Mlodzinski’s spot, it would be MIL, @WSN, ATH, @CIN remaining, which is enticing after the Brewers. I don’t suggest stashing in September.
Nabil Crismatt (ARI) vs TEX (ND) – 6.1 IP, 2 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 82 pitches.
Would you look at that? Crismatt has been producing more than expected and now he’ll get the Giants. Yes, I know, the WHIP is rough and he was fortunate to navigate nearly seven frames, but then again, that Rangers offense is rough. It may seem tempting against the Giants next, though I’d save that for NL-Only formats.
Michael Lorenzen (KCR) vs LAA (L) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 95 pitches.
There it is. I kept saying Lorenzen had QS upside but failed to showcase it until now, and I’m kinda upset about it…? Wait, why? I don’t want him to give fantasy managers any ideas – he’s not to be trusted. Is this because Falter was demoted to the bullpen to make room for Lorenzen? I JUST DON’T GET IT. But seriously, don’t go after this.
Nolan McLean (NYM) @ DET (W) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 3 BBs, 7 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 33% CSW, 90 pitches.
What a stud. With the Mets going six-man, McLean has a gorgeous schedule the rest of the way – @CIN, TEX, WSN, @MIA – and he’s looking like the championship-winning pickup. Let’s hope so. His 17″ run sinker + -13″ sweep on the breaker makes for a fun 30″ difference that is oh so fun to watch.
Jacob Latz (TEX) @ ARI (ND) – 5.1 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 1 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 71 pitches.
Well that’s interesting. Latz isn’t stretched out fully and should be off your radar until his final two expected starts: MIA & @CLE. Here, the four-seamer and changeup were far too hittable, preventing punchouts (HAISTBMBWT?!) and allowing more hits than he should. That said, he is getting the changeup lower than he did in the first half while sitting 95+ mph. Circle him for the end of the year.
Cade Cavalli (WSN) vs MIA (W) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 75 pitches.
Not the prettiest, but that’ll do. Now repeat it against Miami + hosting the Pirates, alright? Oh, and throw more than 23% curveballs ya dingus. It’s too good to be shelved.
Tyler Wells (BAL) @ SDP (W) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 0 BBs, 4 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 85 pitches.
WELL I’LL BE. It was set up to be a poor outing – a Still ILL post-UCL surgery against the Padres – and instead the man earned a Gold Star. His changeup was fantastic down to LHB with sliders away to RHB, and his heater with its ultra steep attack angle (we’re talking -0.2 HAVAA) was still able to return four whiffs at 92/93 mph. Huh. And now he gets the Pirates, SlySox, and hosts the Rays. HUH. I guess give it a shot next Wednesday…? At the very least, he’s already stretched out and throwing strikes.
Logan Webb (SFG) @ COL (W) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 7 Hits, 2 BBs, 7 Ks – 16 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 94 pitches.
A Gallows Pole for Webb is always a lovely thing, though the sinker was a bit too hittable, giving me flashbacks of his 2024 campaign. At least the sweeper was stellar to RHB (with some cutters) and the changeup was glorious at the bottom of the zone. Just locate that dang sinker better.
Simeon Woods Richardson (MIN) vs CHW (ND) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 2 Hits, 3 BBs, 7 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 85 pitches.
Really?! SWR went 31% splitters for 65% strikes, and it opened the door for called strikes down with the four-seamer. What a weird one. Welp, not trusting it against the Angels next, sorry fella.
José Berríos (TOR) @ CIN (ND) – 2.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 2 Ks – 2 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 66 pitches.
A costly error led to an extended second frame and with 60 pitches, The Great Undulator got the hook. There isn’t much time left for Berríos to stabi5lize his 4.02 ERA and 1.29 WHIP, and I think we’re now all on #BerríosRatiosWatch2025. If he always lands in a 3.50-3.90 ERA with a 1.15-1.25 WHIP, doesn’t that mean he’ll have a good few weeks ahead of him? You’d think, right? BUT WHO KNOWS.
Kyle Freeland (COL) vs SFG (L) – 0.0 IP, 2 ER, 2 Hits, 0 BBs, 0 Ks – 1 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 8 pitches.
After allowing a bloop and a blast in the first, Freeland was ejected after inciting a brawl. I get it, man. It’s not easy doing what you do. On the other hand, pitchers celebrate SO MUCH. Let the hitters pimp their shots, it’s fine. If they directly do something to the pitcher, like a super rude gesture or trash talk, then that’s a different story. We gotta be aware of our emotions and use them how we want to, y’all. That’s maturity. ANYWAY, Freeland 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.
Shota Imanaga (CHC) vs ATL (W) – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 78 pitches.
Aces gonna be a little boring for a Dusty Donut. All good.
Davis Martin (CHW) @ MIN (W) – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 6 Hits, 3 BBs, 4 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 90 pitches.
The cutter was fine against RHB and with LHB making up the majority of hitters, his four-seamer/change combo was put to work. It’s not Martin’s ideal situation. In the end, Martin is a 15-team Toby and a VPQS with a dub may be what you were looking for. I’m happy for ya.
Drew Rasmussen (TBR) vs SEA (ND) – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 4 Hits, 0 BBs, 2 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 72 pitches.
Blegh. Three solo shots in the fourth and that’s your ballgame. Stupid minor league park. Rasmussen’s starts are just so…simple.
Bryan Woo (SEA) @ TBR (ND) – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 4 Hits, 3 BBs, 3 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 84 pitches.
Aces gonna flounder in a stupid annoying place to pitch, especially against RHB where he went 50% strikes on fastballs (and three hits!). I wouldn’t worry about this.
Yu Darvish (SDP) vs BAL (L) – 4.0 IP, 3 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 87 pitches.
Blegh. I keep saying, “He’ll figure it out, he’ll figure it out,” and you’re impatient. So am I! And I have good news for you today: Reds Carpet and Rockie Road are next. You HAVE to hold for that.
Adam Mazur (MIA) @ WSN (L) – 6.0 IP, 4 ER, 10 Hits, 0 BBs, 5 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 90 pitches.
Not much of a surprise here. Mazur’s slider was able to return a fair number of whiffs – 8/31 is hot – and there is a touch of fun in the four-seamer if he can elevate it, but we’re not there yet. At all.
Clayton Kershaw (LAD) @ PIT (ND) – 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 4 Hits, 4 BBs, 3 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 83 pitches.
Wait, Kersh. No no no, you’re supposed to be buddy-buddy with Koufax. How dare you get bamboozled in the first frame for five runs?! How can you let this happen? Alright, it’s Rockie Road next, I’ll calm down. Just throw strikes and all is good.
Joey Wentz (ATL) @ CHC (L) – 4.0 IP, 4 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 8 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 96 pitches.
You know, Wentz pitched really well, but the Cubs got to him in the third frame, including a three-run shot from Tucker. Sure, he could have had better feel for the curve (46% strikes), but still. That slider (ayyyy, not calling it a cutter anymore!) and four-seamer execute the BSB beautifully.
Scott Barlow (CIN) vs TOR (L) – 1.0 IP, 4 ER, 2 Hits, 3 BBs, 1 Ks – 2 Whiffs, 21% CSW, 34 pitches.
This was supposed to be Nick Lodolo, but he came down with an illness, turning this into a bullpen game. I’m sure he’ll be fine.
Framber Valdez (HOU) vs NYY (L) – 5.0 IP, 6 ER, 8 Hits, 1 BBs, 8 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 35% CSW, 96 pitches.
If you missed Valdez’s incident yesterday, you need to watch it. Regardless, Valdez should be better next time against the Jays.
Sawyer Gipson-Long (DET) vs NYM (L) – 4.0 IP, 6 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 70 pitches.
This was a very obvious do not start and ignore the final line. The good news here is that SGL is likely taking the place of Chris Paddack in the rotation, which opens the door for a fun stream in eleven days on 9/14 @MIA. No, don’t start him against the Yankees beforehand – he’s not stretched out yet.
Garrett Crochet (BOS) vs CLE (ND) – 6.0 IP, 7 ER, 9 Hits, 0 BBs, 4 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 81 pitches.
Aces gonna wat. All seven runs came via four HRs, and this was a 1 ER game through the first five innings. Wait, three HRs for six runs in the sixth? Seriously?! Yuuuuup. That’s Baseball, Suzyn. Velocity is fine n all, so brush it off. Whatareyagonnado.
Slade Cecconi (CLE) @ BOS (ND) – 5.1 IP, 7 ER, 11 Hits, 0 BBs, 8 Ks – 15 Whiffs, 40% CSW, 82 pitches.
Wow. Can’t say I’ve ever seen the pitcher with the most ER and hits earn a 40% CSW & King Cole before. it was a product of Slade featuring a 77% strike rate, outlining the Red Sox sitting back a ton vs. Slade and getting pitches to hit. Those ratios sure feel like enough to break up the Slade Brigade, but then again, an 8-to-0 strikeout to walk ratio suggests better…NO. You can’t. Please. Stop. KCR, CHW, @MIN, TEX are next. At least resist the Royals next, okay? Please.
Game of the Day
Caden Dana vs. Ryan Bergert – It’s our first look at Dana this season + Bergert has been on a roll.
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/X; @justinparadis.bsky.social on BlueSky)
