Welcome to the SP Roundup, my daily fantasy baseball article reviewing every starting pitcher’s performance from every Saturday 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.
Emerson Hancock (SEA) @ TEX (W) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 0 BBs, 3 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 79 pitches.
You’re scouring the waiver wire to find any pitcher who can help you down the stretch and there’s Emerson Hancock, who found himself a Win on Saturday with 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 0 BBs, 3 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 79 pitches against the Rangers. He’s another young arm with a brief opportunity and now you’re wondering if he’s worth the gamble gets another start.
As of now, Luis Castillo is not expected to return for the Astros series, which seems like Emerson has a shot to start in his place…except the Mariners optioned Emerson to Triple-A following this start. However, with so few days left, a spot may suddenly up for Hancock before the season ends, allowing him to start against Oakland on Friday if the Seattle stud needs more time. With Hancock’s improved command of both the four-seamer upstairs and sliders away, I can see him finding a way through five frames again, possibly with a slightly longer leash as well. His changeup has been the money maker in the past, and seeing him survive an outing without the slowball cooking speaks toward a higher ceiling if he can return it to form.
It’s a desperate dart throw. Hancock isn’t an electric arm who is unlikely to go six frames, let alone make the start in the first place. However, those in deep leagues should monitor if he gets the pearl – he’s still better than the dredges of the waiver wire.
Let’s see how every other SP did Saturday:
Carlos Rodón (NYY) @ OAK (W) – 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 90 pitches.
Despite sitting just 94 mph and going 3/7 changeup strikes, Rodón gave a strong outing for all leagues. Enjoy the final start against the Pirates where the velocity should be better and reveal a cache of strikeouts.
Merrill Kelly (ARI) @ MIL (W) – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 0 BBs, 6 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 35% CSW, 72 pitches.
Yesssss. Kelly’s command hath returned and secured a big Win. Now it’s a tough call against the Padres. I have a feeling it’ll be a quicker hook than usual as the Sneks will likely be locked into a playoff spot by that time, and when combined with the Padres offense, I may pass on that one.
Landen Roupp (SFG) @ KCR (W) – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 3 BBs, 3 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 87 pitches.
He went opposite his comp in Singer and despite the curve not returning the whiffs needed for it to be the true comp (just 3/37), it was a decent strike pitch as the sinker survived over the plate. Don’t love it – he needs a bit more from the curve to convince me he can pound strikes with the sinker in the same way – but if he gets the start over Black later this week against the Cardinals, I’m okay with it.
Rhett Lowder (CIN) vs PIT (W) – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 87 pitches.
A bit of Blame it on the Pirates and a bit of good four-seamers upstairs with Dancing With The Disco. Sinkers getting away with strikes in the zone help, too, and it’s possibly he can be a ‘Toby” for one more game against the Cubs. It’s all a bit meh to me.
MacKenzie Gore (WSN) @ CHC (W) – 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 1 Hits, 3 BBs, 9 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 94 pitches.
Jeeeeez, look at you. The four-seamer was still just 95 mph, but he spotted it upstairs well while the curve was the main breaker and was dastardly when executed. I’m a bit worried for the Phillies next, but I don’t blame you for riding the hot hand through the end. If you told me “95 mph with a sub 60% strike curve against the Phillies”, I’d be pretty hesitant.
Miles Mikolas (STL) vs CLE (W) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 Hits, 0 BBs, 4 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 81 pitches.
Two straight productive outings from Mikolas when you were desperate for something. This wasn’t a game that makes me suggest Mikolas is a target against the Giants later this week – he’s the same guy that was destructive for over a month. It’s a gamble for a QS/Win.
Max Fried (ATL) @ MIA (W) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 34% CSW, 100 pitches.
Aces gonna ace. This is exactly what it should be against the Marlins and hey! Look at this! The changeup went 6/20 whiffs! IT’S BACK. I’m curious if we’ll get it a second time against the Mets – it could be a decent sign for 2025 as it’s my biggest worry.
Martín Pérez (SDP) vs CHW (W) – 5.1 IP, 1 ER, 2 Hits, 3 BBs, 6 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 81 pitches.
We appreciate you Pérez. A QS would have been nice and I’m a little surprised by the quick hook, but he left the game with two men on and at least he was given the chance to go a full six. Sadly, it’s the Diamondbacks to close out his season and we give him all the niceties as we issue him to the door. I hope to see you again soon! In 2025! At some point!
Taj Bradley (TBR) vs TOR (W) – 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 103 pitches.
An abnormally boring start from Bradley, with a high splitter strike rate, a decent cutter, and four-seamers that did most of the work. Was a Cherry Bomb, still a Cherry Bomb.
Reese Olson (DET) @ BAL (ND) – 3.0 IP, 1 ER, 1 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 58 pitches.
He was limited a little more than expected and the Tigers may keep him around 60 pitches for his final start against the Rays. However, it could be pushed to 70/75 and return five strong frames – his slider went 8/16 whiffs here, y’all. It’s a play to make if you can afford the pickup/drop without sacrificing higher ceilings.
Ronel Blanco (HOU) vs LAA (W) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 7 Hits, 2 BBs, 9 Ks – 16 Whiffs, 35% CSW, 104 pitches.
Atta boy, Blanco. A Gallows Pole thanks to the slider performing at its peak (11/34 whiffs!) while the changeup was a solid strike pitch. It’s possible he gets rest if the Astros clinch the division as they’ve expressed worry that he may be fatigued with the extra work load. They will need him for a playoff run.
Adam Oller (MIA) vs ATL (ND) – 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 8 Hits, 2 BBs, 7 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 92 pitches.
After failing to perform against weak teams, Oller was able to get strikes on his curves and maneuver around getting Singled Out. I can see it working out one more time against the Jays, but it’s a volatile play.
Cade Povich (BAL) vs DET (ND) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 2 Hits, 3 BBs, 7 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 34% CSW, 89 pitches.
We circled his two starts against the Tigers and Povich came through. Is it enough to trust against the Twins? Probably not – treat him like a Toby – and sadly, the Orioles couldn’t do enough to give him a Win in either start, but the chance is still there if you’re in dire need.
Ranger Suárez (PHI) @ NYM (ND) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BBs, 4 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 91 pitches.
Velocity was back up to 92/93 mph and the curve and sinker were solid, but the changeup was lacking and the Mets have that Grimace energy. With the heater back to normal, I think the Nationals are a decent enough matchup to roll with Suárez for the Win, if not more.
Matthew Boyd (CLE) @ STL (L) – 4.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 3 BBs, 6 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 88 pitches.
Blegh. It’s not enough from Boyd as too much fell over the middle of the zone + he had too many offerings sail armside off the plate. I’d try something else instead of chasing a start against the Astros later this week.
Dane Dunning (TEX) vs SEA (ND) – 3.2 IP, 2 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 81 pitches.
With Scherzer shut down for the year, Dunning stepped up and did what he could. I can’t believe the White Sox dealt him for Lynn, who they sent to the Dodgers with Kelly for Nastrini and others. Uhhhh, Nastrini ain’t much. Ain’t much yet. Anyway, Dunning shouldn’t get another start with the six-man truncating to a five-man + the possibility of Jack Leiter finding a start along the way. BUT, if he does start against the Angels, at least he’s stretched out enough to open the door for a Win or QS. Probably not, but it’s good to know who has any sort of chance in your deeper leagues.
Sean Manaea (NYM) vs PHI (W) – 7.0 IP, 3 ER, 3 Hits, 0 BBs, 6 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 89 pitches.
Two solo shots were the major blemishes as Manaea has been the savior of so many fantasy teams. What a lovely ride and I’m sorry I ever doubted you.
Cal Quantrill (COL) @ LAD (ND) – 4.2 IP, 3 ER, 6 Hits, 4 BBs, 5 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 100 pitches.
He tried his best with curves and splitters and…yeah. The Dodgers. At least fewer runs than Buehler! Very fair. In fact, just one out away from a Win despite the 2.00+ WHIP, if you can believe it.
Aaron Civale (MIL) vs ARI (L) – 4.1 IP, 3 ER, 3 Hits, 3 BBs, 2 Ks – 1 Whiffs, 20% CSW, 91 pitches.
Not a big surprise against the mighty Arizona crew + Civale only has one start of cutter & curve dominance under his belt. I’m not the biggest fan of his final matchup against the Mets, but he does have a long enough leash to go six if he’s able to find the curve feel and live on the edges a little more efficiently.
Yariel Rodríguez (TOR) @ TBR (L) – 4.0 IP, 3 ER, 4 Hits, 3 BBs, 3 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 81 pitches.
Too little (nothing) too early (pulled in four) too bad (we know).
Kyle Hendricks (CHC) vs WSN (L) – 5.1 IP, 4 ER, 9 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 91 pitches.
With CJ getting demoted, Hendricks was the Big Brain play, and it looked masterful until the sixth, when it all fell apart. Careful, Icarus. Not out of the question for Hendricks to survive the Reds in Wrigley to end the year, but I’d hate to put my fantasy season into the hands of Hendricks. Have you seen that man hold an egg in a spoon before? No. Then how could you be sure of his stability?!
Walker Buehler (LAD) vs COL (L) – 5.1 IP, 4 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 9 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 34% CSW, 89 pitches.
You took a chance on Buehler for a dub – it’s Rockie Road, how bad can it be? – and left with everything but a Win (and a poor ERA). His velocity was down to just 94 mph as he sat armside with cutters and fought incessantly with his curveball and four-seamer, making it feel like a checklist in preparation for 2025. Okay, I’ve got the cutter feel back, but where is that four-seamer and curve? AND WHY IS MY SLIDER MISSING?! I’d avoid the Padres entirely.
Chris Flexen (CHW) @ SDP (L) – 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 8 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 96 pitches.
Apparently, Flexen didn’t know there were beaches in San Diego. Seriously?! I know, right?!
Brady Singer (KCR) vs SFG (L) – 5.1 IP, 6 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 35% CSW, 88 pitches.
Four solo shots – two each from LaMonte and Chapman – were the story in this one, even with the King Cole. That’s the life of a Cherry Bomb, the man Singer has always been. AstronautLookingAtEarthMeme.jpg.
JP Sears (OAK) vs NYY (L) – 5.0 IP, 6 ER, 9 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 93 pitches.
It was a risky play and it didn’t pay off. You know the rules and so do I. However, he heads to Seattle next and given the 40% CSW four-seamer here, that could be worth your while for those who need to spin the upside wheel.
Jared Jones (PIT) @ CIN (L) – 5.0 IP, 6 ER, 6 Hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 90 pitches.
Bleeeeeegh. This one hurt. Jones’ command was atrocious and a pair of home runs crushed our dreams on an important Saturday. His heater was 1-2 ticks down and he couldn’t make adjustments to locate it well, his slider wasn’t consistent, and the curve that helped before was terrible, including a hung one for a bomb. I wouldn’t start him against the Yankees in his final start of the year and wouldn’t be shocked if the Pirates said “Naaaaah, we good. Let’s let someone else pitch.”
Reid Detmers (LAA) @ HOU (L) – 2.0 IP, 7 ER, 9 Hits, 3 BBs, 3 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 20% CSW, 66 pitches.
It was a longshot after the CrySox bamboozled him. These last two starts truly solidify how volatile Detmers is, making his slider feel far too important on a given day. Unless Detmers changes his four-seamer/change dramatically entering next year, I don’t think I’ll touch him anywhere.
Game of the Day
Blake Snell vs. Seth Lugo – Well ain’t this a fun game against former teammates (now on different teams).
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 Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire | Adapted by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter/X)