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.
Ryan Brasier (LAD) @ COL (ND) – 1.0 IP, 1 ER, 1 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks – 2 Whiffs, 17% CSW, 23 pitches.
After Ryan Brasier opened for a frame, we got an extended look at Ben Casparius in Coors on Friday night, exploding with a line of 4.1 IP, 1 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 7 Ks – 16 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 85 pitches in a far from ideal situation. He served heaters from 92-98 mph, a pair of legit breaking balls, and a 42% CSW slider that is sure to get some excited about him for next year.
I’m not against Casparius innately – if the Dodgers are going to let him start, the circumstance itself lends attention, let alone featuring a proper hiLoc% four-seamer with 17+ iVB (but horrible extension) – though I do worry about his ability to command his arsenal consistently. I’m not claiming this to be a death sentence or a matter of fact, but watching Casparius’ windup that features five different backfoot placements screams unreliability and forcing the rest of his body to accommodate differently each time when delivering to the plate. The results followed suit – he was erratic and often far from his intended locations – though the approach was clear of BSB and generally, that was alright.
Nick, that was a ramble and a half. Alright, I’m sorry. I’m curious to see more. With the Dodgers rotation being all weird and messed up, we may see Casparius not only be in the running for a rotation spot early next year, but used heavily in the playoffs as a long reliever. I worry about the low extension and overall repeatability, but the overall approach is what I wish every Dodgers starter had (High heaters + successful sliders, curves, and cutters in the zone and out). That should bring strikeouts and Wins given a proper shot.
Let’s see how every other SP did Friday:
Max Fried (ATL) vs KCR (W) – 8.2 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 9 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 98 pitches.
Aces gonna ace. Absolutely stunning when Atlanta needed it most. Still wish I saw more from the changeup, but who cares. Way to show up when we needed you and yes, I’d love to have Fried against next year, wherever he signs.
Jameson Taillon (CHC) vs CIN (W) – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 2 Ks – 3 Whiffs, 22% CSW, 89 pitches.
What a fantastic end to the season for Taillon with five straight stud outings with just 3 ER allowed total during the run. I’m thrilled for him (and the legit cutter feel!) and have no idea how he’ll feel entering next year. Will his back be okay? Will he have the same cutter feel? It’s all up in the air.
Taj Bradley (TBR) @ BOS (W) – 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 7 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 71 pitches.
Look at you, Taj. The classic Cherry Bomb ending the season on a sweet note for all daring managers. Nothing new here, just one of those great days that will likely grab managers in during drafts next year. I don’t want to deal with the anxiety, personally. Nick, it’s Dylan Cease all over again. Nah, that slider is far different than anything Bradley features. I can’t trust him.
Cade Povich (BAL) @ MIN (W) – 5.2 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 22% CSW, 79 pitches.
Yessss. Thanks for this one Povich, we’ll return to you as a streamer some time next year, I’m sure. Not drafting him? Why? Go chase a proper strikeout darling instead. He doesn’t have enough whiff potential until a legit changeup appears.
Trevor Williams (WSN) vs PHI (W) – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 5 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 77 pitches.
#NeverTrevor did a great job of locating low secondaries, then spotting four-seamers upstairs in proper BSB fashion. His command is far better than I’ve given him credit in the past and I imagine a team will jump on him over the winter as a volume arm for next year. Y’all know I disagree with how he carries himself on a personal level, and for just for fantasy, I do see a potential 2025 sleeper in deeper leagues if he finds the right situation.
Bryan Woo (SEA) vs OAK (W) – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 8 Ks – 15 Whiffs, 36% CSW, 76 pitches.
Aces gonna ace. I really want to roster Woo everywhere next year, though if he’s being drafted near others with similar talent and a stronger foundation of health, I’m not sure I can. Sigh. That King Cole is a lovely sight, though. And so would a legit slider in camp next year. AMEN.
Ronel Blanco (HOU) @ CLE (W) – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 19% CSW, 86 pitches.
Wow, I’m shocked the Astros tossed Blanco for 86 pitches despite wanting to limit him down the stretch. We also saw The Pasta Pirate Spencer Arrighetti toss 52 pitches as well, likely knocking him out of appearing on Sunday for those holding onto the hope. I’ll likely be out on Blanco next year, questioning his changeup consistency, but if he comes as a discount late after all the exciting arms, I don’t see why not grab him and coast for as long as he can replicate.
Garrett Crochet (CHW) @ DET (ND) – 4.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 35% CSW, 62 pitches.
I’m pretty certain Crochet is inside my Top 5 SP for next year, especially considering his likelihood of being dealt before the season starts. Throw in a new sinker that makes him even filthier at nearly 99 mph on average…yeah. He’s unreal. Imagine if he figures out his changeup…
Brenan Hanifee (DET) vs CHW (ND) – 2.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 0 BBs, 0 Ks – 1 Whiffs, 20% CSW, 20 pitches.
The second half league winner Brant Hurter did it one last time. He vultured one more Win for everyone, going 4.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 Hits , 0 BBs, 1 Ks. Yes, a solo shot was the only issue with sinkers and sweepers per usual. Maybe he really is something legit with that sinker next year…
Nick Martinez (CIN) @ CHC (L) – 8.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 Hits, 0 BBs, 3 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 95 pitches.
Can the Reds please do what they told Nic kMart they would do when they initially signed him and LET HIM START ALL YEAR?! If Cin City weren’t his home, I may consider him more regularly, and for now it’s just 15-teamers. We don’t target Toby types in 12-teamers.
Jacob deGrom (TEX) @ LAA (ND) – 4.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 Hits, 0 BBs, 5 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 43% CSW, 53 pitches.
Aces gonna go just 53 pitches and look like the best pitcher on the planet. Who, Skenes? I’m serious. It’s still deGrom, y’all. Just watch his slider precision with 98-100 mph four-seamers. There is no one better.
Nick Pivetta (BOS) vs TBR (L) – 6.2 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 15 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 100 pitches.
That’s a lovely time at the park for Pivetta and I’m not grabbing him at all next year. Wait what. I don’t trust the sweeper against RHB as it makes his four-seamer easier to pick up and demolish. He’s too volatile and I expect he goes earlier than I’d like.
Brady Singer (KCR) @ ATL (L) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 98 pitches.
The Cherry Bomb came through one more time and he finished the season with a 3.71 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 22% strikeout rate. He was who we thought he was!
JP Sears (OAK) @ SEA (L) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 3 BBs, 4 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 102 pitches.
Ayyy it worked! I think it would be unwise to anticipate Sears taking another step forward with consistency next year, sadly, but he does have decent starts in his backpocket here and there that can be taken advantage of as dart throws week-to-week.
Pablo López (MIN) vs BAL (L) – 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 3 BBs, 8 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 111 pitches.
Aces gonna close out a tumultuous year saved by the saved half. I wonder if I’ll be able to make PabLó my first SP in many leagues…The four-seamer/change/sweeper combo with surprise sinkers and curves is what you want.
Carlos Rodón (NYY) vs PIT (ND) – 5.1 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 4 BBs, 5 Ks – 17 Whiffs, 33% CSW, 95 pitches.
Great stuff Rodón. A Gallows Pole as he concludes a highly successful second half to redeem one and a half years of destruction – 3.00 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 30% strikeout rate across his final 13 starts beginning July 14th. I consider him a safe Holly type for next year, though I hate how inconsistent his changeup and velocity are.
Jared Jones (PIT) @ NYY (ND) – 4.1 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 7 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 85 pitches.
Ayyyy this was much better Jones with four-seamers properly sitting upstairs + sliders and curveballs down in BSB fashion. I can’t quite figure out where to draft Jones next year. On one hand, he’s obviously dope. On the other, his command is weird and it’s the Pirates and I can’t shake Cherry Bomb out of my head. Nah, I won’t big brain this. He throws hard with a legit slider and will be in his sophomore year after facing adversity. I’m so in.
Frankie Montas (MIL) vs NYM (ND) – 4.0 IP, 2 ER, 2 Hits, 3 BBs, 6 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 33% CSW, 82 pitches.
We saw 96/97 mph Montas, but with more foul balls than usual that ran up his pitch count. I’m in on Montas in deeper leagues for next year, assuming he sticks in Milwaukee (it’s a mutual option at $20M). I think he feels comfortable there.
Yu Darvish (SDP) @ ARI (W) – 5.1 IP, 3 ER, 3 Hits, 3 BBs, 4 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 33% CSW, 80 pitches.
Ehhhh, alright. I expected him to go a decent amount given his lack of innings in the second half and against the mighty Sneks, you should be happy with the dub. I consider Darvish a target in the back-half of your drafts next year – don’t expect it to last, but he should be more productive on a per-start basis than any other flier you’d take after pick #120. I wonder where his ADP lands.
Miles Mikolas (STL) @ SFG (W) – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 34% CSW, 92 pitches.
This weekend is all about Win hunting and enjoy your bites of this Dusty Donut. We couldn’t have expected anything more from the wonderful Mustachio.
Joey Cantillo (CLE) vs HOU (L) – 3.2 IP, 3 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 7 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 93 pitches.
At least you got strikeouts out of it. I’m intrigued by Cantillo for next season given his excellent four-seamer extension, but I really wish his changeup wasn’t of the Vulcan variety. It’s simply not as consistent as those who can master a circle-change. Still, it’s possible he has an exceptional feel for it and returns deep value for those in need.
Adam Oller (MIA) @ TOR (W) – 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 8 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 95 pitches.
Hey, you got a Win at a time when it’s hard to secure one for your clubs. Considering we had zero expectations for anything from Oller entering the season, I’m glad you could do something for a few desperate fantasy managers. Thanks Adam.
Reid Detmers (LAA) vs TEX (L) – 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 8 Hits, 1 BBs, 12 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 34% CSW, 95 pitches.
Hahahahaha, wow. I love it. I’m going to give him the Gold Star and I don’t care if you don’t like it. This was a moment of desperation for many fantasy managers and while you failed to secure a Win or healthy ratios, I imagine y’all were here for the strikeouts and he obliged. This was a day of the slider working and no, I will not let any of y’all get sucked in for 2025. He’s a Cherry Bomb.
Merrill Kelly (ARI) vs SDP (L) – 5.2 IP, 5 ER, 8 Hits, 1 BBs, 8 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 99 pitches.
That first inning was painful. Kelly settled down after and looked stellar but you can’t erase the past. Save for Alexandria. Okay outside of that. And als–I GET IT NICK. I see Kelly as a decent play for next year in your 15-teamers, who may get pushed down behind others who haven’t done it for as long as him. If you need Wins, Kelly is your guy.
Sean Manaea (NYM) @ MIL (L) – 3.2 IP, 5 ER, 7 Hits, 2 BBs, 1 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 91 pitches.
Awwwwww. The Mets We needed one more from Manaea and the Brewers went hacking middle-armside. So it goes, thanks for the glorious run to end the season. Many won’t forget it, though I think it’s in your best interest to do so. It’s unlikely for him to replicate this peak of a rhythm again.
Landen Roupp (SFG) vs STL (L) – 3.2 IP, 6 ER, 9 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 97 pitches.
Womp womp. The curve is great, but he left far too many pitches over the plate and the Cards walloped ’em. There could be another level for Roupp next year, but I see this more like Brady Singer than I do potential for more, sadly.
Cal Quantrill (COL) vs LAD (L) – 3.1 IP, 6 ER, 7 Hits, 2 BBs, 0 Ks – 2 Whiffs, 15% CSW, 73 pitches.
Against the Dodgers. In Coors. We had that fun time in April and May, eh?
José Berríos (TOR) vs MIA (L) – 3.0 IP, 6 ER, 6 Hits, 3 BBs, 4 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 72 pitches.
I can’t believe it. The Great Undulator was set to break the rules with a sub 3.50 ERA and sub 1.15 WHIP before his final start Friday night against the Marlins. The Marlins! And he found a way to return a 3.60 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in the end. There isn’t a more consistent arm in fantasy baseball.
Ranger Suárez (PHI) @ WSN (L) – 2.0 IP, 6 ER, 7 Hits, 2 BBs, 2 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 19% CSW, 59 pitches.
Yikes. So ends a season of two halves that we’ll hear about all winter. Let’s remember Suárez when there is inevitably some Toby type returning an ace like performance for two-three months and not expect it to last all year.
Game of the Day
Sean Burke vs. Detroit Tigers – I’m stoked to see if he can do it a third time before the season ends.
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)