As things heat up in the National League West race, two southpaws returning from injury could really tilt the scales depending on how they perform going forward. Of course, there’s fantasy implications as well since each were targeted in early average draft positions for wins and strikeouts. Robbie Ray made his first start since his oblique injury and fired six shutout innings to win his third decision this year. He limited the Marlins to two hits and two walks with six strikeouts. Ray generated 12 swinging strikes of his 83 pitches with 15 called. Over his last 15 starts dating back to 2017, Ray’s 9-0 with a 3.04 ERA in them. He’s also fourth in strikeouts for left-handed pitchers through their first 100 appearances with 625 in only 99 outings.

Madison Bumgarner did not factor in the decision, but recorded seven shutout innings giving up two hits and two walks with eight strikeouts versus the Rockies. This marks the first time in his career Bumgarner’s pitched seven or more innings in back-to-back starts. Bumgarner also notched his 1,500th career strikeout to start the game versus D.J. LeMahieu and the fourth fastest to reach the number in the live ball era trailing only Randy Johnson, Clayton Kershaw and David Price .

 

That Just Happened

Zach Eflin won his fifth game of June and shutout the Yankees in seven innings allowing four hits and two walks with six strikeouts. Eflin induced 13 swinging strikes of his 92 pitches and six via the slider along with 21 called strikes. During June, Eflin’s ERA dropped to 1.76 and in all of his five starts this month, he’s worked at least five innings giving up two runs or less and one or zero walks.

Not only did Rhys Hoskins homer to provide all of the Phillies offense, 11 of his 12 home runs have put his team in the lead. His three-run shot provided the difference in the win over the Yankees and since his return from the disabled list, Hoskins has hit .303 (20-for-66) with four doubles, six home runs, 18 RBI and walked nine times. Scott Kingery added a single and has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games going 14-for-45 (.311) over that stretch.

Almost everyday Edwin Díaz closed out his 30th save to become the 12th pitcher to do so prior to the All-Star break and the first Mariner to do it. He’s also recorded a save in each of the last three games and pitched in four of the last five games. Seattle’s now won all 21 games in which Diaz has appeared in when the team leads by one run. In fact, Diaz is 19-for-21 in one run save chances with a 0.85 ERA and 37 strikeouts against five walks in 21.2 innings in them. On the season, Diaz has whiffed 68 of the 162 total batters faced resulting in a 42 percent strikeout rate and has converted 11 straight saves.

J.D. (Just Dingers) Martinez launched his major league leading 25th home run in Boston’s win over the Angels last night. He not only leads the majors in homers but in RBI (64) and total bases (193). Martinez has reached base 31 times over his last 63 plate appearances spanning 14 games going 22-for-54 (.407) with five home runs. Last, his 25 home runs through June already sets a franchise record with three games remaining this month.

Teammate Rafael Devers cranked out three hits during his four at-bats on Wednesday night scoring two runs with a double and a RBI. Devers has driven in nine runs his last nine games with 13 RBI his last 16 contests. He’s also recorded multiple hits in five of his last 11 games and over his last 20 has hit .291 (23-for-79) with 12 runs, seven doubles, three home runs, 13 RBI and three stolen bases. It’s amazing what happens when Devers hits to the opposite field.

Felipe Vázquez garnered his third win in relief working two innings giving up a hit with two strikeouts on 29 pitches. Vazquez looked sharp and has yielded only two earned runs his last 10.1 innings (1.75 ERA) with 17 strikeouts in them. Perhaps he’s getting healthy. On the opposing side, Jeurys Familia did not record an out allowing three hits and a walk resulting in four earned runs. Keep tabs on Tim Peterson who notched his second hold in this game to lower his ERA to 1.59 and he’s retired 21 of the last 22 hitters he’s faced.

Another reliever on a heater, Keone Kela saved his 20th last night, in 20 chances this season with a clean ninth and two strikeouts. Over his last 14 outings, Kela’s limited hitters to a .114 batting average against with 17 strikeouts against five walks. His ERA spiked to 6.55 earlier this season but Kela’s whittled it down to its present 3.41 during this stretch.

Did José Abreu wake up last night? Abreu, who leads the American League in All-Star voting at first base, entered Wednesday’s game five for his last 36 but racked up two hits including his 12th home run. Avisail García homered for the second time in two games as well helping the White Sox defeat Minnesota.

Rookie Shane Bieber yielded one earned run in St. Louis scattering six hits and walking one with five strikeouts to win his third game for the Indians. Bieber fever could catch on due to his 27 strikeouts against four walks through four starts with Cleveland with a 2.22 ERA and 2.69 FIP. For his career, Bieber’s 232:22 K:BB mark stands out in 298.1 innings. This feels like a Kluber-lite breakout in the making.

In the midst of the Dodgers 51 home run barrage in June, Alex Wood won his fourth game going seven innings for the first time since March 30th. Wood allowed seven hits and three earned runs but struck out six for a quality start. As for the hitters, Max Muncy launched his 16th home run, ninth in June, and has reached base in 20 of 21 games this month with 15 runs and 15 RBI. Joc Pederson crushed his 10th home run in June and 11th on the year. Cody Bellinger added his 16th home run and has hit eight over his last 19 games with a .313 (21-for-67) average.

An encouraging outing by Willson Contreras who doubled and homered with four RBI for the Cubs during their loss. He’s hitting for almost the same average as last year but seems in transition with more fly balls but a lower hard hit percentage. Contreras has improved his plate discipline with fewer swings and misses along with a five percent boost in contact. He used right-center for his double and if the skills start to translate to performance, a big second half could be in the offing. Try to buy low.

 

What To Watch For

A split slate of games makes for an interesting Thursday. A late scratch, keep tabs on J. T. Realmuto’s left wrist sprain. The team insists it’s minor, but injury reports seem sketchy this season.

Oakland will try to win its sixth straight game on getaway day in Detroit facing trade target Michael Fulmer . Will Oakland be a buyer, seller or holder at the deadline?

Will the real Lucas Giolito please stand up? More details will follow as he faces the Twins despite their recent slump with the bats. Yes, looking at you Eduardo Escobar .

Baltimore will send out sacrificial lamb Jimmy Yacabonis to face the Mariners, a nice day for Nelson Cruz to return to the lineup and launch in his old stomping grounds in Camden Yards.

An intriguing battle of southpaws out West with José Quintana facing Clayton Kershaw in what many would view as a potential playoff preview, but it’s June.

Last, but not least, frustrating fantasy pitchers will meet up in San Francisco with Jon Gray facing Chris Stratton . Good luck predicting this outcome.

Be sure to check back later for Fantasy Alarm’s Closing Bell which recaps the day’s action along with highlighting fantasy factors for the days ahead.

 

Statistical Credits:

MLB.com

Fangraphs.com

BaseballSavant.com