Within the 23rd multiple home run game for Khris Davis , he also reached a milestone reaching 200 for his career. Davis went 3-for-5 with four RBI pushing his average above the easy to predict .247 mark, and raising his on-base plus slugging percentage to .923 in the process. When Davis hits for power to the opposite field, his manager says he’s locked in. Here’s a look at Khrush’s first home run courtesy of Statcast:

 

 

Davis tied for the major league lead in home runs at seven joining Jay Bruce and Cody Bellinger . Keep tabs on Bruce, he left Wednesday’s game with a sore achilles tendon. Not to be left out of the double dong party, Tommy Pham launched two against the White Sox and Jose Altuve also hit two versus the Yankees. Here’s the rest of the action from yesterday by point of interest in today’s Round Up.

Hitter Highlights: Streaks and steals in Kansas City

Given the Royals propensity to steal bases, targeting players on their roster for the category makes sense. Whit Merrifield extended his major league leading hit streak to 31 games with a bunt single. In the streak, Merrifield’s hitting .326 and currently batting .340 this year with four stolen bases. Adalberto Mondesi notched his ninth career multiple-steal game and seventh since the start of last year. Terrance Gore snapped a streak of replacement appearances starting and responded with three hits in four at-bats, a run and swiped two bases as well. Not sure if he can forge more playing time, but in deeper formats, those seeking steals might profit.

Joining Pham in the hit barrage in Chicago, Austin Meadows racked up three hits including his fourth home run driving in three. Avisaíl García also recorded three hits with two RBI in a revenge three game set against his former employer.

There were two smash and dashes. Marcell Ozuna hit his third home run and stole his second base. Starling Marte launched his first home run of 2019 while stealing his third base in a win over the Cubs.

Taking Jason Heyward ’s start with a grain of salt, he did hit his fourth home run last night. So far, he’s walking more than he strikes out, averaging three MPH higher with his average exit velocity and increased his launch angle to 19 degrees. Can this be sustained? Stay tuned.

It’s been a slow start for Yadier Molina , but he hit his first home run against the Dodgers. Manny Machado seems to finding his footing with his third home run in a road win over the Giants. Many dropped Hunter Renfroe due to his early usage, but he hit fourth, owns a .324 average and a 1.202 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Starting Pitcher Recap: Glasnow dominates

There’s no denying the talent of Tyler Glasnow . Being able to repeat his delivery and command due to his height drove down his price point this preseason. However, so far he owns a 0.53 ERA after three starts. Against the White Sox, he fired six shutout innings giving up two hits, one walk and striking out 11. Of his 85 pitches, Glasnow produced 15 swinging strikes, seven with his slider and 18 called strikes. Plus, take a look at this movement:

 

Bumps in the road will occur, but Glasnow’s ceiling should outdistance them. Matt Boyd outdueled Trevor Bauer getting the win in Detroit. Boyd generated 10 swinging strikes and 20 called while allowing one earned run on four hits. He finished with six strikeouts against two walks. Bauer did record seven strikeouts but yielded 10 hits in 5.2 innings. Here’s the rest of the pitching highlights from yesterday:

  • Trevor Richards , Miami - 108 pitches, 21 swinging strikes, 17 called. Working without his best stuff, and a bit wild with five walks, Richards pitched well enough for the win. Using his tremendous change-up, Richards induced 12 swinging strikes with this pitch alone en route to seven strikeouts.

  • Noah Syndergaard , New York Mets - 98 pitches, 14 swinging strikes, 14 called. This start would look better if he did not pitch in the seventh inning, but Syndergaard still gets the win with seven strikeouts. He also allowed five hits and four earned runs.

  • Jordan Lyles , Pittsburgh - 87 pitches, 12 swinging strikes, 17 called. Representing the streamer’s delight, Lyles recorded 10 strikeouts against only one walk. He also limited the Cubs to three hits, an earned run and a walk in six innings. Not sure if this makes Lyles attractive or highlights the Cubs slow start?

  • Collin McHugh , Houston - 93 pitches, 16 swinging strikes, 14 called. McHugh racked up 14 swinging strikes with his slider and held the Yankees to two earned runs on four hits. He finished with nine strikeouts in six innings.

  • Jack Flaherty , St. Louis - 99 pitches, 11 swinging strikes, 16 called. In a bounceback performance, Flaherty generated eight strikeouts holding the Dodgers to three hits and one earned run.

  • Robbie Ray , Arizona - 94 pitches, 10 swinging strikes, 27 called. Encapsulating the frustration of owning Ray, he produced 10 strikeouts. He also lasted only five innings giving up two hits and an earned run but did not factor in the decision.

Bullpen Notes: Saves in strange places

Taking over for Tyler Glasnow , Jalen Beeks worked the last three innings allowing four hits, one earned run and striking out three for his first save of the year. Due to the Rays willingness to use pitchers in unique ways, Beeks and Hunter Wood both recorded saves this week. This benefits those in league only formats.

All preseason we hyped Ryan Pressly , and he provided Roberto Osuna a much needed night off. Pressly fired 1.1 innings with three strikeouts, giving up only a hit, for his first save of 2019. Seattle used Anthony Swarzak in the eighth and Roenis Elías recorded his second save surviving a bases loaded situation on the road. Remember, Elias did pitch three innings on Monday in long relief.

Another tough outing for José Leclerc . He only retired one batter along with handing out a walk and a hit, which resulted in an earned run charged to him. Kyle Bird entered and notched the save for the Rangers on the road. LeClerc should be fine, but he’s on watch right now until he gets his command back. In less of a surprise, some of the usual suspects also finished games on Wednesday:

  • Shane Greene , Detroit - Making history, Greene recorded his eighth save, on Detroit’s 12 game, with a clean ninth and a strikeout.

  • Kirby Yates , San Diego - Save number seven for Yates, if not for Greene, would be getting more love.

  • Raisel Iglesias , Cincinnati - The Reds used him in a traditional way, and Iglesias responded by striking out the side for his first save of the year.

  • Drew Steckenrider served up two home runs in the bottom of the ninth for the blown save and his second loss.

  • Felipe Vázquez , Pittsburgh - Working overtime, Vazquez only yielded a hit in 1.2 innings with four strikeouts for his third save.

What To Watch For

Keep tabs on injuries to Mike Trout (groin) and Travis Shaw (hand) as the weekend approaches.

Sonny Gray gets the Marlins at home while the fantasy community awaits how Kevin Gausman performs against the Mets.

Match-up of the day could be Shane Bieber against Spencer Turnbull .

Be sure to stay with Fantasy Alarm to remain ahead of the competition.

 

Statistical Credits:

BaseballSavant.com

Fangraphs.com

MLB.com game notes