Although a multiple hit streak and an almost no hitter could lead off, ignoring what the Rockies did at home in July could be a mistake. And it’s not the hitters. Colorado went 12-2 in Coors this month with the starting pitchers combining for a 1.71 ERA, the lowest of any month in history for the franchise. German Marquez won his fourth straight decision giving up five hits, two earned runs and a walk with eight strikeouts over 7.2 innings on Sunday. He generated 14 swinging strikes (seven on his curveball) and 24 called strikes. With Kyle Freeland , Tyler Anderson and even Jon Gray improving, perhaps trusting a Rockies pitcher could pay off for the risk averse in the stretch run.
That Just Happened
Newly acquired J.A. Happ paid immediate dividends winning his first start as a Yankee limiting the Royals to three hits, one earned run and a walk with two strikeouts. He’s just getting acclimated to his new team and slated to face the Red Sox next time out.
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Nathan Eovaldi also made a favorable impression with his new squad firing seven shutout innings allowing four hits and striking out five against Minnesota. Teammate Jackie Bradley Jr. continues to fly beneath the fantasy radar but has slashed .302/.371/.558 over his last 25 games with four home runs and a perfect four-for-four in stolen bases.
As strange as the Rockies pitching being fantasy relevant can be, Chris Davis may be on the fringe of mixed league status again as well. He launched two home runs in a game for the first time this season and has hit four the last nine games with seven runs, seven RBI and six walks. Jonathan Schoop extended his hit streak to 12 games with his 17th home run and three RBI. Schoop’s hitting .345 in the streak and homered seven times the last 10 games.
Streakiness may be something attached to C.J. Cron going forward, but he’s hot again. Cron also hit two home runs on Sunday, moving his total to 22 on the year. He’s hit six the last 16 contests and hitting .343 in 21 games this month with 15 RBI.
A much needed strong outing by Corey Kluber on the road in Detroit. Kluber yielded five hits, one earned run and walked one against five strikeouts en route to his 13th win. He only needed 94 pitches in 7.1 innings producing 17 swinging strikes and 13 called strikes on Sunday.
As frustrating as Luis Castillo can be, his talent tantalizes fantasy owners. Castillo hurled seven shutout innings, allowed four hits and only one walk with nine strikeouts. He generated 16 swinging strikes, 10 alone from his changeup, and 20 called strikes. Over his last three starts, Castillo has a 1.56 ERA with 16 strikeouts against two walks in 17.1 innings. Scooter Gennett registered a combo meal with his 17th home run and third stolen base as well. He’s on a modest five game hit streak (8-for-19) with four runs and four RBI in it.
Sean Newcomb missed a no hitter by one pitch. Take note, he threw 134 in the process, so a hangover to his next start could occur. His final line of 8.2 innings resulted in one hit, an earned run and a walk with eight strikeouts. Newcomb recorded 14 swinging strikes and 18 called, to lower his ERA to 3.23 on the season.
Whether or not the Mets trade Zack Wheeler remains to be seen, but his stock continues to climb in fantasy. Wheeler fired six shutout innings giving up five hits and a walk with seven strikeouts for his fifth win on Sunday. He induced 12 swinging strikes and 18 called strikes of his 89 pitches and has lasted six innings in 13 of his last 16 starts. Plus, Wheeler’s 2.96 ERA his last nine outings make him an intriguing target in real and fantasy baseball. And the best part, check out his average velocities by month this year:
A pitcher’s duel broke out in Houston with Mike Minor facing off with Lance McCullers Jr. Minor notched the win striking out eight in six innings and allowing two earned runs. McCullers whiffed 11 with a whopping 20 swinging strikes (14 on his curve) and 19 called in only 93 pitches but took the loss. It feels like when things get tough, McCullers folds a little. Tyler homered in his return to Houston going 3-for-3 in this game and has hit a home run in three of his last four starts this month.
Rookie Lourdes Gurriel Jr. moved his multiple hit streak to 11 games making him only the second major league player to accomplish this feat in the last 50 years. After this sinks in, Tony Perez matched this feat in 1973. During the streak, Gurriel’s 25-for-50 with three doubles and three home runs. However, he did leave the game after an awkward slide into second base and his status remains questionable going forward for those who spent FAAB to add him this weekend. Stay tuned.
While the bats for the A’s went quiet in Coors Field, Matt Chapman hit his 13th home run on Sunday and has hit .442 over his last 11 games with a .442 on-base percentage. It appears his health has improved of late.
Will Smith notched his fifth save for the Giants snapping their four game losing streak. He did allow a hit but struck out one filling affably as the closer for Hunter Strickland who could return within two weeks.
Strong outing for Kyle Hendricks on Sunday night getting his seventh win. Hendricks pitched seven innings scattering four hits, two earned runs and striking out eight for the second straight game. He commanded his sinker after the first inning and produced 27 called strikes, 16 with the sinker. Chicago desperately needs a productive second half from Hendricks. Ben Zobrist talled four hits and missed a cycle by a triple. He launched his seventh home run and had two doubles with the homer during the last two games. Zobrist’s hitting .304/.391/.438 on the season but needs a bit more power to garner fantasy interest. But there’s value in batting average this year.
What’s on Tap
Since the trade deadline will dominate the fantasy landscape the next two days. What to watch for takes a backseat due to the interest surrounding the fantasy fallout of the impeding deals.
Will the Rays move Chris Archer ? And if they do, does it have to be a contender? Both San Diego and St. Louis could make intriguing packages for Archer who needs to get out of the American League East, sorry Yankees fans.
Many scouts were on hand to watch Mike Minor ’s strong outing. He could also transition back to the bullpen for a contender. It seems like the trade talks affect Keone Kela who could be traded or held. Texas should be moving Jake Diekman if at all possible.
Which Marlins reliever(s) will be traded? Who remains?
Atlanta not only showcased Luiz Gohara on Sunday, but will promote Kolby Allard to start on Tuesday. They are all in with the Nationals still trying to decide to buy or sell. No team faces a tougher task than Washington over the next 48 hours. Will the Giants also become sellers in order to retool for next season?
Keep tabs on David Peralta . He left yesterday’s game early due to shoulder discomfort. Peralta’s in a breakout season but injuries seem to befell him each season.
It’s going to be a wild ride, so be sure to stay with Fantasy Alarm to remain ahead of your competition the last two months of the Fantasy Baseball marathon.
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