It seems like only a month ago, Kris Bryant owners panicked about his production. However, he extended his on-base streak to 26 games on Friday night with style recording the second three home run game of his career and first since 2016:

Bryant joins J.D. Martinez as the only players to homer in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings of the same game and it’s the 12th time in history a player’s homered in three straight innings. So far in May, Bryant’s slashing .364/.493/.573 in 55 at-bats with eight home runs and 18 RBI. Perhaps his shoulder is feeling better? Hidden beneath Bryant’s surge, Javy Baez moved his hit streak to 15 games during which he’s hitting .381 (24-for-63).

Another three hit game for Luke Voit , including his 11th home run in the top of the ninth inning. Voit slogged through a 0-for-22 slump prior to racking up three hits on Wednesday, now he’s six for his last seven. His home run on Friday night marks his 30th career homer in 151 games and 25 with the Yankees in only 81 contests.

Since Ian Desmond could be on waivers in some 12-team leagues, it’s worth noting he hit his fifth home run last evening. Desmond’s also retooled his swing trying to generate more fly balls and it could be starting to take. Here’s his rolling chart and take note of the ground ball rate compared to fly balls with hard hits displayed:

Pete Alonso launched two home runs in a loss to the Marlins on the road, his 13th and 14th of the season. His average seems to be settling in near .270, but the power remains for real.

Early favorites for the MVP’s in each league, George Springer and Cody Bellinger , stayed hot. Springer hit his 17th home run, which leads the American League and he’s the first Houston player with at least 17 in the team’s first 45 games. Over his last 16, Springer’s hitting .413 with nine home runs and 20 RBI. As for Bellinger, he hit his 16th home run and:

Under the radar players Mark Canha and Jacob Nottingham also homered on Friday. Canha’s hit three in four games off of the injured list for Oakland. Nottingham took over at catcher during a blowout and went 2-for-3 with a home run and four RBI. He’s the backup catcher in Milwaukee with Manny Pina on the injured list, but an intriguing dart throw in league only formats.

Texas stayed hot with the bats with Willie Calhoun racking up his third straight multiple hit game since his promotion. Rougned Odor chipped in with a three-run home run, his third home run in the last two games. Joey Gallo went two-for-four with his 10th double, stole his third base and flashed his athleticism in center field

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (3) and Justin Smoak (6) each homered in a Blue Jays win. Fantasy owners and Blue Jays fans alike need them to continue hitting for power. Speaking of power, Franmil Reyes blasted his 14th home run and fourth in the last five games. He’s currently on pace to hit 50.

Last, but not least, veterans rarely push the needle in free agency bidding. However, Jarrod Dyson stole his 12th base last night and he’s swiped five over his last three starts while pacing towards 43 in only 122 games.

Starting Pitcher Highlights: Lyles revenge in San Diego

During Jacob deGrom chalk night in Miami, which did not go well, Jordan Lyles recorded 12 strikeouts on 104 pitches against his former employers. Lyles notched 21 swinging strikes, 11 with his four-seam fastball, and 18 called for a 37.5 called plus swinging strike percentage (CSW). He’s now 4-1 on the year and perhaps the ace on the Pirates staff?

Rich Hill may be rounding into form. With 10 strikeouts over six innings in Cincinnati, Hill gets his first win of 2019 and becomes only the second Dodger to be at least 39 years old and strikeout at least 10 in a start. Hill registered 15 swinging strikes and 17 called of his 84 pitches for a 38.1 CSW percentage.

Here’s the other notable outings from Friday:

  • Gerrit Cole , Houston: 99 pitches, 16 swinging strikes, 12 called, 28.3 CSW%. Cole tossed five shutout innings in Boston, but it was a grind. He recorded seven strikeouts giving up six hits and a walk on the road.

  • Dylan Bundy , Baltimore: 117 pitches, 13 swinging strikes, 18 called, 26.5 CSW%. Notching his second win, Bundy worked 5.2 innings allowing three hits, one run (zero earned) and three walks with seven strikeouts.

  • Frankie Montas , Oakland: 109 pitches, 18 swinging strikes, 13 called, 28.4 CSW%. One out shy of a complete game, Montas turned in a career high 10 strikeouts ceding four hits and two earned runs en route to his fifth win. He’s the first A’s pitcher with at least eight innings, four hits or less and 10 strikeouts without a walk since 2014.

  • Max Fried , Atlanta: 79 pitches, eight swinging strikes, 13 called, 26.6 CSW%. Fried won his sixth game logging six innings giving up two hits and two walks with five strikeouts. He and Mike Soroka could anchor this staff for years to come.

  • Martín Pérez , Minnesota: 103 pitches, 13 swinging strikes, 15 called, 27.2 CSW%. Perez continues to shine for the Twins recording his sixth win in seven decisions. Perez yielded five hits, one earned run and four walks with seven strikeouts in 6.2 innings.

Bullpen Notes: Houston locks down another win

There’s no doubt the Astros can shorten games with a deep bullpen. Roberto Osuna notched his 11th save of the season working around a double by Christian Vázquez and a walk. Osuna’s converted 23 straight save chances dating back to last year. Ryan Pressly also remains below the radar as a ratio eraser, but:

Pressly breaks Craig Kimbrel ’s record set in 2011 with his 39th consecutive scoreless appearance spanning 38 innings.

A tough night for José Alvarado in the Bronx. He gets his third loss this year and first blown save allowing a career tying high three earned runs on four hits. Less than optimal for his owners. Alvarado’s last save occurred on April seventh.

Here’s the other high leverage notes from Friday:

  • Héctor Neris locked down his sixth save with a clean ninth striking out one.

  • Sergio Romo held on for his seventh save giving up two hits and striking out two over two innings.

  • Atlanta’s Luke Jackson notched his sixth save retiring the only batter he faced via strikeout.

  • Hansel Robles recorded his fifth save with a clean ninth.

What To Watch For Saturday

Injury updates on Victor Robles (wrist) who left Friday’s game after being hit by a pitch. Justin Turner also left his contest early fouling a ball of his shin. Initial reports of negative X-rays should calm their owners nerves, but stay tuned. By the way, welcome back Trea Turner who stole his fifth base in his return to the lineup last night.

In a battle for first place, Blake Snell will oppose Masahiro Tanaka in New York in what should be a pitcher’s duel. Lucas Giolito looks to extend his hot streak facing the Blue Jays at home.

Steven Matz returns to the Mets rotation and faces Pablo Lopez in Miami.

Both George Springer and Cody Bellinger will try to remain hot, as Kris Bryant looks to move his on-base streak to 27 in the evening slate.

Be sure to stay with Fantasy Alarm to remain ahead of the competition and digest all the terrific work on the site.

 

Statistical Credits:

BaseballSavant.com

Fangraphs.com

MLB.com - Game Notes