We all know it was coming. Have they brought back the McRib? Is Global Warming going to destroy our planet sooner than we thought? Are they making a Matrix Prequel? What? No, jeez guys, I’m talking about Kenta Maeda having a bad outing in the majors. Last night he allowed 6.2 IP, 4 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks and I can’t say I’m all too shocked. Maeda isn’t your 2015 Zack Greinke as he’s a strong finesse pitcher who had balls go his way while keeping the baseball in the park. His xFIP after this start sits at 3.50 (2.83 FIP, if you believe that he will hold a below average HR/FB this year, which he might ever so slightly), and I think his current K/9 that sits right under 8.00 will continue to fall a bit as we continue through the year. I like him, I think you’ll be happy with him on your team, just don’t go expect Top 20 value.
Let’s see what every other SP did yesterday:
Rubby De La Rosa – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 2 BBs, 10 Ks. Whoa baby, look at you De La Rosa! Too bad that not a single owner should buy into this as he’s more inconsistent than my skills at inserting my USB stick properly into the computer. How did I get this wrong twice in a row.
Jose Fernandez – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BBs, 8 Ks. Aces gonna ace. Another step in the right direction for JoFer, and the walks should dissipate moving forward.
Aaron Nola – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 1 BBs, 7 Ks. Mmmmmm that’s some good ole NoLa. Just like some Boudin and BBQ Shrimp.
Jake Arrieta – 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 4 BBs, 6 Ks. Aces gonna ace. Though, I definitely furrowed my eyebrows when I saw he allowed four walks. And I hate furrowing my eyebrows.
Tanner Roark – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks. Our Call Boy got the job done against the Phillies as he continued his hot streak. Problem is, he gets the Royals + Cubs next, which means you shouldn’t be like Ray and be blinded by his recent success. What does Robbie Ray have to do with this? Nothing, it wasn’t him who touched my troubled mind with a luscious voice and deep soulful blues.
Michael Wacha – 7.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 9 Ks. Let the record show that I don’t hate Wacha. He should be rostered in every league and start him if you’ve got him. It’s just that he holds a K/9 of just 7.34 after this K-tastic outing while holding a 3.75 xFIP on the year thus far. Just sayin’.
Anibal Sanchez – 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 7 BBs, 9 Ks. Wow, I haven’t seen 7 walks since Edwin Jackson threw a no-hitter. How does that even happen?
Tyler Wilson – 4.2 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks. Tyler who? Nah, I know who Wilson is but most of you probably don’t and that says enough.
Jhoulys Chacin – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks. I’m not sure which is more difficult – mustering the courage to start Chacin or figuring out how to spell his last name without looking it up.
Clay Buchholz – 6.1 IP, 5 ER, 8 Hits, 4 BBs, 2 Ks. Bucky is still denting owners’ numbers and you really should cut bait if you haven’t yet. You ain’t pulling in a prize fish here.
Taylor Jungmann – 3.2 IP, 5 ER, 6 Hits, 3 BBs, 2 Ks. Jungmann Blues. I believe he will be better than this at some point. Maybe.
John Danks – 5.0 IP, 6 ER, 9 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks. Danks the Tank! I think I may add him to the Anti-List I mentioned yesterday. Yes, I am aware that the acronym AL may not be the best.
Chris Bassitt – 3.2 IP, 7 ER, 10 Hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks. There was a time that Bassitt was a streamer. He is far far away from those times and I do not recommend trusting him for the occasional outing. Maybe the occasional picnic as he seems like a nice guy, but don’t start him.
Today’s Streamer
Adam Conley vs. Milwaukee Brewers – It would be really fun to suggest Sean Manaea or Michael Fulmer, though prospects are often pulled a little early in their debuts, and who knows if there will be some jitters for these guys in their first start. Seriously though, this week has been insane with the pitching prospects. I can’t hold all of these pitching prospects. Meanwhile, Conley has the K upside with his heater to give us a great performance against the Brewers.
Tomorrow’s Streamer
Jerad Eickhoff vs. Cleveland Indians – Yes he had a poor outing last time out. Don’t care, start Eickhoff.
J.A. Happ vs. Tampa Bay Rays – There are a lot of streamers to choose from today, as Happ could easily earn a Win + QS against a poor offense.
Ross Stripling vs. San Diego Padres – Did I mention that there are a lot of Streamers today?
Derek Holland vs. Los Angeles Angels – Yeah, I think I did.
Game of the Day
Sean Manaea vs. Houston Astros – It’s pitching prospect day as both Manea and Michael Fulmer are set to make their debuts. Since Fulmer is just up for the day, Manaea gets the spotlight.