Kap’n Punch

Welcome to the SP Roundup, my daily fantasy baseball article reviewing every starting pitcher’s performance from every Tuesday game. I apologize for the jokes written in my delirium in advance. Have questions? Ask me during my office hours on Twitch weekday mornings from 9 am-11 am ET.  

James Kaprielian (OAK) vs MIN (ND) – 5.1 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 89 pitches.

I can’t say I expected to lead with James Kaprielian so close to his return from the IL, but after going 5.1 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 89 pitches against the Twins, I think this was as good of a time as any to remind ya’ll that Kaprielian is a solid streaming option akin to last year’s Anthony DeSclafani, Cal Quantrill, and Casey Mize.

That’s because Kap is mostly two-pitch with four-seamers and sliders, the latter of which earned a whopping 10/29 whiffs on Tuesday. Sure, there are curveballs he lands for strikes, and a rare changeup he’ll whip out, but he fits the mold of the others in being a solid fastball/slider guy and it means he can go six frames on any given night now that he’s fully healthy again. I wouldn’t call myself thrilled at his next start against the Mariners, but just keep James in mind moving forward as a comfortable guy to stream and maybe even add in deeper leagues that reward Quality Starts. He should go six decently often.

 

Let’s see how every other SP did Tuesday:

 

Davis Martin (CWS) @ KC (L) – 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 7 Ks – 16 Whiffs, 33% CSW, 91 Pitches.

Who better to show off our new (TEAM) addition to the roundup statline than Martin making his MLB debut in today’s doubleheader against the Royals — yes, it means we have to wait another day for Lucas Giolito as he returns on Wednesday. As for Martin, his slider gave the Royals a whole lotta fits, going 9/18 whiffs — OH MY! — and a solid four-seamer that returned 32% CSW. This dude should be starting instead of Dallas Keuchel. Anyway, I’m a little skeptical he can pitch this well with consistency whenever he does get more chances in the rotation, so no need to stash or anything. Someone to keep an eye on moving forward.

José Berríos (TOR) vs SEA (W) – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 35% CSW, 91 pitches.

THEY CALL HIM THE GREAT UNDULATOR. Look, I’m not going to sit here and tell you Berríos was suddenly fantastic again — four whiffs is just four whiffs — but he threw a whole lot of good pitches inside the zone, including going 41% CSW on curveballs and 47% on his sinkers. He avoided the heart of the plate LIKE A CHAMP and I’m hoping it’s the start of one of those patented runs we’ve seen José have over the years.

Brady Singer (KC) vs CWS (W) – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 Hits, 0 BBs, 9 Ks – 18 Whiffs, 43% CSW, 93 pitches.

Hot dang, look at you! Singer nearly had himself a Golden Goal in his first start of the season, earning a whopping 16 whiffs on his slider alone. Sixteen! Thing is, Singer was a Cherry Bomb last year given his lack of repertoire depth, but this start featured 9/16 CSW on his changeup and that’s something to be excited about. He tossed over 60% strikes with the slowball and if it’s a proper third offering for him, it’ll keep his floor plenty higher moving forward. Sadly, he was sent back down as he was the 27th man, but I’d expect him to return shortly. I don’t think I’ll have him super high on The List when that happens (is that changeup for real?) and whether I’m jumping in on this really depends on the early matchups.

Adrian Houser (MIL) vs ATL (L) – 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 101 pitches.

After failing twice against the Reds, of course Houser would succeed against Atlanta. Of course. Don’t fall for this.

Dylan Cease (CWS) @ KC (W) – 5.2 IP, 0 ER, 7 Hits, 2 BBs, 9 Ks – 19 Whiffs, 34% CSW, 94 pitches.

One more start and it’s yours, Cease. One more game where your command isn’t so terrible that it destroys your ERA. But the WHIP! Meh, he was a bit Singled Out here as he earned a share of the Gallows Pole — his fastball precision was solid enough here.

Tucker Davidson (ATL) @ MIL (W) – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 3 BBs, 3 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 69 pitches.

For all my displeasure that we didn’t see Isildur’s Heir start this game instead, Davidson managed to produce as Atlanta’s #5 starter. It isn’t an arsenal that pulls you to the wire, but hey, hats off to the guy.

Mike Clevinger (SD) @ PHI (W) – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 0 BBs, 5 Ks – 3 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 75 pitches.

The velocity took a small step back to 94 mph and the slider was far from its best self. Yeah, he got lucky in this one and unless something changes, there’s a good chance he gets burned by the Giants next time out. I took no joy in writing that sentence.

Keegan Thompson (CHC) vs PIT (W) – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 Hits, 0 BBs, 5 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 65 pitches.

This was the most innings of any Thompson game this year as his ERA now sits at 1.41 for the year. Incredible. He’ll be leaving the rotation now with Stroman and Miley back in action, and like a cobb salad on the menu at McDonalds, I was never really considering you.

Cody Poteet (MIA) vs WSH (ND) – 4.2 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 54 pitches.

With Edward Cabrera and Max Meyer both not ready for the majors, the Marlins looked toward Poteet to get the start in the place of Jesús Luzardo. I guess it worked, eh? There’s nothing to see here for your fantasy squads.

Trevor Williams (NYM) vs STL (ND) – 4.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 Hits, 0 BBs, 6 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 35% CSW, 65 pitches.

Oh right, Williams got the start with Tylord on the IL on short notice. It looked awfully like his 2018 magic with 11/36 whiffs on his four-seamer and y’all know I ain’t buying it for a second, especially with David Peterson likely taking the spot on days that aren’t doubleheaders moving forward.

Dylan Bundy (MIN) @ OAK (ND) – 3.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 2 Whiffs, 20% CSW, 54 pitches.

Not only was I upset Bundy started this game in the first place, but I’m exasperated that Josh Winder pitched in relief. Whaaaaaaat?! He was supposed to START on Friday! Nope, Winder went 78 pitches here, following Bundy for 3.2 IP, 5 ER, 9 Hits, 2 BBs, 1 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 78 pitches. Against the Athletics. Yikes. That’s a drop from me as who knows how we’ll see Winder used moving forward, though I wonder whether Winder’s performance was influenced by some confusion about his role on the team — it’s different pitching in relief than starting a game proper. Regardless, I hate dealing with the unknown for rotation spots, especially with a pitcher who I don’t believe pushes the needle a whole lot. It’s okay to move on here.

Shane McClanahan (TB) vs DET (W) – 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 Hits, 0 BBs, 7 Ks – 18 Whiffs, 34% CSW, 90 pitches.

Aces gonna ace. Man it feels good to say that as the man soars. What a stud.

Zach Eflin (PHI) vs SD (L) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 Hits, 0 BBs, 5 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 33% CSW, 84 pitches.

Eflin returned from the COVID-IL and looked like the Toby we dreamed he would be. Sadly, the Dodgers and Mets are next soooo yeah. That’s a no from me, dawg.

Joan Adon (WSH) @ MIA (L) – 4.2 IP, 1 ER, 5 Hits, 0 BBs, 2 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 21% CSW, 84 pitches.

This is a Frozen Banana at best as sadly JA does not rule.

Connor Overton (CIN) @ CLE (ND) – 7.2 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 98 pitches.

The 2K + 1 (-1) pounder is a constant Grave Mistake and I don’t care if he’s had a decent string of starts — this isn’t a thing to chase.

Zach Plesac (CLE) vs CIN (ND) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 95 pitches.

I had some excitement last time after Plesac’s slider looked like the pitch of old. This time out? His changeup and slider combined for 1/41 whiffs. Womp WOMP. That hurts.

Tyler Anderson (LAD) vs ARI (W) – 7.0 IP, 2 ER, 7 Hits, 0 BBs, 7 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 33% CSW, 82 pitches.

Anderson is a Toby and Tobys are supposed to do well against the Diamondbacks. Great job, don’t read too much into this, like starting him against the Phillies next. I wouldn’t do that.

Miles Mikolas (STL) @ NYM (L) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 106 pitches.

You don’t need to fully understand a Vargas Rule, you just need to keep starting the man until the helium gets sucked out by everyone wanting to sound like Bart Simpson.

Steven Matz (STL) @ NYM (ND) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 0 BBs, 7 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 92 pitches.

Matz got his revenge game after all, going 42% CSW on his sinker and featuring wonderful pitch separation across sinkers, curves, and changeups. That said, it’s the Jays next as he goes from one alma mater to the next and I’m not interested there whatsoever.

Spenser Watkins (BAL) vs NYY (ND) – 4.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 3 BBs, 1 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 73 pitches.

It’s hard to go north when you’re leaning on SW.

Logan Gilbert (SEA) @ TOR (L) – 7.0 IP, 3 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 9 Ks – 16 Whiffs, 35% CSW, 101 pitches.

Ayyyy I’ll take this! Gilbert’s four-seamer was great, while the slider was better than before — still not stellar (5/36 whiffs is kinda meh) but I’ll take a 33% CSW. Meanwhile, the curve…was just 4/11 strikes and he tossed just two changeups. I think he needs more for the ascension we want to see from Gilbert, but he’s obviously a strong arm for your teams just with that four-seamer.

Taijuan Walker (NYM) vs STL (ND) – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 7 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 94 pitches.

He located decently well across his full repertoire, but his fastball was a touch under 94 mph and I can’t say I adored his secondaries, save for a handful of whiffs on the splitter. And now it’s Coors? Naaaaah.

Jameson Taillon (NYY) @ BAL (W) – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 82 pitches.

Blegh. Taillon was able to endure the Jays, but the other birds are too much, apparently. I see Taillon as a Toby and this performance does little to suggest otherwise.

Jon Heasley (KC) vs CWS (L) – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 4 Hits, 3 BBs, 1 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 22% CSW, 88 pitches.

Despite tossing 94+ mph and featuring a decent slider, Heasley returned just one punchout. One strikeout?! HAISTBMBWT?! No thanks.

Ryan Pepiot (LAD) vs ARI (ND) – 4.0 IP, 3 ER, 2 Hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 37% CSW, 87 pitches.

I was hoping it was just nerves last time for his changeup to earn just 1/25 whiffs, but it went 2/28 whiffs here and I’m not interested without it. We may not see more of Pepiot now, so let’s ignore this Frozen Banana for a while.

Taylor Hearn (TEX) vs LAA (ND) – 4.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BBs, 2 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 15% CSW, 78 pitches.

I just spent two minutes trying to outdo last week’s “Hearn Gully” joke and I honestly can’t do it. The peak has been reached and now begins the descent. Just like my ratios when I start Hearn? One and the same.

Reid Detmers (LAA) @ TEX (ND) – 3.2 IP, 3 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 61 pitches.

Womp womp. It was a bit of the no-hitter hangover, and more of not having the same incredible luck from last time. Slider whiffs are still not a thing and it’s hard to buy-in until then. One day Detmers…one day.

JT Brubaker (PIT) @ CHC (L) – 5.2 IP, 4 ER, 6 Hits, 3 BBs, 10 Ks – 19 Whiffs, 37% CSW, 92 pitches.

Look, I know those ratios are rough, but Coffee Cakes did earn a share of the Gallows Pole and claim ten punchouts, catalyzed by a slider that went 16/40 whiffs. That’s pretty dang cool. I’d consider him for Rockie Road up next.

José Urquidy (HOU) @ BOS (W) – 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 12 Hits, 0 BBs, 1 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 22% CSW, 99 pitches.

Twelve hits? Twelve hits?! And just one strikeout?! HAISTBMBWT?! What a wild outing as our faith in Urquidy is beginning to wane, even if we knew this was a tough matchup against the Red Sox. That slider has really fallen off this year as the fastball has been crushed. He gets the Rangers next and that should be okay, but I completely understand if you’d rather move on, especially with how many words I’ve italicized in this blurb. THE HORROR.

Chad Kuhl (COL) vs SF (L) – 3.0 IP, 5 ER, 8 Hits, 1 BBs, 0 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 70 pitches.

Jeeeeeez, not a single strikeout?! HAISTBMBWT?! Seriously, that’s astonishing given how good the slider has been as of late, even in Colorado. He hosts the Mets next and that’s a clear avoid. Maaaaybe I’ll be back for a road start in Washington after. Maybe.

Tyler Gilbert (ARI) @ LAD (L) – 5.2 IP, 6 ER, 7 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 97 pitches.

Gilbert is a Toby at best and we don’t even start those against the Dodgers. IT’S THE WRONG GILBERT!

Beau Brieske (DET) @ TB (L) – 5.1 IP, 6 ER, 9 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 78 pitches.

Beau managed to earn 10 whiffs on his heater, but the changeup nor slider could back it up and the Rays capitalized. Bummer. And for those wondering, it was 93.9 mph on the BB gun.

Nathan Eovaldi (BOS) vs HOU (L) – 1.2 IP, 6 ER, 8 Hits, 0 BBs, 0 Ks – 3 Whiffs, 36% CSW, 39 pitches.

Eovaldi allowed five home runs. IN ONE INNING. I don’t think you need me to tell you how incredibly unlucky that is. Brush this off and move on.

Alex Cobb (SF) @ COL (W) – 5.1 IP, 7 ER, 10 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 92 pitches.

Oh dear. This has Careful, Icarus all over it as Cobb had allowed just a pair of runs until the sixth. Kinda shocked he was allowed to stay in the game long enough to let it happen. Anyway, don’t let this date in Coors deter you from Cobb. He’s great, even if his splitter took the day off.

Merrill Kelly (ARI) @ LAD (L) – 2.0 IP, 8 ER, 5 Hits, 4 BBs, 2 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 56 pitches.

Yikes. Facing the Dodgers is a tall task, though I imagine some still started Kelly given his ridiculous start to the year. The velocity was fine at 92/93 mph, but the changeup couldn’t bail him out like we’d seen previously, and he look a bit lost, feeling like he needed to throw down the middle to get a strike as he failed to consistently hit the edges. Good news — he gets the Cubs next and that has all the makings of a proper bounceback performance.

Game of the Day 

 

Blake Snell vs. Zack Wheeler – We get to witness Wheeler and the first start of the year from Snell? Oh h*ck yeah.

But Nick?! Where are the streaming picks? – I’ve moved them to the daily SP Matchups & Streamer Rankings article.

Have Questions? – Join my morning Twitch livestream! I answer all questions there for free: 9:00 am – 11:00 am ET Monday through Friday.

Photo by Kamp Fender/Icon Sportswire | Adapted by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)