Fantasy Baseball SP Roundup – Not OK, Son

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 10 am-12 am ET.  

Grayson Rodriguez (BAL) vs OAK (ND) – 4.1 IP, 5 ER, 6 Hits, 4 BBs, 6 Ks – 15 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 99 pitches.

The MLB debut from Grayson Rodriguez can be brushed aside by jitters. Sure, it happens, we get it. Here was the second start, at home, and against the pedestrian Oakland lineup and…4.1 IP, 5 ER, 6 Hits, 4 BBs, 6 Ks – 15 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 99 pitches. Womp womp. Is it time for us to drop Grayson?

I’m not ready to do that yet. The four-seamer is clearly a stellar offering with 33% CSW and sitting 97 mph throughout the outing, and we saw some legit sliders along the way that showcased the ace we’ve heard so much about. But that changeup, oh boy that changeup needs to be sorted out. It was hung plenty in the first outing and barely touched the bottom third of the zone here, resulting in just 2/18 CSW and too many rolled eyes from yours truly. MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT.

The Orioles seem set on giving him at least one more turn in the rotation as he gets the White Sox and without Tim Anderson or Eloy Jiménez, I feel like we go for it. Grayson is not a 9.00+ ERA pitcher with a 2.00 WHIP. H*ck, even in this disaster, he still earned 15 whiffs. The talent is there, he just needs that one inning to make it all come together. One inning that forces him to stay in the majors forever.

 

Let’s see how every other SP did Tuesday:

 

Corbin Burnes (MIL) @ ARI (W) – 8.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 0 BBs, 8 Ks – 16 Whiffs, 39% CSW, 89 pitches.

Aces gonna ace with a King Cole. First Gallen is fine, and now Burnes. DO SANDY NEXT. 

Shohei Ohtani (LAA) vs WSH (W) – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 5 BBs, 6 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 92 pitches.

Aces gonna ace. You really didn’t need to walk five of them, Shohei. Seriously, they just wanted to get a closer look at you and had no intention of doing anything else. He’s up to 55% sweepers now, by the way, reducing his cutters to just 5% usage and upping the new sinker to 13%. Absolutely bonkers.

Alex Wood (SF) vs LAD (ND) – 4.2 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 75 pitches.

Seriously Kapler? You had to pull Wood with two outs in the fifth in a 2-0 ballgame? You have to enjoy the velocity up at 92/93 mph, though the lack of slider whiffs is concerning, especially when mixed with whatever the Giants are doing with their rotation. Fine, that’s not fair since Wood clearly has a spot, but 4.2 innings?! Whatever it’s the Marlins next and we hold for that.

Ryan Weathers (SD) @ NYM (W) – 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 89 pitches.

Oh, is this a thing now? The first start was good due to the changeup, here, the fastball was good I guess? I dunno, Ryan feels appropriately named with Weathers – you may think it’s a good idea to eat a caramel, but you’re gonna regret it later. That’s Werther’s, he’s Weathers. Oh, so he’s not sweet then, is he? OH THAT’S NOT FAIR.

Shane McClanahan (TB) vs BOS (W) – 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 Hits, 4 BBs, 9 Ks – 23 Whiffs, 39% CSW, 95 pitches.

Aces gonna ace. McShane, you earned a Gallows Pole. You can just throw strikes and not walk guys, you know. They can’t touch ya. Seriously, your changeup held a near 50% SwStr rate (12/25?!) and your hook was as filthy as ever. I know you’re only 25 years young, but you need to stop playing with your food.

Pablo López (MIN) vs CWS (ND) – 7.2 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 10 Ks – 20 Whiffs, 37% CSW, 98 pitches.

He didn’t feature the slider quite as much as we’ve seen, but clearly it didn’t matter. It’s real y’all. I don’t feel like we need more proof at this point.

Jacob deGrom (TEX) vs KC (ND) – 7.0 IP, 2 ER, 7 Hits, 0 BBs, 9 Ks – 20 Whiffs, 35% CSW, 98 pitches.

Aces gonna ace. I still don’t understand how he allows a single hit in a game, let alone one per inning.

Gerrit Cole (NYY) @ CLE (W) – 7.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 97 pitches.

Aces gonna ace. Like looking into my White Castle bag and seeing only fries, I’m shocked to see no sliders. Well, no slider whiffs. Or called strikes. You mean…yeah, a 0/19 CSW on sliders. WHOA. There’s your reason for just three punchouts. That should get fixed in time.

Mitch Keller (PIT) vs HOU (ND) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 7 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 94 pitches.

Okay okay okay, I need to raise Keller on The List. Not all that much – 1.33 WHIP here – but this was Houston and he struck out seven for his second straight start. The four-seamer did well upstairs, the sweeper earned strikes and it kinda works. I still don’t quite buy it, but I recognize this is better than I originally thought. Still, do I want to dance with @STL + CIN + LAD in his next three starts? I’m not sure (obviously CIN, but that’s not the point).

Kyle Freeland (COL) vs STL (ND) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 5 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 83 pitches.

Niiiiiiiiick. No. NO. Please, don’t do this. He’s chucking 88/89! He’s in Coors! THIS CAN’T KEEP WORKING. But the slider was a 42% CSW and the curve had a 70% strike rate. MAKE IT STOP.

David Peterson (NYM) vs SD (L) – 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 89 pitches.

I did not believe in Peterson here and while the slider was better at 38% CSW, we’re still lacking the pitch to dominate right-handers down-and-in and I don’t buy it – after all, that WHIP ain’t fun to deal with. I wouldn’t start him against the Dodgers.

Josiah Gray (WSH) @ LAA (L) – 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 22% CSW, 103 pitches.

I’m kinda buying the Josiah Gray breakout…? He’s 56% breakers + 19% cutters now, reducing his fastballs to just a quarter of the time. He’s figured it out y’all. But seriously, if Josiah harnesses his command a bit better on said secondaries, there’s a legit shot at sustainability throughout the year. He’s not there yet – just look at this dippin’ dots disaster – but pay attention y’all.

Dustin May (LAD) @ SF (ND) – 5.1 IP, 2 ER, 2 Hits, 4 BBs, 3 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 19% CSW, 77 pitches.

May had himself a rough first inning finding the zone, then settled in nicely. I wish they let him finish the sixth but whatareyagonnado. Just one whiff on secondaries is a bit odd and I hate to say that May isn’t polished yet. We’re gonna keep starting him n all (this is technically a solid start even with the four walks), but I’m just twiddling my thumbs waiting for the chance to whoop and holler. Gotta endorse for the horse. That’s not a phrase. YOU’RE NOT A PHRASE.

Hayden Wesneski (CHC) vs SEA (ND) – 1.1 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 4 BBs, 0 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 19% CSW, 64 pitches.

There were five unearned runs as well as Wesneski just hasn’t found his rhythm yet. We saw it last season, we saw it in the spring, we know it’s there. The good news here – he gets the Athletics next. Surely that can be the environment that calms him down, yeah? I think we hold for one more.

Merrill Kelly (ARI) vs MIL (L) – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 1 Hits, 4 BBs, 7 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 98 pitches.

You’ll take a PQS with seven strikeouts alllll day from Kelly here. That curve looked mighty pretty, by the way. I hope that sticks around…in like three weeks as he gets the Cardinals + Padres + Coors ahead. Oh my. I hope he’s got some legit armor on.

Lance Lynn (CWS) @ MIN (ND) – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 7 Hits, 0 BBs, 10 Ks – 18 Whiffs, 35% CSW, 98 pitches.

A pair of longballs messed this one up, but he trucked it out there for the sixth despite already being at 89 pitches and you best be happy with the man after last week’s disaster. The heater sat 92/93 mph, returned 39% CSW, and the cutter was far better at 47% CSW. Keep starting him.

Jesús Luzardo (MIA) @ PHI (W) – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 8 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 16 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 98 pitches.

Luzardo tossed five shutout frames, then had a rough sixth frame, ending on a very tense 3-2 fastball that scored two but still ended the frame. He made it to a PQS and held onto the Win and it was so close to being magnificent. The slider and changeup returned a 23% SwStr rate while the fastball sat 97 mph for most of the night. Be thrilled you have him – Luzardo is legit.

Alek Manoah (TOR) vs DET (ND) – 4.1 IP, 3 ER, 4 Hits, 5 BBs, 3 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 19% CSW, 94 pitches.

Bleeeggggh. Manoah is two ticks down from last year and he’s out of whack. The slider isn’t getting whiffs, his four-seamer is far worse than the elite pitch it was last year, and he oddly enough featured a ton of sinkers over said four-seamer. It’s all off and strange and a bit scary, honestly. This was against the TIGERS. It only gets tougher now against the Rays, Yankees, and Mariners, and if he doesn’t get it together against the Rays, I have to drop him a whole lot on Monday. Please don’t make me do that, Manoah.

Jordan Lyles (KC) @ TEX (ND) – 6.1 IP, 4 ER, 8 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 22% CSW, 92 pitches.

The Quality Start was in our hands, in our hands again before coming out for the seventh and allowing his fourth run of the night, leaving you with nothing. What did we expect to find?

Cristian Javier (HOU) @ PIT (ND) – 6.0 IP, 4 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 96 pitches.

Hmmmmmm. Javier’s heater was located well and was fine, so I guess I’ll blame the low 48% strike rate on his slider for this. Wait, Javier hasn’t dominated yet, has he? No, not really. And now it gets difficult with TOR + ATL + PHI up next. We’re okay…right? Yeah. I think so. Probably.

Matt Manning (DET) @ TOR (L) – 6.0 IP, 4 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 85 pitches.

This is far better than I expected and yes, that includes his 6.00 ERA here. So we’re still out? We’re still out. Manning isn’t paintin’ the picture we want on our wall.

Aaron Nola (PHI) vs MIA (L) – 5.2 IP, 4 ER, 9 Hits, 0 BBs, 6 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 100 pitches.

Bleeeeeegh. Nola, come on. I know it was a rough sixth that destroyed this once beautiful outing, but still, we need you. The curve isn’t meant to be featured just 16% of the time for 3 whiffs. We need the old Nola. The smooooth Nola. Easy-A. COME BACK TO US.

Kyle Wright (ATL) vs CIN (ND) – 3.0 IP, 4 ER, 4 Hits, 4 BBs, 3 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 75 pitches.

Ayyyy welcome back! And your command isn’t good! Cool cool, at least you tossed 75 pitches and could go 80 next time + your curve was still a 38% CSW pitch…it just came with a ton of bad misses, and so did your heaters. Some really bad ones. Now he gets the Padres, Astros, and Mets and ohhhhh boy I’m not looking forward to this. I bet he’ll come through at some point, but when? WHEN WILL HE BE WRIGHT?!

Garrett Whitlock (BOS) @ TB (L) – 5.0 IP, 5 ER, 8 Hits, 0 BBs, 5 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 85 pitches.

Hey, Whitlock is back! This was a Still ILL as I anticipated fewer pitches and with the Rays out of the way and early-season jitters, let’s appreciate that he had good pitch separation and should be far better against the Angels, Guardians, and Orioles. I’m in, let’s do this.

Luis Cessa (CIN) @ ATL (L) – 3.2 IP, 5 ER, 7 Hits, 2 BBs, 1 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 71 pitches.

Ohhh right, Cessa. I’m sorry Cincinnati, I don’t think Cessa feels great either, if it makes you feel better. If Luis was the only one on the wire, it must have really been a Cessa pool of players. Nick, please, I’m already going through such pain. Sorry. You deserve better.

Miles Mikolas (STL) @ COL (ND) – 5.0 IP, 6 ER, 10 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 89 pitches.

It’s Coors. What do you want from me?

Kyle Muller (OAK) @ BAL (ND) – 4.0 IP, 6 ER, 7 Hits, 3 BBs, 3 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 22% CSW, 87 pitches.

The 10% CSW on the slider makes it seem like this pitch was all over the place, but he actually spotted the dang thing well and the Orioles simply hit it. I think this outing exposed the fact that Muller needs his curveball (or really something else) to make the whole package work as the four-seamer/slider combo just isn’t doing it. I wonder if Muller continues to struggle, will it force Mason Miller up sooner than expected…

Hunter Gaddis (CLE) vs NYY (L) – 3.0 IP, 8 ER, 8 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 67 pitches.

Annnnnnd that’s the sound of the balloon popping. Now we go and grab a new one as he gets the Tigers + Marlins. Surely one of those has to be a decent stream…right?

Chris Flexen (SEA) @ CHC (L) – 2.1 IP, 8 ER, 10 Hits, 2 BBs, 1 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 74 pitches.

Oh. Can Bryce Miller start instead soon? Our bread will go butterless otherwise and we can’t have that.

 

Game of the Day 

Chris Sale vs. Taj Bradley – All eyes are going to be on Bradley making his MLB debut, but we also get another look at Sale. Watch this game.

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: 10:00 am – 12:00 am ET Monday through Friday.

Photo by Charles Brock/Icon Sportswire | Adapted by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)