deGrom Com

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.  

Jacob deGrom (NYM) @ WSH (ND) – 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 0 BBs, 6 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 59 pitches.

We never get to talk about the studs in the lead because they are so dang good all the time, but today was a special day. Sure, it was our wonderful holiday that is the Trade Deadline, but we also saw the greatest pitcher on the planet throw his first official pitches of the 2022 season. Jacob deGrom hath returned.

And returned he did across 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 0 BBs, 6 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 59 pitches, chucking a 101.6 mph heater in the first frame and stupid incredible sliders through five resplendent frames. Sigh. I’ve missed this. The curve was used to flip into the zone for 0-0 strikes, while he didn’t have much of a feel for the changeup. Doesn’t matter, the four-seamer and slider are so stupid amazing.

He’s the #1 pitcher ability-wise, it’s just a question of innings at this point. He could go another 5+ as he tosses around 70 pitches next outing, but shifting the discussion from pitch counts to stamina, we can’t ignore the fact that deGrom has a higher chance of injury in these final two months than those also in the Top 5 SP. I wish it weren’t true, and we can’t run from it. Plan accordingly, and I hope we get to watch deGrom every five days for a long, long time.

 

Let’s see how every other SP did Tuesday:

 

Graham Ashcraft (CIN) @ MIA (W) – 8.1 IP, 0 ER, 5 Hits, 0 BBs, 3 Ks – 3 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 107 pitches.

Ayyyy it worked! Ashcraft returned just three whiffs but came with decent pitch separation to induce outs at a remarkable rate. Okay, so this was pretty dang lucky (That’s a .185 BABIP for 27 balls in play), but at least his cutter looked good and his sinker was spotted decently well…? Nah, I don’t trust it against the Brewers on Sunday. Maybe if I’m desperate.

Kevin Gausman (TOR) @ TB (W) – 8.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 1 BBs, 10 Ks – 18 Whiffs, 36% CSW, 103 pitches.

Aces gonna ace. Ahhhhh so the low BABIP was inside him the whole time. The man deserved to have a night like this and his pitch separation of four-seamers and splitters was marvelous. Atta boy, Gaus.

Adam Wainwright (STL) vs CHC (W) – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 6 Hits, 0 BBs, 4 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 106 pitches.

Mmmmm that’s lovely from Waino. I guess I should be giving him more respect on The List…but then again, this was the Cubs. I wonder if we’re okay to start him against the Yankees on Sunday. Naaaaaah, can’t do that.

Cory Abbott (WSH) vs NYM (ND) – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 76 pitches.

If you’re wondering how Abbott was able to do this, it’s because he pitched opposite deGrom. Some things don’t change, Morpheus. I can’t believe the Nats – without Soto and Bell and starting Abbott – beat deGrom. That’s baseball, Suzyn.

José Suarez (LAA) vs OAK (ND) – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 5 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 91 pitches.

I’m glad we got the good side of Suarez here, featuring a solid changeup, decent curve, and a fastball + slider to sneak around the edges. He’s a solid AL-Only add for the A’s a second time on Monday, but a little too mediocre for 12-teamers.

Spencer Strider (ATL) vs PHI (W) – 6.2 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 13 Ks – 20 Whiffs, 42% CSW, 98 pitches.

It really does feel like the man deserves an AGA label, doesn’t he? I can’t quite do it given the volatility he brings, but when he’s pumping strikes, it’s such a wonderful sight. Yes, you deserve this Golden Goal, my friend.

Jordan Lyles (BAL) @ TEX (W) – 6.1 IP, 1 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 7 Ks – 17 Whiffs, 33% CSW, 110 pitches.

Well look at that, Lyles came through against his former squad. I know how your eyes glisten when you see seven strikeouts and 17 whiffs (110 pitches, keep in mind), but let’s not be hasty. I wouldn’t trust the 10 whiffs on 60 fastballs here as it was was just one of those nights. The Jays are next and you know to avoid that…right?

Drew Rasmussen (TB) vs TOR (L) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 97 pitches.

Hahahaha, of course he did. OF COURSE. That’s a Dusty Donut as we have to ask the question: Is that 1.50 ERA worth it to you? For all the chaos he brings, I think not.

Kutter Crawford (BOS) @ HOU (W) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 94 pitches.

I’m glad he survived against the Astros as the Kutter returned a fantastic 48% CSW, but velocity was down across the board and the four-seamer was highly questionable in my view. Be careful with Crawford, but hey, it’s the Royals next and that offense is even worse without Benintendi and Merrifield. That should be an okay stream.

Cristian Javier (HOU) vs BOS (L) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 7 Ks – 15 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 97 pitches.

Good. I’m glad Javier is still bringing it as it was once again the land of incessant elevated four-seamers. Keep riding it against the Guardians next.

Cole Irvin (OAK) @ LAA (ND) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 90 pitches.

I expected a touch better than enduring a 1.33 WHIP, but a 3.00 ERA with a handful of strikeouts? Meh, I guess I’ll take it. Man, you’re such a dang Toby. 

Braxton Garrett (MIA) vs CIN (L) – 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 11 Ks – 15 Whiffs, 36% CSW, 104 pitches.

The slider is still missing all the bats and I’m enjoying watching the guy do his thing more than I thought I would. Well, that’s easy when he fans eleven batters. Okay, fair point. After Pirates x2 and Reds x2, it’s time for Braxton to get challenged against…the Cubs. Jeeeeeeez, what a lucky dude.

Lucas Giolito (CWS) vs KC (W) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BBs, 7 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 94 pitches.

Some good news: He sat a tick harder in this one relative to his previous outing. It’s not 94 mph, but at least we’re making progress. How about the slider and changeup? Welllll those were still a bit underwhelming (1/18 CSW on the slider, 4/24 whiffs on the changeup) but steps, not leaps. It’ll be a questionable start against the Rangers on Sunday.

Chris Archer (MIN) vs DET (ND) – 4.1 IP, 2 ER, 2 Hits, 3 BBs, 8 Ks – 15 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 77 pitches.

That’s 8/13 outs via way of the K because lol Tigers. It really isn’t fair. I’m pretty amazed Archer has lasted this long with these ultra-short outings and props to the Twins for making it work.

José Ureña (COL) @ SD (ND) – 4.0 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 3 BBs, 1 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 72 pitches.

Remember, if you start José, Ureña boatload of trouble. Seriously, just one strikeout?! HAISTBMBWT?!

Reiss Knehr (SD) vs COL (ND) – 3.2 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 1 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 20% CSW, 82 pitches.

Whoa, I didn’t expect Reiss to get the chance for 82 pitches…oh. Just eleven outs recorded. Welp, carry on.

Nick Nelson (PHI) @ ATL (L) – 2.0 IP, 2 ER, 2 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 43 pitches.

With Kyle Gibson on the bereavement list, Nelson got the “start” and that’s all we need to say about this. Stupid bullpen games, why do they get to exist in the first place. If I had it my way…

Yu Darvish (SD) vs COL (W) – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 7 Ks – 16 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 107 pitches.

Aces gonna nearly serve a VPQS despite being granted the wonderful gift of Rockie Road. Blegh. At least you got your Win and seven strikeouts, and yes, I’m still starting him against the Dodgers. I just wish he pitched more like that newly minted AGA badge, is that so much to ask?

Zac Gallen (ARI) @ CLE (W) – 5.2 IP, 3 ER, 6 Hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 103 pitches.

One out away from a VPQS, but at least you got a Win? I was shocked by this start as Gallen tossed more cutters than any other pitch in his arsenal – that’s the pitch he hasn’t had most often this year. I know, WILD. I’m not sure why he did, honestly, as it returned just 50% strikes (17/34) and his fastball is still clearly better. I guess we can blame the curve and change going just 4/38 CSW between them. You’re wondering what it means for Gallen, so m what I say is to start him against the Pirates, then gear up for a rough schedule down the stretch. This may be a difficult time.

Bryse Wilson (PIT) vs MIL (ND) – 5.1 IP, 3 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 80 pitches.

Sometimes I see Bryse’s pitching lines and wonder if it’s the result of a bag of DnD dice spilling across the table. How about the 5.1 then? That’s just a misspelling of 5e, of course. Annnnnd that’s enough exposing my inner nerd for today.

Matt Manning (DET) @ MIN (ND) – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 4 BBs, 1 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 21% CSW, 78 pitches.

Oh hey, you’re back. Whatcha got there? You know, stuff. Stuff? Yeah? Can I see it? No. Uhhhh huh.

Ryan Feltner (COL) @ SD (ND) – 3.2 IP, 3 ER, 8 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 76 pitches.

Oh hey it’s Feltner again. Welp, see ya later.

Triston McKenzie (CLE) vs ARI (L) – 6.0 IP, 4 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 7 Ks – 17 Whiffs, 38% CSW, 91 pitches.

Ehhhh, those ratios are rough, but he’s sitting a tick up and boasted 17 whiffs. Some days the baseball lands fair, some days it lands foul. And some days you throw too many pitches down the dang middle of the plate.

Corbin Burnes (MIL) @ PIT (L) – 5.1 IP, 4 ER, 3 Hits, 5 BBs, 6 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 103 pitches.

Aces gonna hand over the keys to deGrom, bowing aggressively and whispering we’re not worthy. Seriously, this was supposed to be the monster start of the day, Burnes. HOW COULD YOU. Well, it was until the four-run sixth inning as it was a clear Careful, Icarus. STILL.

Tyler Anderson (LAD) @ SF (W) – 5.0 IP, 5 ER, 6 Hits, 4 BBs, 3 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 15% CSW, 86 pitches.

Okay this hurts. The changeup wasn’t as effective as per usual, and the cutter returned just 4/28 CSW as the overall command was highly questionable. And now he has to deal with the re-invigorated Padres and there’s a sense his magic could be wearing off. Please get the changeup back in time…I think that may be a bench, y’all.

Jameson Taillon (NYY) vs SEA (ND) – 4.2 IP, 5 ER, 2 Hits, 4 BBs, 6 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 98 pitches.

Ouch. He had a field day against the Royals and while the curve was looking gorgeous through this one, he lost a few too many batters and things got a bit messy. I actually think he pitched better than the line and I’m still in as he faces the Mariners a second time on Monday. I think there’s something here with his low secondaries.

Keegan Thompson (CHC) @ STL (L) – 4.2 IP, 5 ER, 10 Hits, 2 BBs, 1 Ks – 3 Whiffs, 22% CSW, 86 pitches.

Three whiffs?! One strikeout!? HAISTBMBWT?! His velocity was down a good amount as well, 1.5 ticks on heater and two on the cutter. I wouldn’t touch this.

Logan Gilbert (SEA) @ NYY (ND) – 5.1 IP, 6 ER, 7 Hits, 4 BBs, 2 Ks – 2 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 89 pitches.

Despite returning just 2 ER apiece in back-to-back starts against the Astros, Gilbert floundered against the Yankees, returning just two whiffs overall and still missing a reliable secondary offering. That’s not totally fair as the curveball stepped up a little for 32% CSW across 19 thrown, but he hung a few and I don’t think it’s the answer. I’m still in the camp that Gilbert is a tad overvalued until he finds that true #2 weapon.

Alex Wood (SF) vs LAD (L) – 5.1 IP, 6 ER, 9 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 99 pitches.

Simply put, he was a bit too dang hittable. I still love watching his slider and sinker, but so many landed middle-middle and were slapped around. Oh, and that changeup did him no favors here as it went 5/15 hits in this game. Yeah, 33% of his changeups returned a hit (and 0% CSW). Ouch. He gets the now-Soto-and-Bell Padres next and I’d avoid that, too.

Spencer Howard (TEX) vs BAL (L) – 4.0 IP, 6 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 81 pitches.

The cutter and curve are showing some promise, but the heater was far slower in this one and I have such little faith Howard can pull it off in the second half. After all, I don’t trust people with two first names.

Brad Keller (KC) @ CWS (L) – 5.2 IP, 8 ER, 13 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 94 pitches.

We didn’t know if he was to be dealt at the deadline or not and maaaaybe it got in his head a bit. Welp, no way you can start him for a bit now, wait for a decent outing to know he’s recalibrated and then likely still not start him.

 

Game of the Day 

 

Luis Castillo vs. Gerrit Cole – It’s Castillo’s first start for the Mariners against Cole. This is going to be so dang fun.

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

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Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)