Andrew Benintendi (KC): 2-4, 2B, HR, R, RBI.
Benintendi is riding a six-game hitting streak with three extra bases, including the 104-mph blast off Zach Davies last night. While overall production is not chart-topping, he continues to put up a power+speed skill set. His 12 HRs and eight SB pace won’t get him to the illustrious 20/20 season we all hoped for. However, Steamer projects him for another four HRs and three SB, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility if he takes off.
After cutting his teeth in Boston, Benintendi found new life with the Royals. But maybe the Royals can help unlock something. He is never going to compete in the HR derby, and a 109.5 career-high max exit velocity isn’t extraordinary.
However, in 2021, Benintendi is hitting the ball harder. His hard-hit rate is up to 44%, and even his barrel rate is 8.6%-which is better than in any other previous season. Will the HRs ever come? Probably not, but you can’t look past how productive he can be in any roto league, given his discount on draft days.
Let’s see how the other hitters did Friday.
Carlos Correa (HOU): 2-3, 3B, 3 R, RBI, BB.
Correa has all the skills you’d look for in a player. He barrels the ball at a decent rate, makes contact quite often, and plays a solid shortstop. However, this year Correa has taken his game to another level. The K% is under 20% while increasing his walk rate to a career-high 12.5%. Shortstop has a crazy deep talent pool, and Correa carries a 4.5 fWAR(fourth among qualified SS).
Ty France (SEA): 3-4, 2B, HR, 2 R, RBI.
Many may not realize quite how good of a season Ty France has been this year. And while he might be a better real baseball player, his 2.9 fWAR he is sixth, right behind Joey Votto. However, his ability to play multiple positions while maintaining a terrific batting average is nothing sneeze at. At the very least, he needs to be on somebody’s fantasy bench.
Jean Segura (PHI): 0-1, 2 R, 3 BB, 2 SB.
Segura didn’t need any hits to put up a viable Friday night. His two SBs bring the season to nine, and the trio of walks gives him a .360 OBP. Unfortunately, in his last 23 ABs, Segura is stone cold and only recorded three hits. Either way, the high OBP and ability to swipe bags keep him firmly atop the Phillies lineup, so stay patient while he works out the kinks.
Salvador Perez (KC): 2-3, 2 HR, 2 R, 2 RBI.
Perez continues to give SP nightmares by smashing 31st and 32nd HR of the year. The aging backstop looks Father Time in the face and laughs as he leads all catchers in HR, runs, and RBI. My advice, sit back, relax and enjoy one of the better catchers put up a career year.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. (MIA): 2-4, HR, R, 3 RBI, SB.
Making soft music with his bat last night was the Marlins’ exciting young shortstop. His combo meal is not the first of the season, nor will it be the last of his career. Chisholm Jr. currently showcases a 14 HR, 12 SB stat line that suggests with a little more seasoning; he could be something special for years to come.
Garrett Hampson (COL): 1-3, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB, SB.
Enjoying his own fast-food special was the speedy Rockies OF/2B. Sadly, Hampson has not found 2021 to be as flavorful. While the SBs have been, the walk rate continues to decline, and overall production is going in the wrong direction. However, please keep him in your lineups for the weekend as the team will remain in Coors Field until Monday.
Luke Voit (NYY): 4-5, 2B, HR, 2 R, 4 RBI.
If you want your team to know you deserve more playing time, have a night like Luke Voit. Although, he’s been terrific as of late. Since his return from the IL, Voit has smashed four dingers with 15 RBI. The Yankees already have a hulking lineup that can mash HRs in bunches, and if Voit can return to his 2020 self-yikes!
Myles Straw (CLE): 3-4, 2 2B, 3 R, RBI, BB.
Since a move from Houston, Straw has been everything Cleveland needed. He showcases an 11% walk rate that’s aiding a .389 OPS as he bats atop the lineup. Not to mention, his four SB for the team with no-name brings his season total up to a respectable 21. If you’re hoping for power, look elsewhere, but runs and SBs should be aplenty.
Jonathan Schoop (DET): 2-5, RBI.
It’s always nice to see a player rewarded for good play. And the Tigers did right by Schoop as they inked him to a two-year extension to make him part of the re-build. Additionally, Schoop has managed to cut his K%, increase the BB% slightly, and hit the ball harder than ever.
Kyle Schwarber (BOS): 2-2, 2B, R, 2 BB.
Schwarber is starting to look comfortable in Beantown. He can be somewhat of a streaky hitter, but it’s only a matter of time before he finds the power stroke and starts taking advantage of the short porches in right-field. With a walk rate just shy of 28%, he is beginning to see the ball well-liftoff in 3-2-1.
Featured Imaged by Ethan Kaplan (@DJFreddie10 on Twitter)