Welcome to the SP Roundup, my daily fantasy baseball article reviewing every starting pitcher’s performance from every Sunday game. I apologize for the jokes written in my delirium in advance. Have questions? Ask me during my office hours on Playback.tv weekday mornings from 10 am-12 pm ET.
Luis Medina (OAK) @ ATL (ND) – 5.2 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 89 pitches.
Remember Luis Medina? The Oakland arm who hurt himself during spring training but threw in the upper 90s last season and occasionally flashed a strong breaking ball? Well, he made his first start of the season today against Atlanta and had himself a day via 5.2 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 89 pitches. On paper, it turns heads – it’s a Gold Star worthy performance, after all. Watching the game was a bit different, however.
It was a bit hard to watch. He’d hurl a gorgeous curve first, then follow it with a wild fastball, a slider that fell out of his hand that landed too far armside, or spike another hook. But then he’d nail a 97 mph heater on the edge, return an out, and carry on. You can see how it works – he throws hard and has a curveball that returns whiffs but without any trust in his command (and poor four-seamer shape, for that matter), so I consider Medina a Cherry Bomb at best. There’s a shot the poor command was simply due to his return to the field and maybe he can properly spot his pitches over time. I have my doubts and if that were the case, then I’d rather wait to see it first.
Let’s see how every other SP did Sunday:
Luis Castillo (SEA) vs LAA (W) – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 3 BBs, 6 Ks – 21 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 102 pitches.
Aces gonna ace for a co-share of the Gallows Pole. The heater is in full force and sliders are doing their part like proper Starship Troopers. You love to see it.
Andrew Heaney (TEX) @ MIA (W) – 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 Hits, 0 BBs, 7 Ks – 17 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 94 pitches.
Ayyyy we got the BSB back in action. Ish. His four-seamer found the upper half, but a ton still landed in the middle, and the change and slider were mostly down. Whatever, he had 5+ whiffs on each of his three pitches and he took advantage of the matchup while chucking 90+ pitches. I think we’re okay with Heaney against the Giants next, given that he’s got more strikeout upside than a typical streamer.
Charlie Morton (ATL) vs OAK (ND) – 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 5 BBs, 6 Ks – 15 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 97 pitches.
The curveball was fantastic and that’s all there is to it. Still a Cherry Bomb n all.
Gavin Stone (LAD) vs COL (W) – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks – 15 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 75 pitches.
An easy matchup, an easy Win for Stone. Props to the guy for coming through consistently in these great matchups, especially with a slider that woke up for 9/19 whiffs. Not the greatest of spots for these, but he threw them in the zone, and the Rockies obliged by swinging over them. Strikes either way and that’s a cool thing. Now is the proper test against the Yankees and I’d personally bench him there. He’s taken care of poor offenses and this is too risky.
Lance Lynn (STL) @ PHI (ND) – 4.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 78 pitches.
He also had four unearned runs in the books and I imagine all of you look at this, exhale a touch through your nose, then skip to the next pitcher. At least, that’s what the wise fantasy manager does.
Michael King (SDP) @ KCR (ND) – 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 105 pitches.
Another solid game from King as he takes another step forward toward being a dependable Holly. Lots of strikes across the board (and a bit fortunate BABIP at that) and with the Sneks + Athletics up next, I’d be happy to have King on my squads. I think he’ll be far more dependable across the final four months than the first two.
Griffin Canning (LAA) @ SEA (L) – 6.2 IP, 1 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 93 pitches.
Atta boy Canning. The changeup and slider lived on opposite ends of the zone effectively, while his four-seamer did work over the middle of the plate and up. He’s a decent streamer when the right opponents come by, but sadly he gets the Astros next and it’s back to the wire for ya. I made some muffins to share with your friends there. TELL THEM I MISS ‘EM!
Cole Ragans (KCR) vs SDP (ND) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 97 pitches.
Aces gonna ace. The slider was a bit more effective here, but the cutter is still getting the axe and the curve was simply ignored as Ragans went fastball/change-heavy once again. It’s working out for him and with the Mariners up next, that’s sure to dominate once again. PEW PEW PEW.
Cole Irvin (BAL) vs TBR (ND) – 6.1 IP, 2 ER, 8 Hits, 1 BBs, 1 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 20% CSW, 90 pitches.
You rostered Irvin for a Win chance and hey, 6.1 IP of 2 ER ball is what you came for. But the near 1.50 WHIP and one strikeout without a Win? HAISTBMBWT?! Tough nougies, feel free to dance a second time later this week. Maybe the curve will be thrown more than 10 times and life will be wonderful.
Nick Lodolo (CIN) @ CHC (W) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 90 pitches.
A bit Singled Out here, but it was kinda deserved as all of them came on y-mLoc% pitches. I’m surprised to see the curve go 0/19 whiffs here, but fortunately, the heater was elevated enough to get through the outing with a solid six frames for a Win. Cool, now do it against the Cubs again. Hopefully with better curves and more strikeouts, k thx.
Jake Irvin (WSN) @ CLE (W) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 98 pitches.
This Vargas Rule is getting bonkers. I watched this one and I see a middling arm who was able to get away with a lot of heaters and cutters over the plate, mixed in with a fair number of good curveballs and some bad ones that didn’t get punished despite their consistent attraction to the middle of the zone. Nothing close to the exceptional line here, nor the ridiculous marks of his last few weeks. But hey, if you want to follow the recent trend and start him once again for a match against Atlanta, go right ahead.
Casey Mize (DET) @ BOS (ND) – 4.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 4 BBs, 4 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 82 pitches.
Hmmmm. This is closer to the Mize that we want. His four-seamer landed upstairs as intended, but just a little too far at times, and the slider is still struggling to earn whiffs, but it felt a little more like a proper plan this time around + the fastball is back to…96.2 mph. There’s hope, coming back in through the cracks to whisper sweet nothings as I try to fall asleep. His fastball could be elite. The slider will come into form. JUST LET ME GO TO BED. Keep monitoring Mize and let him start on the wire against the Brewers. Hopefully, he builds on this, even if the line didn’t fit.
Zack Littell (TBR) @ BAL (ND) – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 11 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 20% CSW, 93 pitches.
0/64 whiffs on sliders, four-seamers, sinkers, and sweepers. Zero. That’s how you toss a VVVVPQS (I think that’s the first of the season!). Littell as a Toby against the Orioles felt like an easy bench and guess what! He gets them again! What joy.
Hunter Brown (HOU) vs MIN (ND) – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 7 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 37% CSW, 95 pitches.
He featured increased velocity across the board, legit pitch separation via BSB, and ran away with the King Cole. Wait. Yeah, this was Hunter’s best start of the year despite the PQS result. There’s hope once again with splitters and curves looking swell, with decent cutters in the mix, too. Now might be the time to take a shot given the Angels are on the docket. Decent floor with a chance to become a legit hold.
Freddy Peralta (MIL) vs CHW (W) – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 7 Ks – 21 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 97 pitches.
Aces gonna ace with a Gallows Pole and an annoying ERA. Sure, he missed a little more up-and-armside with his heater than we wanted, but the HR to DeJong was a pitch up and away and on the edge. Whatareyagonnado.
Chris Bassitt (TOR) vs PIT (W) – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 8 Hits, 1 BBs, 7 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 100 pitches.
The man got Singled Out by the Pirates, but that’s kinda expected when you chuck sinkers down the pipe all day. Now he gets his Alma Mater in Oakland and that’s a clear start. Don’t overthink it, per usual.
Blake Snell (SFG) vs NYY (ND) – 4.2 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BBs, 7 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 99 pitches.
He left this game with a groin injury, but not before throwing a whole lot of pitches and leaving at the moment he probably would have been replaced anyway. Expect an IL stint coming for Snell.
Nestor Cortes (NYY) @ SFG (ND) – 4.1 IP, 3 ER, 7 Hits, 0 BBs, 7 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 95 pitches.
The strikeouts are cool, the inefficiency is not. The dude filled the strike zone like it was Kindergarten “stay within the lines” art class, and it led to a pair of home runs on low(ish) fastballs. That’s not it Cortes, you know that.
Simeon Woods Richardson (MIN) @ HOU (ND) – 4.1 IP, 3 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 33% CSW, 66 pitches.
The slider wasn’t the major pitch in the zone we saw last time with SWR playing more of the Neckbeard game this time around. Not a terrible outing, but plagued by the longball and a bit too little efficiency as the Twins pulled him for the third turn of the lineup. He could be a decent stream against the Pirates, but I’d prefer to chase someone who I’d feel confident going a full six frames.
Jose Quintana (NYM) vs ARI (ND) – 4.0 IP, 3 ER, 4 Hits, 3 BBs, 4 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 84 pitches.
Huh. Quintana went all low in this one, which is atypical of Quintana’s routine expansion of the entire zone. A bit odd and I’m not sure why as the results didn’t follow. Huh. Maybe because the four-seamer was flat-out awful?
Austin Gomber (COL) @ LAD (L) – 3.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BBs, 2 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 20% CSW, 79 pitches.
Hey, he’s back! And had a low pitch count. Against the Dodgers. Right. I wonder if he’s better against the Cardinals + Twins next, both away from Coors. Don’t forget, he was on a lovely run of his own before he felt elbow pain last week.
Brayan Bello (BOS) vs DET (ND) – 6.1 IP, 4 ER, 8 Hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 95 pitches.
Blegh. He didn’t have his famous changeup and he tried to force too much out of the rest. And here I thought it was all coming together. I’m not giving up with the CrySox next, though. That has to be a rebound, right?
Brandon Pfaadt (ARI) @ NYM (ND) – 6.0 IP, 4 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 8 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 33% CSW, 91 pitches.
I’m glad he gave you some punchouts (yay sweeper!) but the rest matters, too, and will continue to be a problem if he doesn’t have a proper #3 outside of fastballs/sweeper. Neither heater is elite enough to carry this on its own, sadly.
Trevor Rogers (MIA) vs TEX (L) – 6.0 IP, 4 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 87 pitches.
Yup. Still out on this. His slider was atrocious, but at least his four-seamer and changeup separation were solid? I’ll hold the hope others have dropped.
Taijuan Walker (PHI) vs STL (ND) – 5.0 IP, 4 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 93 pitches.
What. No. I’m so shocked. I’ll never financially recover from this. On the real, he did have some decent sinker, splitter, and sweeper command here, but even at his “best”, he’s producing lines like these against the Cardinals. Think about that.
Quinn Priester (PIT) @ TOR (L) – 4.2 IP, 4 ER, 8 Hits, 0 BBs, 3 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 87 pitches.
The slider is looking more like its former self, but that’s about all he’s got in the tank. No thank you, sir.
Nick Nastrini (CHW) @ MIL (L) – 4.0 IP, 4 ER, 3 Hits, 3 BBs, 1 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 78 pitches.
It’s so frustrating. His four-seamer is fantastic, except he suddenly can’t locate the dang thing. This isn’t a Joe Boyle scenario in my view. It’s a guy with the yips. He’ll get through it in time and I’m excited to see him soar when he does. Seriously, that heater has everything you want, outside of massively missing the zone. Kinda an important facet.
Ben Brown (CHC) vs CIN (L) – 5.0 IP, 5 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 36% CSW, 76 pitches.
Womp womp. Not too shocking that he’d regress from the previous start (I mean, hard not to do that after seven no-hit frames, but you get the point) and his fastball was still hittable, while he certainly regrets the hanging curve to Friedl that left the yard. I’ll continue to consider Brown a Cherry Bomb somewhat akin to Michael Kopech with a worse fastball until Brown finds a proper third pitch.
Carlos Carrasco (CLE) vs WSN (L) – 4.0 IP, 5 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 71 pitches.
He returned from the IL to make this outing, as if you needed any more reason to have avoided this one. But now he gets the Marlins! Does that really matter? …no.
Game of the Day
Tylor Megill vs. MacKenzie Gore – There are some marquee matchups, but I’m most curious about this one. Will Megill look like a stud? Is Gore a legit AGA contender?
But Nick?! Where are the streaming picks? – I’ve moved them to the daily SP Matchups & Streamer Rankings article.
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Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire | Adapted by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter/X)
Daniel Miller is a sports fanatic who lives and breathes athletics. His coverage spans from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis for sports enthusiasts.
