Mike Trout made history again last night
All 30 MLB teams were in action on Friday night, and six games were decided by one run. With a schedule as tightly contested, there were a lot of quality fantasy outings. History was made, an aging slugger turned back the clock, and a new slugger had a rough opening. This is your daily update.
Recap
Mike Trout makes history again against the Astros
Mike Trout is the youngest player in MLB history with 100 home runs and 100 stolen bases, as he hit two homers last night against the Houston Astros. Trout had five RBI last night, and he now has nine on the young season. He is the top player in fantasy baseball and nights like Friday help solidify that. He has a 1.250 OPS on the season, five walks and seven strikeouts, and two stolen bases. If you do not own Trout, there is no price too high for him, especially in a dynasty league, as the 23-year-old only keeps improving.
Alex Rodriguez flashes his power against the Rays
Mike Trout’s new record for the youngest player with 100 home runs and 100 stolen bases was held by Alex Rodriguez until last night. Rodriguez flashed those skills against the Rays with two home runs. Many questioned if A-Rod would be the same player after injuries and a PED suspension. His 1.213 OPS, four home runs, and 11 RBI should quiet those critics. Rodriguez was 3-for-4 with four RBI and two runs against Tampa Bay, driving in the winning run with a single in the 8th inning. It would be smart to pick up Rodriguez if he is available in your league and ride this hot streak as long as possible.
Kris Bryant has a quiet beginning to his MLB career against the Padres
Kris Bryant’s much anticipated MLB debut was Friday afternoon against the Padres, but he did not deliver right away. He hit clean up for the Cubs and was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. There is no reason to overreact, as this is what is expected from Bryant. If he is able to get 500 or more at-bats this season, he will probably strikeout more than 150 times and could have an average in the .260-.270 range. Bryant’s skill set is to hit for power and in that there is a chance that his big swing will miss. He should still hit 30 or more home runs this season.
Max Scherzer shuts down the Phillies
Three starts into his Nationals career, Scherzer looks like he is well on his way to battling Clayton Kershaw for the title of best pitcher in the National League. Scherzer has allowed two earned runs in 21 1/3 innings and has 25 strikeouts to only four walks. Scherzer pitched eight innings against the Phillies on Friday and allowed four hits, one run, and struck out nine batters without allowing a walk. Scherzer is a true SP1, and the move to the National League may be enough to put him in the same breath as Kershaw or Felix Hernandez as the best pitcher in fantasy baseball.
Josh Collmenter shuts out the Giants
Fantasy matchups are not won by superstars playing like superstars, fantasy matchups are won by sleepers playing over their expectations. Josh Collmenter’s complete game shut out of the Giants on Friday night qualifies as a sleeper performance. Collmenter allowed only four hits and one walk in his nine innings pitched, but only had two strikeouts. Collmenter had a .396 opponent batting average coming into the game and only has seven strikeouts over 18 2/3 innings this season. Last night’s performance could be an indicator for the future though. Collmenter had a 2.25 ERA in 60 innings over August and September 2014 and a 4.75 K:BB ratio. He should be seen in the same pool as players like C.C. Sabathia or John Lackey.
What to watch for
Masahiro Tanaka and Jake Odorizzi’s matchup headlines the Saturday schedule, but another key storyline is Felix Hernandez not missing a start after he left his last appearance with right quad tightness. Chris Sale, Yordano Ventura, and Zack Grienke will also pitch on Saturday.
Chris Zolli is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Chris, check out his archive and follow him @thezman2010.
