After the All-Star Game festivities last week, the second half of the season is in full swing. As we head into weekend play, it is time to take a look back at the week that was. If this is the first time you are reading this column, let me explain. Each week I take a look back at the risers and fallers in DFS play and select one starting pitcher, one infielder and one outfielder. This list is for players who currently find themselves on either a hot or cold streak and have seen their value increase or decrease accordingly.
I only look at games played Sunday through Friday, since in DFS it’s all about what have you done for me lately.
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Starting Pitcher: Clayton Kershaw – LAD
On paper, Clayton Kershaw against the New York Mets’ offense Thursday night seemed like it could be a historic start for the young left-hander, and it almost was. Kershaw had a perfect game going through six. He ultimately wound up giving up a three hits but finished with the complete game, surrendering zero ER and striking out 11 in the 3-0 win. He put up 24 FDP.
Other Notables:
- David Price – DET
- Jose Fernandez – MIA
- Masahiro Tanaka – NYY
Infield: Ian Kinsler – DET – 2B
Ian Kinsler is heating up lately. He had an unbelievable week, batting .454 (10-for-22), with four doubles, two HR, four RBI and seven runs. He is currently riding a four-game multi-hit game hitting streak. Kinsler put up whopping 28 FDP over the course of five games this week.
Other Notables:
- Eric Hosmer – KC – 1B
- Kyle Seager – SEA – 3B
- Yadier Molina – STL – C
Outfield: Starling Marte – PIT
While Kinzler had himself a very good week, Starling Marte had an even better one. Marte batted .476 (10-for-21), with a double, a triple, an RBI, three runs and two stolen bases. He has reverted to his former self, utilizing his speed combined with the power he possesses. Over the course of six games, put up 18.50 FDP. Marte is batting .370 in the month of July.
Other Notables:
- Lorenzo Cain – KC
- Nelson Cruz – SEA
- Curtis Granderson – NYM
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Starting Pitcher: Trevor Bauer – CLE
Trevor Bauer had a rough game Thursday night against the Chicago White Sox. He went 6.0 IP while surrendering six hits, six ER and two walks. He did manage nine strikeouts, but it was not enough in the loss. Bauer has been very inconsistent all year, and part of the problem has been his inability to keep the ball in the ballpark. He has already given up 17 home runs this season.
Other Notables:
- Ubaldo Jimenez – BAL
- Doug Fister – WAS
- Yovani Gallardo – TEX
Infield: Jose Abreu – CHW – 1B
It has been a disappointing season for Jose Abreu, following up a very promising 2014 and having high expectations coming into this season. He had a particularly poor week going 5-for-20 (.250) at the plate. He did have a good game Friday night, going 1-for-3 with a HR, an RBI, two runs and a walk, but he will need many more games like that to turn around his season.
Other Notables:
- Anthony Rizzo – CHC – 1B
- Kolten Wong – STL – 2B
- Neil Walker – PIT – 2B
Outfield: Joc Pederson – LAD
After hitting 20 HR and 40 RBI in the first half of the season, Joc Pederson has yet to produce a HR and has only two RBI since the All-Star break. He put up just 6.75 FDP this week and batted .192 (5-for-26), with two RBI and three walks.
Other Notables:
- Yoenis Cespedes – DET
- J.D. Martinez – DET
- Mookie Betts – BOS
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A.J. Stone is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from A.J., check out his archive and follow him @ajstone18.