Rob Whalen

Rob Whalen was given a spot start in the Seattle Mariners rotation on Saturday and took his first loss of the season. Whalen lasted 5 1/3 innings against the Boston Red Sox, as he surrendered five earned runs in the outing. Boston knocked around Whalen for seven hits, walked twice, and Jackie Bradley Jr. jacked a two run home run in the sixth.

Fantasy Impact

Rob Whalen is not a fantasy commodity. Despite being just 23, there is not too much upside here. He was called up to serve as a long-reliever and does not feature anything special in his repertoire. His fastball is not overpowering, his slider is average, and he may struggle without a putout pitch at this level.

Whalen is a rookie, but he is making tremendous strides with the opportunity he was given to join the rotation due to the many trades and injuries the team is enduring. Tonight, he allowed five hits and three runs (all earned) while walking one and striking out seven over six innings. Although he did not get the decision his sinker and curveball kept the Brewers in check throughout his time on the mound. The Braves won the game 4-3 in 12 innings. Whalen's record remains 1-0 while the Braves, who have won 9 of their last 13 games, improved to 42-70. In his next contest, Whalen is scheduled to face Tanner Roark and the Nationals Saturday in Washington.

Fantasy Impact

Whalen is another young arm in the organization who has been called upon to shore up a beleaguered rotation. He has been projected as a #5 starter or a middle reliever in the majors. His first two starts have been impressive enough to consider him for a spot start down the home stretch, especially if the Braves offense continues to offer solid run support.

The first inning of his debut went like this: 36 pitches (17 were strikes), four runs, three hits, one home run, one HBP, two walks, one WP. But he gutted it out. Through five innings last night, he allowed four hits and four runs (all earned) while walking four and striking out five. The Braves offense picked it up, garnering 15 hits, and the team won 8-4. Whalen now sits at 1-0 on the year while the Braves stand at 38-69. He is scheduled to face the Brewers and Zach Davies on Monday in Milwaukee.

Fantasy Impact

Whalen showed maturity after the initial first-inning meltdown, caused by nerves, no doubt. He settled in quite nicely and gave a tremendous effort. He is projected as a possible fifth starter at this level but more likely as a middle reliever. He is starting now because the Braves rotation has been hammered by injuries and trades. He may have some small value for those that stream starters but like any other pitcher he has to show consistent production in order to be trusted in most fantasy rotations.