• Tagged with four runs
    Spence yielded four runs on nine hits and a walk over 5.2 innings in a no-decision Friday. He struck out three during the loss to the Twins.

    Advice: Spence worked around some light threats for most of his start and gave up just one run through five frames. He was two outs away from a second straight quality start before Max Kepler ripped a three-run shot and Spence was removed from the game shortly after. Since moving into the rotation, Spence has posted a 3.69 ERA through six career MLB starts. His next outing is projected to be at home against Kansas City. Rotowire.com Today, 4:49 am
     
  • Yields four runs
    Woods Richardson allowed four runs on four hits and four walks over four innings in a no-decision Friday. He struck out four during the win over Oakland.

    Advice: Woods Richardson was the victim of a Shea Langeliers grand slam in the first inning but otherwise kept the Athletics off the board. However, Woods Richardson threw just 45 of 80 pitches for strikes as he struggled with his command. It was the first time this season he walked more than two batters and it was his second-shortest outing. Woods Richardson's ERA is up to 3.29 with a 46:15 K:BB through 54.2 frames. His next start is lined up to be at home against the Rays. Rotowire.com Today, 4:45 am
  • Shane Baz strikes out eight on Friday at Triple-A
    Shane Baz struck out eight and allowed one run over six innings on Friday for Triple-A Durham.

    Advice: It’s time. Baz followed up last weekend’s 10-strikeout gem with another dazzling performance, allowing just four hits and one walk over six masterful frames. The 24-year-old top pitching prospect has completed his rehabilitation process from Tommy John surgery and appears poised to return to the majors at some point this month. He averaged 96.5 mph on his four-seam fastball in this one, while generating 14 swinging strikes and finishing with an astronomical 45 percent CSW. His ability to consistently generate whiffs on his fastball/slider combo will drive his fantasy appeal moving forward. Simply put, he should be rostered in all fantasy formats at this juncture. Rotoworld Today, 4:03 am
     
  • Max Meyer strikes out four on Friday at Triple-A
    Max Meyer struck out four and allowed two runs over four innings on Friday for Triple-A Jacksonville.

    Advice: So much for the whole notion from Marlins manager Skip Schumaker that Meyer would be returning to the majors “soon.” While Miami’s starting rotation continues to struggle, Meyer hasn’t exactly delivered dominant performances his last few times out. Still, he’s a vastly superior option than the cromulent journeymen the Marlins keep throwing out there. It’s only a matter of time before the 25-year-old top pitching prospect gets another shot after having his workload closely monitored in the minors over the last few months. His fastball/slider combo remains outstanding and gives him a shot at immediate fantasy relevance once the Marlins finally decide to let him pitch in the majors again. Rotoworld Today, 3:45 am
     
  • Kris Bubic completes four frames in rehab finale
    Kris Bubic (elbow) allowed two runs over four innings on Friday in a minor league rehab start for Triple-A Omaha.

    Advice: Bubic struck out three and also issued three walks, needing 84 pitches (52 strikes) to complete four frames. The 26-year-old lefty’s minor league rehab assignment is up after this latest outing and it appears he’ll rejoin Kansas City’s starting rotation mix at some point next week. The big question for fantasy managers is whether he can come close to re-discovering the form that was starting to make him an intriguing option prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery. Rotoworld Today, 3:26 am
     
  • Labors in loss
    Howard (0-1) allowed four runs on seven hits and four walks while striking out one over 2.1 innings, taking the loss Friday versus the Angels.

    Advice: Howard had been generally passable over his first three appearances (one start), but he struggled as the starter against a weak offense Friday. The Angels got on the board in the second inning and then poured it on in the third before Howard exited the contest. He's now at a 4.02 ERA with a 1.66 WHIP and 10:7 K:BB over 15.2 innings this season. Howard's time in the rotation was always likely to be temporary, though none of Blake Snell (groin), Alex Cobb (hip/shoulder) or Robbie Ray (elbow) are particularly close to returning. If Howard remains in the majors, he's lined up to make his next appearance on the road against the Cubs. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 11:12 pm
  • Collects 11th save
    Estevez struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 8-6 win over the Giants.

    Advice: The Giants made a late push for a comeback, but Estevez shut the door with a 17-pitch ninth inning. He's up to 11 saves this season, five of which have come over his last seven appearances. The closer has added a 3.86 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 20:3 K:BB and three blown saves through 21 innings. The Angels don't often have leads to protect, but Estevez should continue to close as long as he's with the team, though as a pending free agent, he will be a trade target over the next six weeks. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 10:59 pm
  • Carlos Estévez locks down save against Giants
    Carlos Estévez go the final three outs to get a save against the Giants on Friday.

    Advice: It didn’t look like Estévez was going to be necessary Friday night, but an 8-1 cushion turned into an 8-6 game, so the 31-year-old was called upon to convert his 11th save. The 31-year-old didn’t allow a hit, struck out one hitter and threw 12-of-17 pitches in the strike zone. Estévez should continue to see save chances as long as he’s a member of the Angels, but keep in mind a trade — very possible with Los Angels going nowhere — would likely make him a set-up hurler; severely limiting his fantasy upside. Rotoworld Yesterday, 10:17 pm
  • Spencer Howard rocked for four in 2 1/3 vs. Angels
    Spencer Howard gave up four runs in just 2 1/3 innings to pick up a loss to the Angels on Friday.

    Advice: Howard was making his second start of the season. The first one went a lot better than this (4 2/3 IP, one run). The 27-year-old is a former Top 100 prospect who has bounced around organizations, and this was unfortunately an example of why. He gave up seven hits, walked four, and picked up just one strikeout. Howard could start again, but nothing has been scheduled just yet. Rotoworld Yesterday, 10:16 pm