Welcome to our weekly roundup of starting pitcher news, perfect for fantasy baseball enthusiasts looking to stay ahead of the game. Each Wednesday, we dive into the latest developments surrounding trending and surging starting pitchers, analyzing their performances to determine whether they are worth your investment. This series builds on my previous work, where I explored new pitches and their impact on pitchers’ effectiveness. However, this time, we will expand our focus to include changes in velocity, pitch usage patterns, and evolving roles. Our goal remains the same: to discern if recent success is due to meaningful adjustments or mere luck. Let’s get started with our analysis of four notable starters this week.
Since returning to the Texas Rangers rotation in June, Kumar Rocker has posted a 4.61 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP, with a 15/6 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 13.2 innings. Much of this stat line is marred by a rough first start against the Rays. However, his last two outings against the White Sox and Pirates were more promising, allowing just two runs over 10.1 innings. Notably, Rocker has come back to the big leagues with a new pitch and a revised approach.
Recent data shows a significant increase in Rocker’s cutter usage, which has now become his primary pitch. Over his last three starts, he has completely abandoned his slider and leaned more heavily on his curveball. This shift is critical, as the cutter and slider are fundamentally different pitches, utilized in distinct ways. For instance, Rocker’s slider averages 84.1 mph with notable horizontal and vertical movement, whereas his cutter clocks in at nearly 91 mph with a different movement profile.
Against right-handed hitters, Rocker’s cutter has impressive metrics, boasting a 61% zone rate and an 81% strike rate. This suggests he has better control and command over the cutter than he did with the slider, which had a significantly lower zone rate and effectiveness. The cutter has also shown promise against lefties, recording a 30% swinging strike rate, making it a more reliable pitch in his arsenal. As Rocker continues to refine his approach, he is a player worth considering for deeper leagues.
Michael Soroka has caught the attention of many after a standout 10-strikeout performance against the Dodgers. While his overall ERA of 4.58 since May 17th might raise some eyebrows, his SIERA of 3.29 positions him favorably among starting pitchers. This discrepancy points to potential improvements in his game that could lead to a successful stretch.
A significant change in Soroka’s approach has been a reduction in four-seam fastball usage, opting instead for his sinker. He has also increased his reliance on his effective curveball, which has shown excellent metrics against both right-handed and left-handed hitters. Soroka’s adjustment to throw the sinker inside to righties has generated weak contact, allowing him to maintain a solid groundball rate.
Moreover, Soroka’s elevated arm angle has enhanced the vertical approach of his curveball, contributing to its effectiveness. By focusing more on his curveball and sinker, he has improved his overall performance metrics and could be an asset for fantasy teams, especially against right-handed-heavy lineups.
Chase Burns made headlines with his impressive MLB debut against the New York Yankees, where he showcased a mix of dominance and vulnerability. Striking out six batters in the first three innings, Burns faced challenges in the fourth but managed to recover. His four-seam fastball averaged 98.1 mph, but the pitch's effectiveness might be limited at the major league level due to command issues.
Burns’ slider, on the other hand, proved to be his standout pitch, yielding excellent results with a notable whiff rate. While the slider showed promise, it’s crucial for Burns to improve his pitch command to avoid big innings in the future. As he develops his sequencing and refines his command, he could become a valuable addition to fantasy rosters, especially against favorable matchups.
In the wake of Chris Sale’s injury, Grant Holmes has stepped up for the Atlanta Braves, delivering a solid 2.96 ERA and a 20.1% K-BB% over his last eight starts. His recent performance has been driven by a strategic reduction in four-seam fastball usage and an increase in slider usage, which has become a crucial strikeout pitch for him.
Holmes has also found success with his cutter, which, when used effectively, could lead to weak contact against both right-handed and left-handed hitters. By focusing on his slider and cutter while minimizing his reliance on the four-seam, Holmes has crafted a competitive pitching profile. If he continues to develop this strategy, he may become a valuable asset in fantasy leagues.
As we continue to monitor these pitchers, their evolving profiles and adjustments will be key indicators for their future success. Keep an eye on their performances as we move deeper into the season.
