Baseball Daily Dose: Daily Dose: Pineda the Ace
Monday, May 11, 2015
Michael Pineda had the start of the season on Sunday, allowing one run on six hits in seven innings against the Orioles while fanning 16 batters. The performance improved his record to 5-0 with a 2.72 ERA. Most impressively, Pineda has a gaudy 54/3 K/BB ratio in 46 innings. With his performance to this point, fantasy owners have reason to grade him as a true ace.
Pineda broke into the Big Leagues in 2011 with Seattle as an ace before getting traded to the Yankees and missing two full seasons recovering from a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Last season he was terrific during his return, but managed to make only 13 starts due to continued shoulder trouble. There was also the subject of his velocity loss, as Pineda’s fastball was down more than two mph compared to his rookie season. He compensated for the velocity loss with nearly perfect control, walking only seven batters in 76.1 innings and posting a 8.43 K/BB ratio and 1.89 ERA in 13 starts.
This season the velocity has been down even further, yet Pineda’s control continues to progress. While averaging less than 92 mph on his fastball, Pineda is on pace to allow a Greg Maddux-like 15 walks in 233.1 innings this season. Sunday’s start was a particularly interesting performance, as Pineda’s average fastball velocity was up to 93 mph according to Pitch f/x numbers, and he threw 38 percent sliders. That’s a high percentage for the hurler, especially given his history of shoulder problems.
Pineda’s peripherals actually show he’s underperformed with a 2.72 ERA, but that’s still good enough to open the eyes of fantasy owners. The question now is whether he can keep his arm healthy. Given Pineda’s recent injury history, his owners would be well-advised to at least explore the trade market if an opposing owner is willing to treat him like a durable ace instead of a fragile one.
Editor’s Note: Play one-day fantasy baseball for cash! FanDuel is hosting a $100,000 league for Monday’s MLB games. It’s just $3 to join and first place wins $8,000. Starts tonight at 7:05pm ET. Enter now!
Salazar Remains Dominant
It’s apparent the Danny Salazar got the message after getting demoted to Triple-A to start the season. Cleveland’s young flamethrower improved to 4-1 on Sunday while allowing only one baserunner in seven innings and striking out 11 Twins. He now owns a 3.27 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in five starts.
Salazar has had issues keeping the ball in the park with one homer allowed in each of his starts, but that’s the only major blemish so far. He hasn’t walked a batter over his last three starts, showing a 13.1 K/9 and 1.4 BB/9 so far. He’s also displaying rejuvenated velocity, averaging better than 95 mph on his fastball this season.
Home run issues are nothing new for Salazar, as he allowed more than one homer per nine innings in each of his first two seasons. It’s inflated his ERA early in his career, but Salazar has been able to bypass major damage for the most part this season by severely limiting baserunners.
Before Sunday’s start, Salazar’s peripherals showed an unlucky pitcher with a .333 BABIP. Sunday’s start certainly helped his BABIP even out, and the overall control to this point certainly makes him look like the ace Cleveland hasn’t gotten out of either Corey Kluber or Carlos Carrasco this season. Given his home run issues, Salazar’s next start at hitter-friendly Arlington could be an interesting one, but he’s locked in as a must-start for fantasy owners.
Semien Simmering
Oakland shortstop Marcus Semien had a spectacular weekend, going 3-for-4 with two stolen bases on Saturday, followed by 3-for-4 with two solo home runs on Sunday. He’s now hitting .307-5-14 with six stolen bases for the season.
Acquired during the offseason from the White Sox for Jeff Samardzija, Semien was one of the stories of spring training after hitting .288-3-11 for the A’s. After beginning the season near the bottom of Oakland’s batting order, Semien has played well enough to earn a move near the top of the order. He’s batted leadoff or second in the order in 13 of his last 16 games.
Semien struggled when given regular playing time with the White Sox last season, but he was a strong performer in the minors as a career .272/.374/.465 hitter with 19 homers and 24 steals in his last full minor league season in 2013. While those numbers show his current batting average could be difficult to maintain, the power and speed that Semien has shown shouldn’t be surprising.
Eligible at three infield positions in most leagues, Semien carries even more intangible value. He trails only Hanley Ramirez among fantasy shortstops in value earned this season, and it’s only a thin margin after his recent play.
American League Quick Hits: David Price (hamstring) will have his next start pushed back to Saturday … George Springer (concussion) is increasing his activity, though it’s unclear if he will be ready to return when eligible on Wednesday … Jackie Bradley will share time in right field with Shane Victorino, with the veteran Victorino expected to come off the DL today … Mariners shortstop Chris Taylor has a bone bruise above his pinky and is considered day-to-day … Mike Moustakas is set to return from the bereavement list on Monday … Oakland closer Sean Doolittle (shoulder) needs 1-2 more batting practice sessions before beginning a rehab assignment. He could return before the end of the month … Josh Hamilton (shoulder) went 1-for-3 in his minor league rehab game at Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday. He could return near the end of the month … Yan Gomes (knee) will go through drills on Tuesday. His progress should determine when he will start a rehab assignment … T.J. House (shoulder) began long toss on Sunday. He’s been on the DL for about one week with inflammation … Jonathan Schoop (knee) could resume baseball activities next week. He’s hoping to return around the All-Star Break. Teammate Everth Cabrera (foot) could begin a rehab assignment on Thursday … Joe Kelly will remain in Boston’s rotation “for the time being,” according to manager John Farrell … Justin Verlander (triceps) threw long toss on Sunday, and will throw a bullpen session on Tuesday. He’s hoping to return to the mound for Detroit in June. Teammate Bruce Rondon (biceps) threw off flat ground on Sunday, and could return in late May … Matt Wieters (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day DL. He’s hoping to return in early June … Alex Rios (hand) is scheduled to take swings against pitchers this week. He could return in May.
National League Quick Hits: Marlins closer Steve Cishek continues to struggle, blowing his third save of the season on Sunday. He has an 8.18 ERA for the season … Matt Carpenter is still expected to return from extreme fatigue on Tuesday for the Cardinals … The Nats confirmed Stephen Strasburg (shoulder) will make his next start on Tuesday … Jeremy Hellickson’s rotation spot could be on shaky ground after another poor performance. Robbie Ray would likely replace Hellickson if he is ousted from the rotation … Kenley Jansen (foot) is likely to return this week after working back-to-back days on his rehab assignment over the weekend. He should regain the Dodgers closer job in short order … Cuban Raisel Iglesias will make a spot start for the Reds on Wednesday … Jaime Garcia (shoulder) was clobbered during his rehab start on Sunday, allowing five runs in 2.2 innings at Triple-A Memphis. The Cardinals have said Garcia is ahead of Marco Gonzales on the starting pitcher organizational depth chart, though Tyler Lyons has filled in well as their fifth starter through two starts … Dillon Gee (groin) had a cortisone shot, and is likely to only miss the minimum 15 days on the DL. Noah Syndergaard is replacing him in the rotation … Travis d’Arnaud (finger) will have his cast removed on Tuesday, and hopes to resume baseball activities … David Hernandez felt body soreness after throwing last week, pushing back his return from Tommy John surgery at least until late May … Braves closer Jason Grilli remains day-to-day with back spasms … Yunel Escobar left Sunday’s game with an undisclosed injury … Odrisamer Despaigne will be skipped in the rotation this week. He’s filling in for the injured Brandon Morrow … Charlie Morton (hip) will make his next rehab start for Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday. He could return in May … Jon Jay is nursing a bruised left thumb, and is considered day-to-day … Pirates GM Neil Huntington told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the team is interested in trading outfielder Jose Tabata … Former Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero is nearing a control with the Giants, according to the Toronto Sun.
Michael Pineda had the start of the season on Sunday, allowing one run on six hits in seven innings against the Orioles while fanning 16 batters. The performance improved his record to 5-0 with a 2.72 ERA. Most impressively, Pineda has a gaudy 54/3 K/BB ratio in 46 innings. With his performance to this point, fantasy owners have reason to grade him as a true ace.
Pineda broke into the Big Leagues in 2011 with Seattle as an ace before getting traded to the Yankees and missing two full seasons recovering from a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Last season he was terrific during his return, but managed to make only 13 starts due to continued shoulder trouble. There was also the subject of his velocity loss, as Pineda’s fastball was down more than two mph compared to his rookie season. He compensated for the velocity loss with nearly perfect control, walking only seven batters in 76.1 innings and posting a 8.43 K/BB ratio and 1.89 ERA in 13 starts.
This season the velocity has been down even further, yet Pineda’s control continues to progress. While averaging less than 92 mph on his fastball, Pineda is on pace to allow a Greg Maddux-like 15 walks in 233.1 innings this season. Sunday’s start was a particularly interesting performance, as Pineda’s average fastball velocity was up to 93 mph according to Pitch f/x numbers, and he threw 38 percent sliders. That’s a high percentage for the hurler, especially given his history of shoulder problems.
Pineda’s peripherals actually show he’s underperformed with a 2.72 ERA, but that’s still good enough to open the eyes of fantasy owners. The question now is whether he can keep his arm healthy. Given Pineda’s recent injury history, his owners would be well-advised to at least explore the trade market if an opposing owner is willing to treat him like a durable ace instead of a fragile one.
Editor’s Note: Play one-day fantasy baseball for cash! FanDuel is hosting a $100,000 league for Monday’s MLB games. It’s just $3 to join and first place wins $8,000. Starts tonight at 7:05pm ET. Enter now!
Salazar Remains Dominant
It’s apparent the Danny Salazar got the message after getting demoted to Triple-A to start the season. Cleveland’s young flamethrower improved to 4-1 on Sunday while allowing only one baserunner in seven innings and striking out 11 Twins. He now owns a 3.27 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in five starts.
Salazar has had issues keeping the ball in the park with one homer allowed in each of his starts, but that’s the only major blemish so far. He hasn’t walked a batter over his last three starts, showing a 13.1 K/9 and 1.4 BB/9 so far. He’s also displaying rejuvenated velocity, averaging better than 95 mph on his fastball this season.
Home run issues are nothing new for Salazar, as he allowed more than one homer per nine innings in each of his first two seasons. It’s inflated his ERA early in his career, but Salazar has been able to bypass major damage for the most part this season by severely limiting baserunners.
Before Sunday’s start, Salazar’s peripherals showed an unlucky pitcher with a .333 BABIP. Sunday’s start certainly helped his BABIP even out, and the overall control to this point certainly makes him look like the ace Cleveland hasn’t gotten out of either Corey Kluber or Carlos Carrasco this season. Given his home run issues, Salazar’s next start at hitter-friendly Arlington could be an interesting one, but he’s locked in as a must-start for fantasy owners.
Semien Simmering
Oakland shortstop Marcus Semien had a spectacular weekend, going 3-for-4 with two stolen bases on Saturday, followed by 3-for-4 with two solo home runs on Sunday. He’s now hitting .307-5-14 with six stolen bases for the season.
Acquired during the offseason from the White Sox for Jeff Samardzija, Semien was one of the stories of spring training after hitting .288-3-11 for the A’s. After beginning the season near the bottom of Oakland’s batting order, Semien has played well enough to earn a move near the top of the order. He’s batted leadoff or second in the order in 13 of his last 16 games.
Semien struggled when given regular playing time with the White Sox last season, but he was a strong performer in the minors as a career .272/.374/.465 hitter with 19 homers and 24 steals in his last full minor league season in 2013. While those numbers show his current batting average could be difficult to maintain, the power and speed that Semien has shown shouldn’t be surprising.
Eligible at three infield positions in most leagues, Semien carries even more intangible value. He trails only Hanley Ramirez among fantasy shortstops in value earned this season, and it’s only a thin margin after his recent play.
American League Quick Hits: David Price (hamstring) will have his next start pushed back to Saturday … George Springer (concussion) is increasing his activity, though it’s unclear if he will be ready to return when eligible on Wednesday … Jackie Bradley will share time in right field with Shane Victorino, with the veteran Victorino expected to come off the DL today … Mariners shortstop Chris Taylor has a bone bruise above his pinky and is considered day-to-day … Mike Moustakas is set to return from the bereavement list on Monday … Oakland closer Sean Doolittle (shoulder) needs 1-2 more batting practice sessions before beginning a rehab assignment. He could return before the end of the month … Josh Hamilton (shoulder) went 1-for-3 in his minor league rehab game at Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday. He could return near the end of the month … Yan Gomes (knee) will go through drills on Tuesday. His progress should determine when he will start a rehab assignment … T.J. House (shoulder) began long toss on Sunday. He’s been on the DL for about one week with inflammation … Jonathan Schoop (knee) could resume baseball activities next week. He’s hoping to return around the All-Star Break. Teammate Everth Cabrera (foot) could begin a rehab assignment on Thursday … Joe Kelly will remain in Boston’s rotation “for the time being,” according to manager John Farrell … Justin Verlander (triceps) threw long toss on Sunday, and will throw a bullpen session on Tuesday. He’s hoping to return to the mound for Detroit in June. Teammate Bruce Rondon (biceps) threw off flat ground on Sunday, and could return in late May … Matt Wieters (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day DL. He’s hoping to return in early June … Alex Rios (hand) is scheduled to take swings against pitchers this week. He could return in May.
National League Quick Hits: Marlins closer Steve Cishek continues to struggle, blowing his third save of the season on Sunday. He has an 8.18 ERA for the season … Matt Carpenter is still expected to return from extreme fatigue on Tuesday for the Cardinals … The Nats confirmed Stephen Strasburg (shoulder) will make his next start on Tuesday … Jeremy Hellickson’s rotation spot could be on shaky ground after another poor performance. Robbie Ray would likely replace Hellickson if he is ousted from the rotation … Kenley Jansen (foot) is likely to return this week after working back-to-back days on his rehab assignment over the weekend. He should regain the Dodgers closer job in short order … Cuban Raisel Iglesias will make a spot start for the Reds on Wednesday … Jaime Garcia (shoulder) was clobbered during his rehab start on Sunday, allowing five runs in 2.2 innings at Triple-A Memphis. The Cardinals have said Garcia is ahead of Marco Gonzales on the starting pitcher organizational depth chart, though Tyler Lyons has filled in well as their fifth starter through two starts … Dillon Gee (groin) had a cortisone shot, and is likely to only miss the minimum 15 days on the DL. Noah Syndergaard is replacing him in the rotation … Travis d’Arnaud (finger) will have his cast removed on Tuesday, and hopes to resume baseball activities … David Hernandez felt body soreness after throwing last week, pushing back his return from Tommy John surgery at least until late May … Braves closer Jason Grilli remains day-to-day with back spasms … Yunel Escobar left Sunday’s game with an undisclosed injury … Odrisamer Despaigne will be skipped in the rotation this week. He’s filling in for the injured Brandon Morrow … Charlie Morton (hip) will make his next rehab start for Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday. He could return in May … Jon Jay is nursing a bruised left thumb, and is considered day-to-day … Pirates GM Neil Huntington told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the team is interested in trading outfielder Jose Tabata … Former Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero is nearing a control with the Giants, according to the Toronto Sun.
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