Pitchers:
Steven Matz – Mets – SP – Y! 53% – ESPN 57%
Although Steven Matz had an epic day at the plate in his debut, which is the Mets real struggle, he worked into the eighth, allowing just two earned. He has never had an ERA in the 3’s during his minor league seasons, and is yet another Mets pitcher that is a top prospect. He generated an 8.2% swinging strike rate in his first start, and he has had a K/9 around 8-9 in the minors. He pitches in a friendly ballpark, and in a friendly division, and the upside is high with Matz.
Ervin Santana – Twins – SP – Y! 31% – ESPN 8%
Ervin Santana is just about done serving his suspension, and ready to head to the Twins’ rotation. He has a career ERA of 4.17, but has been around the mid threes for the most part. He carries an average strikeout rate, and has a low groundball rate, which can lead to some homers. Santana has won double-digit games numerous times in his career, and will jump in the middle of a division race. It may take him sometime to get reacquainted with the big league level, but he will have some fantasy value for the rest of the season.
Ivan Nova – Yankees – SP – Y! 18% – ESPN 28%
Ivan Nova looked sharp against the Phillies in his 2015 debut, although many have looked sharp against the Phillies. Nova won 37 games for the Yankees in the 2011-2013 seasons. While he can be up and down at times, he has a healthy track record for proving plenty of quality starts. He is backed up a pretty good offense, although pitches in a tough division. Don’t expect too many strikeouts, but if you are looking for streamers, and keeping a list, add Nova.
Position Players:
David Peralta – Diamondbacks – OF – Y! 4% – ESPN 6%
If you are in need of outfield help, David Peralta is out there for in many leagues. He is hitting .270 on the season, with 60 RBI+R, and six homers. He also has four stolen bases. He has a .350 wOBA against right-handed pitching this year, and when Arizona is at full strength, he can sometimes find himself out of the lineup. He will still play his fair share of games, but will miss more than a fantasy starter should.
J.J. Hardy – Orioles – SS – Y! 30% – ESPN 28%
Shortstop is an ugly position, and if you are searching at this point in the season, J.J. Hardy is likely available. He can be a good source of power, and he hits in a very good hitting lineup. He is hitting .306 this month, which is a nice surprise, coming from injury. Hardy has hit 20+ homers five times in his career so it is doable, although missing the first two months is not a good for another 20+ season.
