Monday’s already abbreviated slate got even shorter as it rained cats and dogs in the Big Apple, leading to a Tuesday twin bill. A few hundred miles south, it was raining homers in the City of Brotherly Love, while 3,000 miles west, one of the best hitters in the league faced off with one of the best pitchers. Let’s fill in the blanks with yesterday’s highlights with a fantasy spin.
Subway Series Delayed
The short two-game set between the Mets and Yankees in the Bronx is now a split double header featuring Zack Wheeler and Masahiro Tanaka in the opener followed by Jason Vargas and James Paxton in the nightcap.
Record-setting night in Philly
The first three batters of the game all took Jerad Eickhoff deep. Ten long balls later, the Diamondbacks and Phillies combined for the most homers ever in a single game in a 13-8 Arizona victory.
Eduardo Escobar was one of three players with a pair of big flies, bringing his seasonal total to 17. Acquired by the Snakes to fortify their infield down the stretch last season, Escobar has settled in at the hot corner this year. However, with the emergence of Christian Walker and Kevin Cron, and the impending return of Jake Lamb, Escobar could see playing time in the middle. He probably won’t gain eligibility for next season but could add flexibility for fantasy clubs over the second half of 2019.
Coming into the contest, Ildemaro Vargas had slugged just two homers in 109 trips to the dish. Three plate appearances later, the 27-year old infielder doubled his total. Vargas is essentially in a platoon with Jarrod Dyson with Ketel Marte flipping between second and center field. Vargas could lose playing time when Lamb returns, perhaps by the weekend as the cornerman is on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno.
The sole Phillies batter to blast a pair was Scott Kingery. Kingery has found a home in center field with Odubel Herrera on administrative leave and Andrew McCutchen out for the season. With all the prized prospects debuting the past couple of seasons, it’s easy to forget Kingery was one of the first, breaking camp with the Phillies last season after having signed a six-year contact. Kingery’s rookie campaign was a disappointment, but he’s reminding everyone why the Phillies wanted to buy out his arbitration years as he’s slashing .324/.360/.610 after Monday night’s heroics, albeit in a losing effort. Kingery came into the season only eligible at shortstop but has added third base and outfield, offering the lineup flexibility so useful in today’s fantasy landscape.
Trout leads Angels over Dodgers
Hyun-Jin Ryu fanned Mike Trout in two of their three matchups with Trout lining out in the other. Dylan Floro didn’t fare so well as Trout hit a game-tying, two-run home in the seventh, setting the Angels up for a game-winning rally in the following inning in a 5-3 victory. Ryu continues to dazzle, putting up numbers reminiscent of Clayton Kershaw in his salad days. With last night’s six-inning effort, Ryu surpassed last season’s total of 82 1/3 innings, tossing 86 so far this year.
Hansel Robles notched his seventh save since being inserted into the closing role in late April. His job security seems safe, but only 12 punchouts in his last 16 2/3 frames is light. He’ll need to miss more bats if he wants to enjoy continued success.
Morton salts away another win
Charlie Morton’s record improved to 8-0 after holding the Athletics scoreless over seven stanzas, fanning seven while allowing just four runners on a pair of hits and walks. Earlier in the season, Morton appeared to be a candidate for ERA regression as his expected ERA was well over a run higher than actual. He still could be due a correction, but an uptick in skills should help mitigate the damage. That is, while Morton may have been lucky early on, there’s nothing fluky about his recent performance.
Braves outslug the Pirates
The game began with a scuffle as Joe Musgrove nipped Josh Donaldson’s uniform with a first-inning fastball. Donaldson didn’t appreciate Musgrove’s reaction and the two had a staring contest with the benches clearing. Donaldson and Musgrove were both ejected, for those concerned about their early exits.
After the dust settled, both teams put on a power display featuring two blasts from Ozzie Albies and a Ronald Acuna Jr. grand-slam for the victors and a two-homer evening for Starling Marte for the Bucs.
In what could be one of his last starts before Dallas Keuchel joins the rotation, Kevin Gausman failed to make a case for keeping his spot, tossing just 2 1/3 innings despite being handed a 5-1 lead after two frames. Sean Newcomb came in and continued to impress as a reliever, fanning six over 4 2/3 to vulture a win. Jacob Webb notched his second save, further clouding the already murky closing situation for the Braves.
Monday’s Injuries
J.D. Martinez returned to Red Sox lineup, reaching base three times on two hits and a walk in Boston’s 4-3 loss to Texas in Fenway Park.
Matt Adams had to leave Monday’s contest in the sixth after hurting his oblique on a check swing. It’s likely Adams will need to miss some time, securing playing time for Brian Dozier with Howie Kendrick playing more first base.
Yoan Moncada was lifted in the seventh inning last night with back stiffness. When asked about it after the game, Moncada express optimism the injury isn’t serious. The former top prospect is in the midst of a break out campaign, slashing .295/.348/.506.
