When some pitchers do well, it’s easy to overlook their performances. However, with Roki Sasaki, it’s always difficult to ignore him. In his recent starts, he has consistently shown flashes of brilliance, leaving fantasy owners wondering if this is finally the season where he breaks through and becomes a reliable asset.
Two starts ago, Sasaki pitched on extra rest, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. He dominated the Yankees with his increased velocity, striking out 10 batters and giving up no runs. His next start saw him limit the Mets to just one run over seven innings, striking out nine batters in the process. While this wasn’t his best start since joining the Dodgers, it was certainly a promising one.
One of the key factors in Sasaki’s recent success has been his ability to dial up the velocity on his fastball. In his previous outing, he averaged a career-high 100.1 mph, which is a testament to his raw talent. However, it’s not just the velocity that’s made his fastball effective – it’s also the shape and movement he’s able to generate with it. His splitter, in particular, has been a game-changer, generating 13 of his 21 swinging strikes in his recent start.
The extra velocity on his fastball has also helped Sasaki’s splitter play up, allowing him to generate even more separation between the two pitches. His slider, too, has been a reliable option, generating four swinging strikes in his recent start. Overall, this was one of the best we’ve seen Sasaki’s arsenal look, and it’s left many wondering if this is the turning point we’ve been waiting for.
Despite the encouraging signs, it’s still difficult to rely on Sasaki consistently. His season has been marred by inconsistency, with flashes of brilliance followed by disappointing starts. However, with his talent and potential, it’s hard not to chase him. In leagues where you can stash players for upside reasons, Sasaki is certainly worth considering. Whether this is the breakthrough season we’ve been waiting for remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – Sasaki has plenty of potential.
Looking ahead to Week 19, there are several other players worth considering on the waiver wire. Francisco Alvarez, the Mets’ catcher, is one of the top targets, with a .298/.400/.489 batting line and eight homers in 33 games since returning from the IL. He’s a rare catch with top-12 upside and is currently available in 50% of CBS Fantasy leagues.
Another catcher worth considering is Joe Mack, who has been on a hot streak with the Marlins. With five homers in 50 plate appearances in July, including three in his past five games, Mack is a viable streamer in one-catcher leagues. His skill set is still limited, but he’s been hitting for power without sacrificing batting average and contact.
On the infield, Ty France, the Padres’ first baseman, is another player worth considering. With an .894 OPS on the season, France has been very good for long enough this season to make him a viable asset. His underlying numbers don’t quite back up his surface-level numbers, but he’s been getting better, putting up a .377 xwOBA over his past trips to the plate.
At second base, Gleyber Torres, the Tigers’ infielder, is a pretty boring option in traditional 5×5 Roto leagues. However, in points or OBP format, he’s a different story, thanks to his sky-high walk rate and solid contact skills. He’s also a deep league option, with Hao-Yu Lee, the Tigers’ infielder, being another player worth considering.
Finally, at third base, Royce Lewis, the Twins’ infielder, is a player worth considering. With four stolen bases in his past four games, Lewis is up to a perfect 10 for 10 on stolen base opportunities on the season, putting him just two steals short of his career high. His overall line since returning from Triple-A is merely decent, but it comes with a 28-homer, 28-steal pace in 41 games, making him a Fantasy-friendly asset.
