Fantasy Baseball SP Roundup 4/11: Pivetta Quest 10

Welcome to the SP Roundup, my day by day fantasy baseball article reviewing each beginning pitcher’s efficiency from each Friday sport. I apologize for the jokes written in my delirium upfront. Have questions? Ask me throughout my workplace hours on Playback.tv weekday mornings from 10 am-12 pm ET.

Nick Pivetta (SDP) vs COL (W) – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 10 Ks – 19 Whiffs, 41% CSW, 88 pitches.

Is that this the 12 months Nick Pivetta lastly has a season ERA beneath 4.00? He definitely helped the trouble on Friday evening with a “Gold Goal” in San Diego as he hosted Rockie Street and sported a wonderful line of 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 10 Ks – 19 Whiffs, 41% CSW, 88 pitches (W). Blame it on the Rockies all you need, begins like these are the rationale you drafted Pivetta within the first place.

I’ll proceed to precise concern about Pivetta’s sweeper/four-seamer mixture to RHB and his relentless four-seamer + sinker assault to LHB down the center of the plate fails to instill the boldness you need from an outing like this. That four-seamer’s 51% CSW isn’t sustainable, which masked an often horrible 40% strike fee on his curveball, and as soon as once more I ask, what’s totally different?

Possibly the sinker addition makes an impression, possibly we see greater than 5 cutters in a begin. I nonetheless fear we’ll see the four-seamer get hit a lot by RHB over time with out sufficient stellar command to make the two-pitch method (fastball/breaker for both sides of the plate) repel longballs. For now, in comfortable San Diego, we maintain and hope for the perfect.

 

Let’s see how each different SP did Friday:

 

Andre Pallante (STL) vs PHI (W) – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 93 pitches.

Would you take a look at that. Andre 3K + 1 silenced the Phillies along with his cut-fastball doing every kind of labor to LHB and his slider + sinker towards RHB. That latter pair did so regardless of a close to 50% strike fee between them and I nonetheless fear about Pallante’s lack of electrical energy and velocity (not 95 anymore, we’re again to 93 mph territory), however I gotta give the person credit score. You’re performing much better than the person we noticed in March and that’s cool.

Jose Quintana (MIL) @ ARI (W) – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 Hits, 0 BBs, 2 Ks – 3 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 80 pitches.

Wow. The Brewers wanted a savior of their rotation and Quintana appeared with shining lights, holding his Gold Star, ignoring how tight his straps are as they belayed him down from the rafters. Sure, Koufax did a quantity on this one, however the changeup and sinker have been positioned effectively to RHB and this usually seemed like previous Quintana. Extra errors than typical and uncommon four-seamers + curves, however usually, that is how he does it. I’d have some concern towards the Tigers merely due to how lucky he was right here, however certain, give it a trip in a 15-teamer. Let’s be tepid in 12-teamers with the ground being awfully low.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD) vs CHC (W) – 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 1 BBs, 9 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 103 pitches.

Aces gonna ace. Yamamoto was absurd along with his splitter and four-seamer down-and-away to LHB and sure, I’ll proceed to yell at him for not elevating his heater towards RHB, however to LHB? I get it. Dotting the nook makes for a silly sport of hen that units up that beautiful splitter. I simply want I favored the curve a bit extra (55% strikes) or the cutter was a bit extra refined. There was a bigger emphasis on sinkers to RHB, although, and regardless of low horizontal break, I used to be glad to see the mix-up pitch concerned. Each little bit helps.

Tanner Bibee (CLE) vs KCR (ND) – 4.2 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 4 BBs, 4 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 96 pitches.

Hey Nick, you mentioned this man was good. What is that this. Sure, the one time I used to be truly in on Bibee, he’s did not stay as much as his promise. Now three begins in after meals poisoning, Bibee has but to search out the texture for his cutter – the one pitch that took the wheel final 12 months and steered him towards glory. Only a 50% strike fee with 3/20 whiffs ain’t it, whereas the ole dependable heater failed to search out its typical strikes, sitting simply above the zone a bit too typically. It occurs, he’ll be higher. Purchase low should you can.

David Festa (MIN) vs DET (ND) – 4.2 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 64 pitches.

Nicely scorching dang, take a look at you! I used to be out on Festa right here as he flexed poor really feel for his slider within the minors + I anticipated a low pitch rely with no excessive ceiling and whereas the latter was true, he definitely produced in his restricted time. He has the changeup to thank with almost all of them coming towards LHB and touchdown within the decrease half at 42% CSW, whereas the four-seamer and slider nonetheless lack the command I’ve been begging Festa to function since his preliminary MLB debut. I’m not as inspired as others that Festa is well worth the FAAB splash with Atlanta up subsequent and the identical issues from final 12 months carrying into 2025. Sure, Zebby appears to be like just like the extra polished pitcher presently and value your FAAB consideration.

Taj Bradley (TBR) vs ATL (W) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 7 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 93 pitches.

Okay Bradley, no matter. The splitter was horrible, curves have been meh, and his cutter command was extremely suspect, making this principally a “Please four-seamer, I need you” outing and right here we’re. He’s a HIPSTER and we simply don’t know what we’re going to get on a given evening.

Davis Martin (CHW) vs BOS (W) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 89 pitches.

Ahhhh, there’s the ceiling for Martin. The kick-change was a lot better at 7/23 whiffs and the heater was in a position to sneak by at a 71% strike fee + cutters held a magical 46% CSW with unique utilization to LHB. It’s all high-quality and I’m nonetheless not inspired to chase this with any regularity. Two first names, proper? And two final names. WHOA. DOUBLE AGENT. 

Bryce Miller (SEA) vs TEX (ND) – 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 Hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 100 pitches.

That is definitely higher, however are you pumping your fist in celebration? The four-seamer is again to its previous methods of heavy utilization + sinkers injecting as a mix-up pitch to RHB (that is good), however the breakers are nonetheless lagging behind. A minimum of the splitter has some moments towards LHB? I do know, I’m spinning the identical dang file in your grandfather’s vinyl participant, however at what level will we simply settle for he can’t spin the ball and cap his ceiling accordingly? I’m not saying we ought to, simply questioning when could be applicable.

Robbie Ray (SFG) @ NYY (W) – 4.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 Hits, 4 BBs, 7 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 98 pitches.

Many benched Ray given the lineup and horrid climate (concluded after six = Win for Ray regardless of 4 frames) and you have to be happy to see him battle by way of the situations to function so many sliders. 70% breakers to LHB is a few form of file and for a throwaway sport, a Win, low ERA, and 7 strikeouts is a beautiful return. Ignore the walks, this was bizarre.

Eduardo Rodriguez (ARI) vs MIL (L) – 6.1 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 95 pitches.

After his ridiculous strikeout affair, Erod was extra like his regular self right here towards the Brewers. Nice cutters and changeups to RHB with low sinkers and sliders to LHB + four-seamers in-between. He pitched effectively, acquired the commonly anticipated outcome, and we transfer on. If that is your jam, certain, preserve holding the fella.

Kris Bubic (KCR) @ CLE (L) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 5 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 92 pitches.

The enjoyable continues! However a 1.33 WHIP. I SAID IT CONTINUES DANGIT. The heater added an additional tick of vert at 19″ with 92 mph velocity whereas the changeup churned outs incessantly to RHB within the decrease half of the zone. It wasn’t the perfect day for fastball and breaker areas, although, with many errors on each slider and sweeper, whereas the four-seamer struggled to go upstairs per typical, however that changeup tied all of it collectively. Now the actual check comes: The Yankees. I’m inclined to play that protected, however I additionally need to trip it out. Let’s have enjoyable.

Edward Cabrera (MIA) vs WSN (ND) – 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks – 11 Whiffs, 34% CSW, 79 pitches.

He’s again! And throwing extra sliders! 22% sliders for 71% strikes is so nice to see as he pulled the fastball utilization down to twenty-eight% total – sinkers to RHB, four-seamers to LHB (principally). I want the changeup and curve chould have been a little higher at incomes strikes, however the former was exact down low and easily didn’t get as many chases as you needs – Whenever you throw 44% changeups to LHB, they see the low pitch and anticipate it to be the changeup falling out of it. Possibly somewhat totally different combine wouldn’t be such a horrible factor. ANYWAY, the blister is seemingly mounted + the slider lean towards RHB (42%!) is so welcome. He’s been unstable since, I dunno, ceaselessly, and that makes me cautious to select him up, particularly towards the Sneks subsequent, although I really feel like that is totally different. 42% sliders to RHB simply isn’t regular.

Aaron Nola (PHI) @ STL (L) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 4 BBs, 7 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 93 pitches.

4 walks from Nola?! Blame the low strike fee curveball and lack of chases on the changeup + cutter, however dang, that’s bizarre. He additionally sat 89.8 mph on the sinker (91.2 mph on the four-seamer, BUT STILL) and regardless of how a lot I need to say the command and method is robust, there’s all the time one thing making me really feel uncomfortable about Simple-A. I do know you are feeling it too.

Ronel Blanco (HOU) vs LAA (W) – 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 7 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 84 pitches.

Trout acquired to certainly one of his excessive heaters for a solo shot and he was in any other case nice with the BSB in impact. Bizarre to see curves taking on way over his slider, you already know, the pitch that guided him by way of a breakout 2024 season, however hey, it labored and I really like the excessive precision on the 19″ vert four-seamer. I nonetheless want he threw extra changeups (18% utilization to LHB, simply 6% to RHB), however who cares.

Sean Newcomb (BOS) @ CHW (L) – 4.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 20% CSW, 94 pitches.

Even towards the White Sox, Newcomb went simply 4 frames at a 2.00 WHIP. Let that sink in, identical to the present visible of the Oldcomb within the trash ocean.

Mitchell Parker (WSN) @ MIA (ND) – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 96 pitches.

A PQS isn’t the best towards the Marlins, however it was worth and worth is cool. He nonetheless must find a bit higher – four-seamers far too hittable and splitters have been both wonderful or lofted – however the slider is robust towards LHB and there’s promise if he can simply find higher. I can see this working in time as I telepathetically inform Parker to throw tougher than 92 mph. Ohhhhh, nice concept boss!

Matthew Boyd (CHC) @ LAD (L) – 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 4 Hits, 3 BBs, 7 Ks – 16 Whiffs, 32% CSW, 98 pitches.

Boyd Boyz, rejoice. A PQS with an honest WHIP and 7 strikeouts towards the Dodgers is superb, particularly on an evening the place the slider went simply 48% strikes (yeeeesh). The slowball acquired a bit an excessive amount of of the plate towards RHB however saved them decently off the fastball and a minimum of the good sliders acquired whiffs. Like a set of Supermans defining their character, we good.

Brady Singer (CIN) vs PIT (W) – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 2 Hits, 3 BBs, 3 Ks – 6 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 88 pitches.

Whenever you see a middling evening from Singer, there are two numbers to verify: Sinker known as strikes and slider whiffs. The previous was on par at 13/38, however the latter? 3/33 slider whiffs. There’s yer downside. I additionally don’t love Singer abandoning the cutter, four-seamer, and sweepers we flexed early, which I believed added an additional layer of confusion and deception to amplify the sinker and slider. Positive, 20% utilization throughout all three is related, however not the 25-30% we noticed prior and I need it again. This wasn’t so dangerous Nick. HE COULD BE SO MUCH MORE. A minimum of he hosts Seattle subsequent.

Bailey Falter (PIT) @ CIN (L) – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 3 Hits, 5 BBs, 4 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 33% CSW, 79 pitches.

Yeaaaaah, you can begin Bailey, you’re a Free man, however I certain wouldn’t. Not till he’s on the Rays. You get it. Solely then will they be capable to assist Falter harness his 20″ of vert at 7.2 toes of extension at 90 mph…

Jacob deGrom (TEX) @ SEA (ND) – 4.0 IP, 3 ER, 3 Hits, 4 BBs, 4 Ks – 16 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 87 pitches.

Jeeeez, that’s not the person we need to see, @TEA no much less! You made a typo. You’ve missed some roundups. Positive, there have been some poorly noticed sliders and four-seamers right here, however the total method was on level and even at 96.3 mph, that’s an elite heater. Nick, the slider, change, and curve held poor strike charges. Very true. Regardless of being within the neighborhood, deGrom spiked too many sliders and changeups, main to raised counts, extra walks, and hittable pitches. Blegh. It occurs to us all.

JP Sears (ATH) vs NYM (L) – 4.0 IP, 3 ER, 6 Hits, 1 BBs, 7 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 101 pitches.

Seven strikeouts is a beautiful sight, however that inefficiency? Bleeeegh. You actually shouldn’t be going ater Sears except you’re determined for strikeouts. He throws far too many errors and lacks the precision of a dependable starter. Sidenote: We noticed 54 pitches of Spence in reduction, sporting 92 mph cutters at 50% strikes and 1/11 whiff sliders. Even when he have been beginning as an alternative of Ginn, he’s not prepared.

Griffin Canning (NYM) @ ATH (W) – 5.1 IP, 4 ER, 7 Hits, 3 BBs, 3 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 86 pitches.

Sliders and changeups with 33% fastballs. That’s what he does. We hope for the perfect and lots of video games seem like this one. There isn’t something new from final 12 months to latch onto.

Reese Olson (DET) @ MIN (ND) – 4.1 IP, 4 ER, 6 Hits, 3 BBs, 3 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 23% CSW, 90 pitches.

Bleeeegh. A disappointing one right here for Olson with a terrific matchup towards the Twins. His changeup let him down as his most thrown pitch however simply 46% strikes (LHB didn’t chew) and his fastballs weren’t efficient per typical. The slider did what it may and had its share of errors as effectively and that is the standard flooring for Olson. He will get the Brewers subsequent and I’d nonetheless proceed onward – the slider/change combo is healthier than this.

Bryce Elder (ATL) @ TBR (L) – 6.0 IP, 5 ER, 9 Hits, 0 BBs, 4 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 25% CSW, 92 pitches.

Sounds about proper. Elder is aptly named as his time has include Strider returning to the rotation this week. I’ll keep in mind you…DA DA DA DA DA DA. Will you keep in mind me? Who may overlook your Vargas Rule within the first half of final season? That was in 2023. Positive, no matter.

Germán Márquez (COL) @ SDP (L) – 4.2 IP, 5 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks – 8 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 72 pitches.

I miss the instances when Márquez had the filthiest slider and curve on this aspect of the Baltic Sea. Going which means? Sure. However tha—A minimum of he has fascinating two-plane motion on each fastballs, however you already know, this ain’t value all these phrases.

Marcus Stroman (NYY) vs SFG (L) – 0.2 IP, 5 ER, 4 Hits, 3 BBs, 1 Ks – 5 Whiffs, 24% CSW, 46 pitches.

Boy did he look horrible. Nearly as if he was harm and making an attempt to energy by way of it. Suitman whispers in my ear Oh, a knee damage? On the IL? And Allan Winans is named up? Jeez Yankees, how brutal can this get?

Jack Kochanowicz (LAA) @ HOU (L) – 4.2 IP, 6 ER, 6 Hits, 3 BBs, 1 Ks – 3 Whiffs, 20% CSW, 86 pitches.

The dream is lifeless. He went again to being The Jack of One Commerce with slightly below 70% sinkers and oddly sufficient, the four-seamer was hit the toughest among the many lot. The uncommon slider and sweeper have been terribly noticed as effectively and yeah, not a terrific day for Jack. How do you spell his final title? With one Okay, after all. HAISTBMBWT?!

 

Sport of the Day

 

AJ Smith-Shaver vs. Drew Rasmussen – Can AJSS showcase good command? Do the Rays let Rasmussen go six frames?

However Nick?! The place are the streaming picks? – I’ve moved them to the day by day SP Matchups & Streamer Rankings article.

Have Questions? – Join my morning Playback.tv livestream! I reply all questions there at no cost: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm ET Monday by way of Friday.

Featured picture by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)