Outlook Nolan Arenado
Nolan Arenado returns from groin scare to anchor Diamondbacks lineup
Nolan Arenado remains the everyday third baseman for the third-place Diamondbacks, who currently hold a 32-29 record in the NL West. After a brief lineup scratch due to groin tightness, he returned to hit a crucial go-ahead home run on June 1st. While his 14-day batting average sits at a cold .200, his physical health has stabilized and his starting role remains completely secure.
Under the hood, Arenado's recent slump (.188 average over the last week) contrasts with an excellent .389 on-base percentage over the past month. Our models project a .251 average and 12 home runs for the rest of the season. Given his career baseline and strong plate discipline, expect his batting average to rise toward his career norms soon.
Arizona's remaining four games this week include a tough matchup today against Justin Wrobleski (2.87 ERA) before a favorable series against Washington, featuring a matchup with Zack Littell (5.01 ERA). With his groin injury behind him and favorable pitching on the horizon, he is an easy recommendation. Verdict: Start.
Updated 1 day ago
Latest News Nolan Arenado
Outlook Daniel Palencia
"La Gasolina" is firing on all cylinders as the Cubs' locked-in primary closer.
Daniel Palencia has reclaimed his role as the Cubs' primary closer after returning from an oblique injury. Over the last seven days, he has secured three saves and a win over three scoreless frames with a 0.67 WHIP. His resurgence is a massive boost for a fourth-place Chicago squad (32-30) looking to snap a three-game losing streak with key relievers Porter Hodge and Hunter Harvey on the injured list.
This hot stretch is no fluke, aligning with his 22-save breakout last year. While his 1.36 WHIP on the season shows occasional control issues, his 2.16 ERA and 0.75 WHIP over the past two weeks prove he is dialing in his triple-digit fastball. Our models expect a strong rest of the season, projecting him for 28 saves and a solid 3.82 ERA.
For the remainder of the week, the Cubs face Oakland today before hosting San Francisco for three games. The Giants' projected starters Robbie Ray and Landen Roupp hold ERAs above 4.20, giving Chicago ample opportunity to create late-game save situations. Lock him into your lineups as a high-upside closer. Verdict: Start.
Updated 1 day ago
