Outlook Griffin Jax
Griffin Jax's move to the rotation brings strikeout upside but ongoing ratio risks for the first-place Rays.
Playing for the first-place Rays (37-25), Jax has transitioned into a starting role but has struggled with a 4.91 ERA and 1.45 WHIP over his last 14 days. With key bullpen options like Craig Kimbrel on the injured list, Tampa Bay has relied on Jax to eat frames, though his consistency has wavered.
While his current 4.23 ERA and 1.49 WHIP are problematic, our models project him to settle into a much stronger 3.36 ERA and 1.10 WHIP over 67.0 innings. His elite strikeout stuff—highlighted by our projection of 140 strikeouts—makes him an intriguing stash, but his heavy traffic limits his current appeal.
Jax is scheduled for just one turn this week, a Saturday road matchup against the Angels and Jose Soriano (2.96 ERA). Given his shaky recent ratios and limited single-start volume, fantasy managers should park him on the bench. Verdict: Sit.
Updated 10 hrs ago
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Outlook Andrew Painter
Rookie Andrew Painter battles severe command issues, making him a risky fantasy option this week.
Andrew Painter has hit a rough patch, struggling over his last two starts to the tune of a 12.33 ERA and 2.47 WHIP over 7.3 innings. He remains locked in as the number three starter in the rotation for the second-place Phillies, who currently hold a 35-30 record. News reports highlight that opponents have been squaring up his fastball, leading to hard contact during his recent outings.
These recent struggles are disappointing, but his overall season projection of a 4.62 ERA and 1.39 WHIP over 111.0 innings suggests some positive regression is on the horizon. The 23-year-old rookie has flashed immense upside with 47 strikeouts in 55.9 career innings, but his high-flying potential is currently being grounded by poor command. Fantasy managers should expect continued volatility as he adjusts to major-league hitters.
Looking ahead, Painter is lined up for a single start on the road against the first-place Brewers. It is a highly demanding matchup as he goes head-to-head with Milwaukee's Jacob Misiorowski, who holds a stellar 1.50 ERA and 0.81 WHIP. Given the brutal matchup and his current icy form, the smart move is to Sit him.
Updated 10 hrs ago
