Outlook Shane McClanahan
Shane McClanahan is dominating in his return, cementing his spot as a must-start ace for the first-place Rays.
McClanahan has been spectacular over his last 30 days, posting a stellar 1.78 ERA and 0.87 WHIP across 25.3 innings. He slots in as a crucial mid-rotation anchor for the first-place Rays, who currently sit at 36-23 in the AL East. Despite a rash of injuries to Tampa Bay's bullpen and bench, the lefty remains healthy and highly effective in his triumphant return season.
While his 8.90 K/9 this season is slightly below his career mark of 10.05 K/9, his elite 2.52 ERA and 1.04 WHIP through 11 starts prove his command is back. Our season model projects him to finish with a strong 3.42 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over 129 innings. Given his elite track record, this dominant run is sustainable.
McClanahan is scheduled for a single remaining start this week on June 6 at Miami. Our model projects him to log five innings of one-run ball with nearly five strikeouts in this highly favorable road matchup. With his current form and a weak opponent on tap, he is an elite fantasy option. Verdict: Start.
Updated 2 days ago
Latest News Shane McClanahan
Outlook Ben Brown
Ben Brown Dominates in Rotation with Elite Ratios and Home Run Avoidance
Ben Brown has been sensational for the fourth-place Cubs (32-30), posting a 1.73 ERA and 0.85 WHIP with 29 strikeouts over his last 26 innings. With starters Justin Steele and Matthew Boyd currently sidelined on the injured list, Brown has firmly established himself as the solid number two starter in the rotation. Remarkably, news highlights that he recently went 200 consecutive plate appearances without allowing a single home run.
His current 1.96 season ERA is a massive improvement over last year's 5.98 mark, though our models expect some regression with a projected 3.91 ERA and 1.21 WHIP moving forward. However, his elite strikeout rate remains a major asset, as our data projects 125 strikeouts over 53 innings. Given his vastly improved command and historical pedigree, this breakout appears largely sustainable.
Looking at the remaining schedule, Brown is lined up for a single home start on Friday, June 5, against the Giants and left-hander Robbie Ray, who carries a shaky 4.45 ERA. Our weekly projection forecasts a strong showing for Brown, calling for 6.0 innings of one-run ball with 5 strikeouts. He is pitching far too well to leave on your bench. Start.
Updated 2 days ago
