Outlook Jared Jones
Jared Jones returns with elite velocity, offering high-strikeout upside despite initial rust
Jared Jones recently returned to action for the second-place Pirates (33-29) after being reinstated from the 60-day injured list on May 29. In his first start back, the 24-year-old righty experienced some expected rust, surrendering five earned runs over 4.1 innings against seven hits. However, the most encouraging sign was his health, as he was pumping his fastball up to 101 MPH and recorded six strikeouts.
While his 10.98 ERA in that single outing looks alarming, it is a classic small-sample mirage after a lengthy layoff. Our data projects him to settle in with a solid 4.05 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and an impressive 140 strikeouts over 89.0 innings rest of season. Given his elite 2024 strikeout rate of nearly a strikeout per inning, his premium velocity confirms that his high-strikeout upside remains fully intact.
Looking at the immediate schedule, Jones takes the mound today (June 4) in a road matchup against the Astros and Kai-Wei Teng (2.72 ERA). Our models project Jones for 5.0 innings and 5.3 strikeouts with a strong 2.24 ERA for the day, making him an excellent option to insert back into lineups now that he is healthy. Verdict: Start.
Updated 2 days ago
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Outlook Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani's historic hot streak makes him a mandatory fantasy start
Ohtani is in the midst of an absolute tear for the first-place Dodgers, who lead the NL West with a 40-22 record. Over his last 14 days, he is batting .413 with two home runs, cementing his active role as the top everyday designated hitter in the lineup. Despite team injuries like Teoscar Hernandez landing on the injured list, Ohtani continues to anchor the offense.
His blazing .383 average over the last 30 days easily outpaces his career norms, but our models suggest this high-level production is sustainable. While his average should settle closer to our projected .290 mark, his elite power and speed projections of 49 home runs and 30 stolen bases remain fully intact. Trust his high-end baseline over any minor regression.
Looking at the remaining matchups this week, Ohtani faces friendly pitching against Ryne Nelson and Jack Kochanowicz, who both carry ERAs of 5.00 or higher, before a tougher test against Jose Soriano (2.72 ERA). Given his current hot streak and prime lineup spot, he is an elite fantasy option. Verdict: Start.
Updated 2 days ago
