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
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Outlook Ryan Waldschmidt
Top Prospect Ryan Waldschmidt Looks to Snap Out of Recent Slump in Favorable Matchups
The rookie outfielder has run into some early-career speed bumps, batting just .211 over his last six games. However, he remains locked in as the everyday starting center fielder for the third-place Diamondbacks (32-29), who are looking to snap a two-game slide. Waldschmidt's role is highly secure with Arizona's lineup currently dealing with the absence of Lourdes Gurriel Jr. on the injured list.
While his recent skid is a reminder of his rookie adjustment period, his broader 30-day sample size of a .280 batting average and five stolen bases is highly encouraging. Our models project him to settle in around a .265 average with eight home runs and eight steals rest of season. His current cold stretch is a temporary blip rather than a sign of major regression, making his underlying profile highly sustainable.
With the week already underway, the remaining slate features home matchups beginning with a tough test today against Justin Wrobleski (2.87 ERA, 1.01 WHIP). The schedule then turns highly favorable against Washington, highlighted by a matchup against Zack Littell, who carries a generous 5.01 ERA. Given these remaining matchups and his speed upside, he is worth keeping in lineups. Verdict: Start.
Updated 2 days ago
