Outlook Gregory Soto
Soto searches for stability in high-leverage role amid recent ratio bumps
Gregory Soto has hit a bumpy patch recently, posting an 8.18 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP over his last five appearances spanning 3.3 innings. His struggles come as the third-place Pirates (34-32) look to snap a three-game losing streak in the competitive National League Central division. Despite the recent hiccups, Soto remains locked into his role as Pittsburgh's primary setup option, especially with fellow reliever Chris Devenski currently sidelined on the injured list.
While his recent ratio spikes are concerning, Soto's overall 2026 resume is excellent, boasting a 3.03 ERA and a stellar 0.94 WHIP across 26.7 innings. This is a massive step up from his career baselines, which include ERAs north of 5.00 in each of his last three seasons. Our models project him to settle in with a 3.98 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP over 61.0 innings, suggesting some regression is coming, but he remains a high-strikeout weapon.
The Pirates play six home games this week, starting with a tough three-game set against the Dodgers before hosting the Marlins. Soto is projected to throw 2.2 innings with 2.5 strikeouts and a potential save, making him a useful asset for fantasy managers chasing late-inning stats. If you can stomach the occasional ratio blemish, he is a viable Start in deep or holds-mandatory formats this week.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Grant Taylor
Grant Taylor's electric strikeout stuff and rising high-leverage role make him a must-start reliever.
Taylor has been virtually unhittable recently, posting a flawless 0.00 ERA, a microscopic 0.33 WHIP, and 12 strikeouts over his last seven innings of work. His dominance comes at a perfect time for the second-place White Sox (34-31), who are currently missing key bullpen pieces Jordan Hicks and Jordan Leasure to the injured list. This has thrust Taylor into a critical late-inning role, highlighted by a dominant three-strikeout save against Philadelphia on June 6.
With a stellar 2.09 ERA and 50 strikeouts across 30.1 innings this year, Taylor is drastically improving upon his 4.91 ERA from last season. Our models project a rest-of-season 3.32 ERA and 1.18 WHIP, suggesting some minor regression may be on the horizon. However, his elite 14.95 K/9 rate and newly added pitch variety suggest his breakout is entirely legitimate.
The White Sox face a demanding six-game home stretch this week, playing three games against the Braves before welcoming the Dodgers. While these matchups against lineups featuring elite arms like Chris Sale and Yoshinobu Yamamoto will limit Chicago's win opportunities, Taylor's high-leverage status should yield plenty of hold and save chances. Our weekly model projects him for 5.3 strikeouts over 3.2 innings of elite ratio relief, making him an easy choice to insert into lineups. Verdict: Start.
Updated 1 day ago
