Outlook Jhoan Duran
Duran remains a dominant, elite closing option for the Phillies
Duran has been dominant since returning from an early-season oblique injury, maintaining a superb 2.08 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP with 20 strikeouts over his last 13 innings. He is locked in as the primary closer for the second-place Phillies, who sit at 37-31 in the NL East and have won seven of their last ten games. With his role secure, he remains an elite source of saves and strikeouts.
His current 2.03 season ERA and 1.04 WHIP are right in line with his excellent career norms, proving that his elite velocity and nasty splitter remain fully intact. Our data projects Duran to finish the year with 30 saves and a 3.04 ERA, making his current run highly sustainable. He is a premier fantasy asset who stabilizes ratios while racking up elite strikeout totals.
After already securing two saves earlier this week against Toronto, Duran heads into a crucial weekend series on the road against the first-place Brewers. With three games remaining in Milwaukee, Duran is primed for more late-inning opportunities in what should be highly competitive matchups. He is an absolute must-start in all formats. Verdict: Start.
Updated 2 days ago
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Outlook JJ Bleday
JJ Bleday's May Breakout Solidifies His Role in Cincinnati's Outfield
JJ Bleday has emerged as the everyday starter in left field for the fifth-place Reds, who are battling injuries in their lineup, including the loss of superstar Elly De La Cruz. Though his bat has cooled over the last seven days to a .185 average, his NL Player of the Month honors in May highlight the massive power potential he currently brings to the offense.
His outstanding .270 batting average and 11 home runs on the year represent a massive step forward compared to his career .212 average and our conservative rest-of-season projection of .225. While his .568 slugging percentage is due for minor regression, his excellent plate discipline and locked-in everyday role make his breakout feel entirely legitimate.
For the remainder of the week, the Reds host a three-game weekend series against the Diamondbacks at home. Bleday faces a tough matchup Friday against Eduardo Rodriguez and his elite 2.52 ERA, but he has a fantastic bounce-back opportunity on Sunday against Zac Gallen and his inflated 5.81 ERA. Line him up as a confident starting option.
Updated 2 days ago
