Outlook Peter Lambert
Lambert's Strong Recent Run Clouded by Hand Injury
Lambert has pitched well lately, posting a sharp 2.41 ERA with 10 strikeouts over his last 11.2 innings of work. However, the fourth-place Astros are monitoring his status closely as he is currently questionable with a right hand injury. Despite the injury, he remains a key back-end starter in Houston's injury-depleted rotation.
This recent hot stretch is a welcome sight, but our models expect some regression toward his career norms. While his current 3.52 season ERA is solid, his underlying metrics suggest he will settle closer to our projected 4.00 ERA and 1.30 WHIP, making him more of a streamable matchup option than a set-it-and-forget-it asset.
Lambert is tentatively scheduled to start Wednesday at home against Detroit. It is a tough remaining matchup against Casey Mize, who has a stellar 2.27 ERA and 0.97 WHIP, and Lambert's hand issue adds too much risk to trust him. Given the injury uncertainty and a difficult opponent, our weekly verdict is to sit him.
Updated 2 days ago
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Outlook Braxton Ashcraft
Braxton Ashcraft looks to rebound from a brief rough patch with a highly favorable matchup in Oakland.
Braxton Ashcraft has hit a slight speed bump, posting a 7.20 ERA over his last two starts, though he still boasts a strong 3.37 ERA on the year. He remains locked in as the number three starter for the fourth-place Pirates, who currently sit at an even 36-36 record. Despite this brief stumble, the young righty is fully healthy and remains a high-upside rotation piece.
While his last 10 innings have been rocky, Ashcraft's 34 strikeouts over his last 29.1 frames highlight his elite swing-and-miss stuff. Our models project a 3.89 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP rest-of-season, suggesting his overall success is highly sustainable. Do not panic over a brief rough patch; his season-long 1.12 WHIP indicates the skill set is very real.
Ashcraft is slated for one road start this week on Wednesday against the Athletics, squaring off against Aaron Civale. The Athletics present a highly favorable matchup, especially with Civale sporting a mediocre 4.20 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. Lock Ashcraft in as a confident weekly start in all formats.
Updated 2 days ago
