Outlook Javier Assad
Assad solidifies rotation spot with spectacular run of scoreless frames
Javier Assad has quickly pitched his way into a secure role for the Cubs. With rotation mates Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd sidelined on the injured list, Assad has stepped up and slots in as the number four starter in the rotation. At 28 years old, the right-hander has shown the versatility to excel both in relief and as a starter, making him an invaluable depth piece for a Chicago pitching staff currently navigating several key injuries.
Our season projections expect Assad to post a solid 3.80 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP over 64.0 innings of work, with roughly 75 strikeouts. These marks align nicely with his 3.88 career ERA from 2024. While he is more of a pitch-to-contact option rather than a high-strikeout force, his ability to suppress hard hits and limit walks makes him a stabilizing force for fantasy rotations needing depth in standard formats.
Ultimately, Assad represents a high-floor fantasy asset who can provide valuable innings and ratio support when the matchups are right. While he lacks the elite strikeout upside of a true fantasy ace, his secure starting role and solid defense behind him make him a highly reliable option to plug into active lineups, especially during favorable home matchups.
Updated 2 days ago
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Outlook Aaron Nola
Aaron Nola looks to rebound from recent ratio struggles in a favorable home matchup against the division-rival Mets.
The veteran right-hander slots in as a key starter for the second-place Phillies, who boast a 38-33 record in the competitive NL East. Nola has hit a rough patch recently, posting a ballooned 6.77 ERA and 1.65 WHIP over his last three starts spanning 13.3 innings. Despite these struggles and a brief stint on the paternity list earlier this month, his rotation slot remains completely secure as a pillar of the team's pitching staff.
While his current 6.08 ERA on the year is highly concerning, our models expect positive regression for the veteran, projecting a rest-of-season 4.15 ERA and a much-improved 1.24 WHIP across 167.0 total innings. Nola's historical pedigree suggests his current elevated BABIP-driven struggles are a fluke, and his solid 9.38 K/9 rate so far indicates that the underlying strikeout capability remains intact.
Nola is lined up for a single start this week on June 18th at home against the Mets. He will face left-hander Sean Manaea, who carries a mediocre 4.78 ERA and 1.35 WHIP. Given the favorable matchup against a division rival at home and Nola's strong bounce-back potential, fantasy managers should lock him into lineups. Verdict: Start.
Updated 2 days ago
