Outlook Shane Drohan
Shane Drohan provides multi-inning relief for the first-place Brewers while navigating significant traffic on the bases.
Drohan is currently filling a vital role for the first-place Brewers, who lead the NL Central with a 49-29 record and a four-game win streak. He is coming off a June 24 outing where he grinded through 4.1 scoreless innings against Cincinnati, escaping multiple jams despite a high pitch count and significant traffic. Our data shows he is currently serving as a secondary long-relief option, a role made even more critical given the team's lengthy list of pitching injuries.
Under the hood, Drohan's 3.44 ERA over the last 30 days is a solid mark, though his 1.34 WHIP in that span suggests he is playing a dangerous game. This performance is slightly better than our season projection of a 4.24 ERA and 1.35 WHIP. While his career 3.25 ERA indicates he has the talent to remain effective, his tendency to allow base runners—evidenced by his 1.95 WHIP over the last seven days—makes him a regression candidate if his command doesn't sharpen.
Looking at the remainder of the week, the Brewers host the Cubs for a three-game set starting today, June 26. Since Drohan pitched on Wednesday, he will likely be available for multi-inning relief appearances rather than a traditional start. Chicago's probable starter for Friday, Colin Rea, carries a 5.14 ERA, which could lead to high-scoring games where Drohan’s volume is needed. However, given the walk risks and limited win potential in his current role, he is a risky play. Verdict: Sit.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Tatsuya Imai
Imai Emerges as an Elite Strikeout Force Following Back-to-Back Double-Digit K Outings
Tatsuya Imai is currently the hottest arm in Houston, coming off consecutive starts with 10 or more strikeouts, including six scoreless frames against the Tigers on June 25. The 40-43 Astros are currently on a three-game winning streak and rely on Imai as a mid-rotation fixture, a role that has become even more vital with Cristian Javier and Lance McCullers Jr. currently on the injured list.
Under the hood, Imai’s elite 15.75 K/9 over the last week is a significant leap from his 5.61 career ERA, though our models suggest he is capable of maintaining a much-improved ~3.85 ERA for the rest of the season. His increased aggression and a refined fastball grip have sharpened his downward action, suggesting that his recent dominance is a result of mechanical growth rather than a short-term fluke.
With his scheduled start for the week already completed in Detroit, Imai has no remaining outings through June 28. Considering he has lowered his ERA from 6.43 to 5.36 in just two starts while surrendering only one walk in his last 12 innings, he has transitioned from a high-risk streamer to a must-start asset in all formats. Verdict: Start.
Updated 1 day ago
