Outlook Joey Cantillo
Joey Cantillo is locked in as a high-strikeout rotation staple for the first-place Guardians
Cantillo has been exceptional over the last month, posting a 1.55 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP across his last five starts. He enters this week coming off a dominant stretch where he struck out 16 batters in just 10 innings, helping anchor a rotation for a Cleveland squad that currently leads the AL Central with a 51-46 record and a four-game winning streak. He has firmly solidified his role as the number two starter in the rotation.
While his 1.55 ERA over the last 30 days suggests elite status, our data indicates some regression toward his 3.82 season ERA is likely given a 1.43 season WHIP that remains a bit elevated. However, his strikeout upside is legitimate, and his current form significantly outpaces his career baselines. With increased velocity on his secondary offerings reported earlier this year, he has the tools to remain a reliable fantasy asset rather than a volatile streamer.
Cantillo is scheduled for a single start this Saturday at home against the Pirates. He is projected to face Braxton Ashcraft, who carries a solid 3.57 ERA, but Cantillo’s own weekly projection of a 1.75 ERA and nearly a strikeout per inning makes him a highly attractive play. Facing a Pittsburgh offense that can be prone to the strikeout, Cantillo is a strong option to help maintain ratios while providing elite punchout potential. Start.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Patrick Sandoval
Patrick Sandoval returns to the mound to boost a surging, injury-depleted Red Sox rotation
Sandoval recently made his long-awaited Red Sox debut after a lengthy rehab process, tossing 4.1 innings with five strikeouts and a 2.20 ERA. He joins a third-place Boston squad that is currently riding a nine-game win streak but remains thin on arms with primary starters like Tanner Houck and Garrett Crochet on the 60-day injured list. Currently slotted as the number four starter in the rotation, his health and stability are paramount for a team sitting at 46-48.
While his initial outing featured an impressive 10.98 K/9, our models expect some regression toward his career averages, projecting a 4.44 ERA and 1.45 WHIP for the rest of the season. His history of elevated walk rates and a career-high 5.37 ERA in 2024 suggest that the high WHIP seen in his debut may be a lingering concern. Fantasy managers should monitor his control closely, as he will need to maintain a better strikeout-to-walk ratio to remain a reliable mid-rotation asset.
The left-hander is scheduled for a home start this Saturday, July 18th, against the first-place Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays bring a formidable 56-38 record to town, making this a difficult test for Sandoval as he continues to build up his pitch count. Despite the challenging opponent, his ability to miss bats and the Red Sox's current momentum make him a viable starting option in most formats for those needing strikeout upside. Start.
Updated 1 day ago
