Outlook Hagen Smith
Hagen Smith continues dominant run out of the bullpen with spot start upside
Smith has been virtually unhittable, delivering 6.1 scoreless frames with nine strikeouts over his last 14 days. The rookie southpaw boasts a 0.71 ERA and 20 punchouts across his last 12.2 innings, providing dominant multi-inning relief for a first-place White Sox club (75-70) fighting to protect their division lead.
While our season models projected a modest 4.85 ERA with walk concerns, Smith's 14.18 K/9 through his first 10 major league appearances highlights elite swing-and-miss stuff. His command has visibly sharpened after early walk trouble, rendering this shutdown late-season stretch sustainable in high-leverage and multi-inning scenarios.
Looking at the remainder of the week, Smith is tabbed for a start today against Pittsburgh opposite Jared Jones before Chicago heads to St. Louis. With strong strikeout projections and unmatched bat-missing ability, he is a premier target for managers chasing strikeouts and ratios down the stretch. Stream.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Riley O'Brien
Riley O'Brien remains locked in as Cardinals closer despite recent ratio turbulence
O'Brien has collected 36 saves as St. Louis' primary closer, though his recent ratios have encountered turbulence. Over his last 14 days, he has logged a 4.39 ERA and 1.95 WHIP across 4.1 innings, reflecting a difficult 30-day stretch where base runners have mounted. Even with the fourth-place Cardinals sitting at 72-75 on a three-game losing streak, his ninth-inning grip remains secure.
The recent ratio inflation appears more like a temporary blip than a permanent decline. Our season projection anticipated 25 saves with a 3.71 ERA, and O'Brien has easily surpassed that save threshold while fanning 57 batters in 55.2 innings. While his 2.02 WHIP over the past month highlights a need to curb free passes, his high-leverage closer role is not in jeopardy.
Looking at the remainder of the week following an off day, the Cardinals return home to host a three-game weekend set against the Chicago White Sox. Our projection forecasts O'Brien for 1.4 saves over the matchup period, offering elite category juice if St. Louis can create late leads. Keep the All-Star closer active across all competitive formats. Start.
Updated 1 day ago
