HOT

Jeff Locke

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jeff Locke is finding his groove.

It’s not easy to stand out on the Pirates pitching staff as Pittsburgh owns the second-best team ERA in Major League Baseball. However, during his last five starts, Locke has been the best weapon on the mound for the Pirates.

He has a team-leading ERA of 1.55 during that time and is 2-1. His ERA ranks him fifth-best during that time period among starting pitchers in MLB. That mark is during 29 innings and he has 21 strikeouts during that period to go along with a 1.14 WHIP.

His recent prowess is in stark contrast to his earlier performance this season. His recent streak of quality starts has lowered his season ERA to 4.15.

He’s barely owned in fantasy baseball leagues, likely due to his low strikeout numbers. Even with his stronger ERA, his strikeout numbers during the last five games still ranks 94th in MLB.

Regardless of his low strikeout numbers, he could provide a stronger option in starting pitching for fantasy baseball owners in the ERA, WHIP and wins categories.

NOT

Gregory Polanco

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco is owned in the majority of fantasy baseball leagues. His youth may be his strongest attribute for fantasy baseball owners. However, he’s batting below .150 in the last 26 games and hasn’t been producing in other categories.

This is only Polanco’s second year in Major League Baseball, but his production has gone down in the last month. Overall this season, stolen bases have been his best asset with 17. However, in the last 26 games, he’s been caught stealing twice and has one successful stolen base.

It is difficult to steal bases when not able to reach base, as Polanco’s on-base percentage is .232 during the last month. He also has a combined eight runs and RBIs during that time period, ranking him 103rd in runs and 91st in RBIs among outfielders.

Polanco’s age helps his value in fantasy baseball, especially in keeper leagues. However, his trade value is non-existent at this point for fantasy baseball owners and if he continues this downward slide, he may have to be dumped to the waiver wire.

 

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