Welcome to the SP Roundup, my daily fantasy baseball article reviewing every starting pitcher's performance from every Saturday game. I apologize for the jokes written in my delirium in advance. Have questions? Ask me during my office hours on Twitch.tv (https://twitch.tv/pitcherlist) weekday mornings from 10 am-12 pm ET.
Michael Wacha (https://pitcherlist.com/player/michael-wacha/) (KCR) vs DET (W) – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks – 4 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 89 pitches.
In my opinion, Michael Wacha is making a strong case for himself as a reliable starting pitcher for the season. His performance against the Tigers was impressive, with 7.0 innings of no earned runs, 2 hits, 2 walks, and 6 strikeouts. Wacha's 2.63 ERA and 0.99 WHIP through eight starts and 51.1 innings are certainly encouraging. However, I'm not quite sold that his current skills are enough to break the chains of the lamented label. Wacha's 2025 season was a questionable year, and to embrace a renaissance, there must be a cauldron of change. I'm seeing an improved cutter at a tick extra velocity and higher usage against LHB in this start (27% vs. 15% usage) and a 70% strike rate on the pitch for the year. I'm also seeing fewer than 10 whiffs per game and an unsustainable 6.0 hit/9 that is sure to climb, even if he barely allowed any hard contact in this one.
One thing that immediately stands out is the improved cutter at a tick extra velocity and higher usage against LHB. This is a significant development, as it suggests that Wacha is making adjustments to his pitch selection and location. Additionally, the 70% strike rate on the cutter is a positive sign, indicating that Wacha is getting more swings and misses on the pitch.
However, I'm not convinced that Wacha's current skills are enough to break the chains of the lamented label. His 2025 season was a questionable year, and to embrace a renaissance, there must be a cauldron of change. I'm seeing an improved cutter, but I'm not sure if it's enough to sustain a successful season. We'll have to wait and see how Wacha performs in the coming weeks to determine if he can break free from the label and become a reliable starting pitcher.
Let's see how every other SP did Saturday:
Spencer Strider (https://pitcherlist.com/player/spencer-strider/) (ATL) @ LAD (W) – 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 2 BBs, 8 Ks – 15 Whiffs, 36% CSW, 91 pitches.
In my opinion, Spencer Strider is a pitcher who has been underappreciated since the middle of last season. My expectations were minimal entering this outing against the Dodgers, but Strider delivered with 15 whiffs, 6 shutout frames, and 8 strikeouts. What's fascinating is that Strider sat 96+ mph for the full outing, featuring an inch extra vert that I expected to see after last week's start in Coors.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the fact that Strider's heater isn't the destroyer of worlds it once was. His slider is an 85 mph breaker with worse movement than a gyro slider, and his curveball has terrible stuff (79 mph but with the movement of an 83 mph slider). However, the first three innings were going great, and if this is the guy I could trust we'd always get, I'd be so down.
One thing that immediately stands out is the fact that Strider's heater isn't the destroyer of worlds it once was. This is a significant development, as it suggests that Strider may need to make adjustments to his pitch selection and location to become a more effective pitcher. Additionally, the fact that he allowed some hits and walks in the fourth inning is a concern.
Cam Schlittler (https://pitcherlist.com/player/cam-schlittler/) (NYY) @ MIL (ND) – 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 0 BBs, 6 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 97 pitches.
In my opinion, Cam Schlittler is an ace who is finally acting like the SP #2 he is. Schlittler's performance against the Brewers was impressive, with 6.0 innings of no earned runs, 2 hits, 0 walks, and 6 strikeouts. Schlittler's 28% CSW and 97 pitches are certainly encouraging.
One thing that immediately stands out is Schlittler's ability to act like the SP #2 he is. This is a significant development, as it suggests that Schlittler is becoming more consistent and reliable as a starting pitcher. Additionally, the fact that he allowed only 2 hits and 0 walks is a positive sign.
Anthony Kay (https://pitcherlist.com/player/anthony-kay/) (CHW) vs SEA (W) – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 5 Ks – 7 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 88 pitches.
In my opinion, Anthony Kay is a pitcher who has been struggling to put batters away, but his performance against the Mariners was much better, with 5.0 innings of no earned runs, 3 hits, 2 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Kay's changeup to RHB and return of whiffs are certainly encouraging.
One thing that immediately stands out is Kay's ability to get whiffs on his changeup to RHB. This is a significant development, as it suggests that Kay is making adjustments to his pitch selection and location. Additionally, the fact that he allowed only 3 hits and 2 walks is a positive sign.
Aaron Civale (https://pitcherlist.com/player/aaron-civale/) (ATH) @ BAL (W) – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 6 Hits, 3 BBs, 6 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 97 pitches.
In my opinion, Aaron Civale is a pitcher who has been struggling to keep his ERA down, but his performance against the Orioles was impressive, with 5.0 innings of no earned runs, 6 hits, 3 walks, and 6 strikeouts. Civale's 2.59 ERA and 1.39 WHIP are certainly encouraging.
One thing that immediately stands out is Civale's ability to keep his ERA down despite allowing 6 hits and 3 walks. This is a significant development, as it suggests that Civale is making adjustments to his pitch selection and location. Additionally, the fact that he has 4 wins in 8 starts is a positive sign.
Jack Leiter (https://pitcherlist.com/player/jack-leiter/) (TEX) vs CHC (ND) – 4.2 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 5 BBs, 6 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 27% CSW, 97 pitches.
In my opinion, Jack Leiter is a pitcher who has been struggling to locate his pitches, but his performance against the Cubs was impressive, with 4.2 innings of no earned runs, 3 hits, 5 walks, and 6 strikeouts. Leiter's 51% strikes on his elite stuff four-seamer is certainly encouraging.
One thing that immediately stands out is Leiter's ability to locate his pitches, even with 51% strikes on his elite stuff four-seamer. This is a significant development, as it suggests that Leiter is making adjustments to his pitch selection and location. Additionally, the fact that he allowed only 3 hits and 5 walks is a positive sign.
Trey Yesavage (https://pitcherlist.com/player/trey-yesavage/) (TOR) vs LAA (ND) – 4.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 6 Ks – 15 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 87 pitches.
In my opinion, Trey Yesavage is a pitcher who is settling in to be like the arm we envisioned over the winter. Yesavage's performance against the Angels was impressive, with 4.0 innings of no earned runs, 4 hits, 2 walks, and 6 strikeouts. Yesavage's slider was much better here, with 73% strikes and a 27% SwStr rate, with all of his pitches sitting a tick up to closely match their 2026 selves.
One thing that immediately stands out is Yesavage's ability to settle in and perform like the arm we envisioned over the winter. This is a significant development, as it suggests that Yesavage is making adjustments to his pitch selection and location. Additionally, the fact that he allowed only 4 hits and 2 walks is a positive sign.
Braxton Ashcraft (https://pitcherlist.com/player/braxton-ashcraft/) (PIT) @ SFG (W) – 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 6 Hits, 0 BBs, 6 Ks – 12 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 80 pitches.
In my opinion, Braxton Ashcraft is a pitcher who is leaning heavily into the elite 92 mph slider/cutter when the big curveball was all over the place and more hittable than usual. Ashcraft's performance against the Giants was impressive, with 7.0 innings of 1 earned run, 6 hits, 0 walks, and 6 strikeouts. Ashcraft's 78% strike rate is certainly encouraging.
One thing that immediately stands out is Ashcraft's ability to lean heavily into the elite 92 mph slider/cutter when the big curveball was all over the place. This is a significant development, as it suggests that Ashcraft is making adjustments to his pitch selection and location. Additionally, the fact that he allowed only 1 earned run and 6 hits is a positive sign.
Merrill Kelly (https://pitcherlist.com/player/merrill-kelly/) (ARI) vs NYM (W) – 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 3 BBs, 6 Ks – 13 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 96 pitches.
In my opinion, Merrill Kelly is a pitcher who is having success against weaker teams, with his performance against the Mets being impressive, with 7.0 innings of 1 earned run, 3 hits, 3 walks, and 6 strikeouts. Kelly's slider and changeup were exactly what we saw last time and against a weaker team = success.
One thing that immediately stands out is Kelly's ability to have success against weaker teams. This is a significant development, as it suggests that Kelly is making adjustments to his pitch selection and location. Additionally, the fact that he allowed only 1 earned run and 3 hits is a positive sign.
Tanner Bibee (https://pitcherlist.com/player/tanner-bibee/) (CLE) vs MIN (ND) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 1 Hits, 2 BBs, 9 Ks – 20 Whiffs, 34% CSW, 98 pitches.
In my opinion, Tanner Bibee is a pitcher who is like Devens and knows how to flip a coin. Bibee's performance against the Twins was impressive, with 6.0 innings of 1 earned run, 1 hit, 2 walks, and 9 strikeouts. Bibee's ability to flip a coin and get positive results is certainly encouraging.
One thing that immediately stands out is Bibee's ability to flip a coin and get positive results. This is a significant development, as it suggests that Bibee is making adjustments to his pitch selection and location. Additionally, the fact that he allowed only 1 hit and 2 walks is a positive sign.
Joe Ryan (https://pitcherlist.com/player/joe-ryan/) (MIN) @ CLE (ND) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 Hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 26% CSW, 107 pitches.
In my opinion, Joe Ryan is a pitcher who is back over 93 mph, sitting 94 mph in the first and hitting 95.3. Ryan's performance against the Indians was impressive, with 6.0 innings of 1 earned run, 2 hits, 3 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Ryan's velocity is certainly encouraging.
One thing that immediately stands out is Ryan's ability to return to his previous velocity, sitting 94 mph in the first and hitting 95.3. This is a significant development, as it suggests that Ryan is making adjustments to his pitch selection and location. Additionally, the fact that he allowed only 1 earned run and 2 hits is a positive sign.
Chase Burns (https://pitcherlist.com/player/chase-burns/) (CIN) vs HOU (W) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 Hits, 3 BBs, 2 Ks – 9 Whiffs, 22% CSW, 87 pitches.
In my opinion, Chase Burns is a pitcher who is an ace who got frazzled by his coronation that he fanned just two batters. Burns' performance against the Astros was impressive, with 6.0 innings of 1 earned run, 4 hits, 3 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Burns' ability to get frazzled by his coronation is certainly interesting.
One thing that immediately stands out is Burns' ability to get frazzled by his coronation. This is a significant development, as it suggests that Burns may need to make adjustments to his pitch selection and location to become a more effective pitcher. Additionally, the fact that he allowed 4 hits and 3 walks is a concern.
Spencer Arrighetti (https://pitcherlist.com/player/spencer-arrighetti/) (HOU) @ CIN (L) – 5.2 IP, 1 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BBs, 5 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 28% CSW, 93 pitches.
In my opinion, Spencer Arrighetti is a pitcher who is a must add at this point, with his performance against the Reds being impressive, with 5.2 innings of 1 earned run, 5 hits, 3 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Arrighetti's four-seamer's marks are a little worse with just 13″ of vert, but a 1.8 HAVAA and intent to elevate led to 73% strikes and a 15% SwStr on the 36% thrown pitch (that's much higher than the 25% mark we're used to).
One thing that immediately stands out is Arrighetti's ability to have a solid outing despite his four-seamer's marks being a little worse. This is a significant development, as it suggests that Arrighetti is making adjustments to his pitch selection and location. Additionally, the fact that he allowed only 1 earned run and 5 hits is a positive sign.
Randy Vásquez (https://pitcherlist.com/player/randy-vasquez/) (SDP) vs STL (W) – 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 6 Hits, 0 BBs, 6 Ks – 14 Whiffs, 29% CSW, 94 pitches.
In my opinion, Randy Vásquez is a pitcher who is seeing an improved cutter at 95 mph (not 96+), but the whiffs hath returned and that's all that truly matters. Vásquez's performance against the Cardinals was impressive, with 5.0 innings of 1 earned run, 6 hits, 0 walks, and 6 strikeouts. Vásquez's ability to get whiffs is certainly encouraging.
One thing that immediately stands out is Vásquez's ability to get whiffs on his cutter. This is a significant development, as it suggests that Vásquez is making adjustments to his pitch selection and location. Additionally, the fact that he allowed only 1 earned run and 6 hits is a positive sign.
Landen Roupp (https://pitcherlist.com/player/landen-roupp/) (SFG) vs PIT (L) – 4.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 3 BBs, 8 Ks – 10 Whiffs, 31% CSW, 94 pitches.
In my opinion, Landen Roupp is a pitcher who is struggling with his sinker, but his performance against the Pirates was impressive, with 4.0 innings of 1 earned run, 3 hits, 3 walks, and 8 strikeouts. Roupp's ability to struggle with his sinker is certainly interesting.
One thing that immediately stands out is Roupp's ability to struggle with his sinker. This is a significant development, as it suggests that Roupp may need to make adjustments to his pitch selection and location to become a more effective pitcher. Additionally, the fact that he allowed 3 hits and 3 walks is a concern.
Dustin May (https://pitcherlist.com/player/dustin-may/) (STL) @ SDP (L) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 7 Ks – 15 Whiffs, 30% CSW, 97 pitches.
In my opinion, Dustin May is a pitcher who is getting the Gold Star just for having 7 strikeouts, with his performance against the Padres being impressive, with 6.0 innings of 2 earned runs, 3 hits, 2 walks, and 7 strikeouts. May's ability to get strikeouts is certainly encouraging.
One thing that immediately stands out is May's ability to get strikeouts. This is a significant development, as it suggests that May is making adjustments to his pitch selection and location. Additionally, the fact that he allowed 2 earned runs and 3 hits is a concern.
Clay
