September 11, 2024
Toronto Blue Jays starter
Bowden Francis was excellent on Wednesday as his team fell to the New York Mets 6-2. Francis pitched eight no-hit innings until giving up a home run to Fransisco Lindor in the ninth frame. He did not factor into the decision. Still, Francis' line was incredible: he pitched eight innings, gave up one hit, and walked and struck out one. The 28-year-old has been on a tear since returning to the Jays' rotation. In his past seven starts, he is (4-1) with a 1.50 ERA, a 0.44 WHIP, and a 5:46 BB: K in 48 IP. Francis seems to have at least earned a chance to compete for a rotation spot in 2025, and with that, he has increased his fantasy value and draft stock, too. Francis will look to continue his torrid stretch at his next start on Wednesday on the road against the Texas Rangers.
--Jake Kleiner - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
August 30, 2024
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
Bowden Francis continued his ridiculous run with seven more shutout innings, this time against the Boston Red Sox. Francis once again allowed just one hit while striking out five and walking none. It's been an incredible stretch for the 28-year-old, who has come out of nowhere to become a must-roster pitcher in fantasy. He now has four consecutive outings where he has allowed one run or less over seven-plus innings, and over those four starts he has allowed just six combined hits. If he is still out there in a shallow league, go get him as quickly as possible.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
August 24, 2024
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
Bowden Francis took a no-hitter into the ninth inning on Saturday during Toronto's 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels. Francis lost the no-hitter after giving up a solo HR to
Taylor Ward but was spectacular along the way, striking out 12 Angels and recording his seventh win of the season. Francis has been very strong as a starter, allowing just four ER over his last four starts since Toronto moved him into the rotation. This marks his third straight start going seven innings or deeper, including a prior start against the Angels where he only gave up one hit in seven innings. The 28-year-old now also has four straight starts with seven or more strikeouts, giving him plenty of value from a fantasy perspective. Fantasy managers looking for starting pitching help need to snag Francis off the waiver wire if available. His next scheduled start is set for Thursday when the Blue Jays finish off a four game series in Boston against the Red Sox. Boston's bats should provide a tough test for the righty, though they've been prone to strikeouts that may make Francis a solid DFS option.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
August 18, 2024
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
Bowden Francis had seemingly no issues on the mound during Sunday's outing against the Chicago Cubs. Francis struck out seven batters while allowing three hits over seven shutout innings during Sunday's win. His splitter was basically unhittable during his game as he gave up no hard hits when using it. This is now back-to-back strong outings from Francis. He'll carry 4.38 ERA into his next outing against the Los Angeles Angels. He could be an interesting streaming option against the struggling Halos offense.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: mlb.com
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