Every day, we will be taking a quick look at the best and worst fantasy baseball performers from yesterday's games. It's important to keep close tabs on what's going on around the league, especially early in the MLB season, and that's what we are here to help out with.
Here's a quick look at those who impressed on Tuesday, and those who want to pretend the day never happened.
Editor’s Note: to read about even more waiver wire options, be sure to check out our famous waiver wire pickups list which is a running list that is updated daily. Prefer using your phone? Our free waiver wire app is available for download in the Apple Store.
Yesterday's Fantasy Baseball Studs
Let's take a look at the studs first...
Mark Trumbo (BAL, 1B/OF): Trumbo crushed two homers against the bumbling Yankees squad. It looks like Trumbo FINALLY learned how to hit relatively consistently and is looking reminiscent of his Angels days. He's up to eight homers on the season, and he's making me feel awful for doubting him.
Justin Smoak (TOR, 1B): Justin Smoak smoked two long balls and represented the sole offensive threat on Tuesday. With Colabello out, Smoak looks like a sneaky matchup play given his power potential and the loaded lineup he hits in.
Francisco Lindor (CLE, SS): 3-for-4, three runs scored, three RBI, and a long ball off Justin Verlander (whom I get to make fun of a bit later). Great outing for the young shortstop as he does his best to make people forget about the slumping Carlos Correa. Lindor's fellow hitters may not represent much of a threat outside of Michael Brantley, but Lindor will be a very bright spot for the Tribe for years to come.
Jake Arrieta (CHC, SP): Seriously it's getting boring writing about this guy. He's so freaking good. 17 straight decisions have gone in his favor, and he shows no signs of slowing down. Aside from a slightly challenging first frame, Arrieta went on cruise control the rest of the night. He's Drago right now, and the rest of the league's hitters are Apollo Creed.
Mallex Smith (ATL, OF): After being featured on my cut list, Mallex has picked his game up. On Tuesday he hit a home run (barely) off Matt Harvey. He also stole a base and could stick around. Yes, it's about that time for everyone who dropped him to say:
Chris Tillman (BAL, SP): Tillman took advantage of the Yankees offense on Tuesday night, which is just about equivalent to taking candy from a baby right now. Seriously, it's not pretty in the Bronx right now. Credit where credit is due though, and Tillman hurled seven strong innings. The nine strikeouts were pretty nice too.
Aaron Nola (PHI, SP): Aaron "Big Easy" Nola was nasty on Tuesday. Seven innings, seven strikeouts, no runs allowed. He may very well be the ace of this staff, and there's really not much else to say here. Keep rolling this guy out there until he gives you a reason not to...don't hold your breath.
Yesterday's Fantasy Baseball Duds
And now for the duds! The creme de la cruddy, the wizards of whackness...they stunk on Tuesday, okay?
Matt Moore (TB, SP): Los Angeles had not scored more than three runs in seven games. You would think that Matt Moore could take advantage of that right? Wrong. The Dodgers scored the same amount of runs on Tuesday as they had in the previous six games combined. 10 runs, seven of which were charged to Moore. He gave up eight hits, walked three and only struck out two. Ouch! I hope you didn't start him.
Justin Verlander (DET, SP): Verlander, fresh off his engagement was hitting 94-96 mph on the gun, but was also still giving up hits and runs. I guess it's hard to pitch when you have Kate Upton on your mind. Those aren't the curves you need to focus on when you're pitching, Justin!! Verlander left too many hanging breaking balls in the zone and he's nowhere near the ace he once was.
Jonathon Niese (PIT, SP): No shocker here, facing the best young offense in the game right now usually won't end with you in the Stud section. Niese was awful though. He gave up nine hits and walked five in five innings of work. That's a WHIP of almost three on the game. I doubt anyone started him, but if you did "I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul." (Billy Madison reference)
Jonathan Papelbon (WAS, RP): I love to hate this guy. The long time Red Sox closer, now with the Nats, was called upon to close the door on the defending champions. It didn't go well. He gave up five hits, and three runs en route to a blown save and a loss. Bryce Harper better keep an eye out since we know one choke job can lead to a literal if you're Papelbon.
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