Sean Newcomb Needs More Love in Fantasy
By Bill Pivetz
Sean Newcomb has been one of the many shining stars from this Braves team. He needs to be owned in more fantasy leagues.
The Atlanta Braves are in first place in the National League East with a 19-11 record. They have a 1.5 game lead over the second-place New York Mets. The team has been a surprise success story from the start. The young batters are hitting well and the performance from Ronald Acuna helps their case. However, Sean Newcomb needs more love for what he’s been doing.
In six starts so far, Newcomb has a 3.38 ERA, 1.269 WHIP, 10.9 K/9 and 3.9 BB/9 with a 2-1 record. The Braves offense is starting to catch fire too so the run support will come. He’s striking out more batters on a per-game basis while limiting his free passes and hits against.
In his most recent start, Newcomb shut down the Mets. He pitched seven shutout innings with eight strikeouts, one walk and two hits on his way to a win. Newcomb has three quality starts in his last five with another one likely on its way.
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Newcomb will make his next start on Tuesday on the road against Tampa Bay. That is a favorable matchup if I’ve ever seen one. While the Rays offense is third in batting average, .262, they are 22nd in home runs, 21st in RBIs and 15th in slugging percentage.
Newcomb is a two-start pitcher for this fantasy week. After facing the Rays, he’ll pitch on the road against the Miami Marlins on Sunday, another good start. The Marlins are 29th in average and on-base percentage and last in home runs, runs scored and slugging percentage. It’s safe to say they are not a good team.
Newcomb is in just his second season of his career. He finished with a 4.32 ERA and 4-9 record in 19 starts last year. Newcomb had a good strikeout rate but the walks were a bit too high. He seems to have made the proper adjustments as he’s posting great numbers.
Newcomb is owned in just 27.0 percent of ESPN leagues and 83 percent in CBS Sports leagues. He was owned in 68 percent of leagues but CBS league owners are quick to pick up anyone who’s performing somewhat well.
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Newcomb is striking out a lot of batters per start, averaging seven per start. With the next two teams coming up not that good, he should be getting more love from fantasy owners, at least in ESPN leagues. The Braves offense looks legit but so does Newcomb. Add him if he’s available.