MLB DFS: Simmering Sluggers- Week of 7/22-7/28

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 12: Christian Walker #53 of the Arizona Diamondbacks hits a line drive foul during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Chase Field on May 12, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 12: Christian Walker #53 of the Arizona Diamondbacks hits a line drive foul during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Chase Field on May 12, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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MLB DFS: Simmering Sluggers- Week of 7/22-7/28: C, 1B

CATCHER:

James McCann, CWS

Batting Line from 7/11-7/21: .125 average (4-for-32), two home runs, two RBI, two walks, two runs

  • Line-Drive Rate from 7/11-7/21: 23.5 percent
  • Hard-Contact Rate from 7/11-7/21: 58.8 percent
  • BABIP from 7/11-7/21: .133
  • Plate Appearances from 7/11-7/21: 34

Quick analysis: McCann’s HC rate has been off the charts thus far in the second half, and although he has a pair of homers to show for it over that span, his overall metrics indicate much more consistent success should be coming.

McCann’s BABIP over that sample is particularly low and seemingly unsustainable for much longer.

Additionally, he’s got some solid matchups this coming week in the form of the Marlins’ Trevor Richards and Zac Gallen, as well as the Twins’ Michael Pineda. Then, the arm with the best stuff he’ll face this coming week, Jose Berrios, is one McCann owns a .400 career average against.

FIRST BASE

Christian Walker, ARI

Batting Line from 7/11-7/21: .185 average (5-for-27), two home runs, five RBI, eight walks, one hit by pitch, one stolen base, six runs

  • Line-Drive Rate from 7/11-7/21: 21.1 percent
  • Hard-Contact Rate from 7/11-7/21: 52.6 percent
  • BABIP from 7/11-7/21: .176
  • Plate Appearances from 7/11-7/21: 37

Quick analysis: Walker is another player who’s been absolutely belting the ball since play resumed in the second half and hasn’t had a commensurate return. The sub-.200 BABIP mostly tells the tale here, and even though, like McCann, Walker has a pair of homers on the ledger, his solid LD rate should have led to more hits falling.

The week ahead includes a matchup against Orioles home-run prone right-hander Dylan Bundy, as well as the struggling Trevor Richards of the Marlins.