THE NEXT STAR?

Carlos Rodon has been pitching out of the bullpen. That will change for his next outing. Rodon will start this Saturday for the White Sox against the Reds, but it is not clear if he will get another start after that. The Sox are down two starters because of suspension – Chris Sale and Jeff Samardzija – so they need a fill in this week, but again, Rodon may only make one start and then head back to the bullpen. It’s early, but Rodon has allowed nine hits and four walks through 6.1 innings. That’s not exactly a sign that he’s locked in right now. Rodon is an elite talent, and it’s quite possible that he will become a dominating second starter behind Chris Sale moving forward since he’s got that dynamic left arm. You can add in mixed leagues if Carlos is available, but don’t drop a player who is locked in to a starting spot to do it sin this start might be a one-off for Rodon.

HITTERS OF NOTE

Bryce Harper hit three ding dongs and drove in five runs for the Nats Tuesday. Admit it, you gave up on Harper. I know you did. It’s liberating, just be honest. You thought he was never going to live up to expectations, that his time had passes. Never mind that he’s just 22 years old and still in possession of massive levels of talent. He’s now hitting .265 with a .416 OBP and .561 SLG. He’s also on pace for 45 homers, 110 RBIs and 115 runs scored. This from Aceball Stats on Twitter. Through their first 386 games...

#Nationals Bryce Harper
63 HR & 181 BB - .271/.356/.472

#Pirates Barry Bonds
63 HR & 175 BB - .260/.342/.478

Jose Iglesias is back out there for the Tigers after missing some time with a groin issue. He’s still hitting .354, but only once in 15 games has he had more than one hit. Still sporting that crazy high .386 BABIP too.

Leonys Martin (wrist) is out of the lineup again. X-rays were negative and it sounds like he will avoid the DL, but he was wearing a brace today as Delino DeShields Jr. got the start.

J.D. Martinez dropped to 6th in the Tigers’ order Wednesday (Yoenis Cespedes is up to 5th). Not a shock at all given his work, but not what was expected after all previous 26 outings this season had JDM hitting 4th or 5th. JDM has six homers, 15 RBIs and 15 runs through 26 games, and that’s strong work. Alas, he’s batting .213, has an obnoxious 33.3 percent K-rate, and has a pathetic .259 OBP. Those that expected a repeat of last year’s levels were always going to be disappointed. Even I didn’t expect his average and OBP to be this bad though. Let’s give him some time before outright panicking, but I did warn in his Player Profile.

Steve Pearce qualifies at first base and the outfield, and he’s also appeared in three games at second base this season for the Orioles. Unfortunately he, predictably, left his bat in 2014. Through 60 at-bats this season that’s one ugly slash line (.183/.265/.300). Remember, he’s never had a season of 340 at-bats before and last year was the first time he ever looked like a major league hitter.

Hanley Ramirez (shoulder) will take some swings on Thursday. There’s no timetable for his return, but the Sox continue to think he will be able to avoid being placed on the DL even if he sits out the rest of the week.

BABIP

Chase Utley (.082), Mark Teixeira (.121) and Stephen Drew (.155) have a combined BABIP of .358. Dee Gordon entered play leading baseball at .474. There are 10 guys with a mark over .400. It’s rare anyone hits .400 over the course of a season.