Affectionately nicknamed Cookie, Carlos Carrasco turned in a tremendous outing in Miller Park striking out 14 Brewers en route to his American League leading fifth win. He also threw his league leading second complete game. Tossing 117 pitches, Carrasco generated 23 swinging strikes and 22 called strikes of his 117 pitches. More importantly for fantasy owners, Carrasco went back to his fastball which he used only 38 percent of the time this season entering the start compared to 38 four-seam and 24 two-seam heaters for 52.9 percent of his pitches on Wednesday. Carrasco entered this outing only lasting 8.1 innings combined in his previous two starts, having allowed 10 earned runs and three home runs. It’s a funny game, trust your studs.

Speaking of which, many grew impatient with Francisco Lindor ’s cold April but if they sold low, will be missing out on his hot May. Warming up with the weather, Lindor launched his 10th home run in Milwaukee and sixth this month. As the defending player of the week, since May first, he’s 18-for-44 (.409) with 11 runs and 11 RBI raising his average from .245 to .292 in the process. Teammate José Ramírez did not go yard, but did show more signs of life with a double in four at-bats along with stealing two bases pushing his total to five this year.

 

That Just Happened

Nomar Mazara stayed hot as well. He’s swinging the power bat of late and hit two home runs, one for the walk-off win, in the Rangers win on Wednesday. Mazara’s hit seven dingers in May and he’s 11 for his last 34 (.323) with eight runs, two doubles and 12 RBI pushing his slugging percentage to an even 1.000 this month.

After serving up runs in two of his last three appearances, Keone Kela garnered the win working two innings giving up only a hit with three strikeouts. There’s some volatility in Kela’s arm, but with health, some upside as well.

With full knowledge of the White Sox rebuild, it’s encouraging to see Reynaldo López turn in a career high 7.1 innings. He limited the Pirates to three hits, two earned runs (both on solo home runs), two walks and struck out six. He lowered his ERA to 2.44 on the season and like many young arms, provides upside with the chance to implode in any given outing.

Congratulations to Kris Bryant on his 100th career home run. He’s the first player to reach 100 homers in less than 500 games (487) all in a Cubs uniform. It’s also the fourth dinger for Bryant over the last seven games which should encourage his owners.

Have a day Anthony Rizzo , who’s emerged above the famed Mendoza Line, racking up three hits and five RBI. Rizzo doubled twice and hit his fifth home run. Lead-off hitter Albert Almora Jr. also recorded three hits and scored three runs in the Cubs rout of the Marlins.

Gerrit Cole only struck out nine during his fourth win in Oakland. Cole worked six innings giving up four hits, one earned run and three walks raising his ERA to 1.43 this season. Yulieski Gurriel extended his personal hit streak to 11 games and drove in two runs. José Abreu stole his second base of the year and first in 34 games. It’s the longest streak between steals of his career. Last, Derek Fisher homered for the second straight day in his attempt to hold off Kyle Tucker.

The Angels moved Ian Kinsler from hitting first for Zack Cozart who responded with two hits and a home run in Colorado. Justin Upton also hit a home run, his third in the last four contests.

 

Night Moves

Milwaukee activated Corey Knebel off of the disabled list ahead of schedule. He allowed a home run to Lindor in an inning of work with no strikeouts. Many forget Knebel was struggling prior to his unfortunate injury. He could be eased back into the role with both Jeremy Jeffress and Josh Hader surging out of the bullpen.

Adam Duvall hit the walk-off home run for the Reds as a pinch hitter, but he’s hitting .176 this year without the same power. For a team in a rebuild, could his time in Cincinnati be at risk? It appears Matt Harvey will make his debut in a start against the Dodgers this weekend.

Should Eloy Jimenez owners be excited? It remains to be seen, but his last 10 games in Double-A have yielded a .455 average (20-for-44) with 10 runs, four home runs and 12 RBI. Plus, this tweet:

 

 

With the Angels bullpen in flux, they could activate Keynan Middleton as soon as Thursday night when they return home to play the Twins. Also, their opponent could have Byron Buxton back, but nothing official in regards to either at this time.

It’s early in the process, but the Rangers will explore trading Adrián Béltre as the deadline approaches according to their beat writer, Evan Grant.

 

Burning Questions

Who wins the American League East tilt between the Yankees and Red Sox? Can Maikel Franco stay hot? Why should we pay attention to Nick Markakis ? Will the Blue Jays ever score again?

Be sure to check back in with Fantasy Alarm in the morning for the Round Up for the answer to these questions along with the night game results to stay ahead of your competition.

 

Statistical Credits:

MLB.com

Fangraphs.com

BaseballSavant.com