Amidst Christian Yelich ’s white hot home run stretch and the hot button topic of the National League Cy Young race, Trevor Story continues to produce for the Rockies. He launched two more home runs on Sunday, setting a career high of 28 in the process, driving in five runs and moving Colorado into first place by a half-game. After a hot rookie season, like many strikeout prone hitters, Story disappointed in his second season follow-up. However, this year, he’s slashing .295/.351/.550 through 136 games with 92 RBI and 23 stolen bases to accompany his home run total. Plus, Story’s cut his strikeout percentage by almost nine percent, reduced his swinging strike rate by almost three while improving his contact percentage by seven percent. There’s still going to be some streakiness due to his swing, but with his adjustments in approach along with Story’s power metrics remaining stable, he’s going to be much more expensive to own in 2019 for fantasy purposes.

That Just Happened

Speaking of the Cy Young race in the senior circuit, Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer each fired quality starts in no-decisions on Sunday. deGrom extended his streak of three runs or fewer allowed to 25 straight games yielding only one earned run in six innings on two hits and a walk with six strikeouts. He lowered his league leading ERA to 1.68 and drove in the only run scored by the Mets prior to the ninth inning. As for Scherzer, he racked up 11 strikeouts in seven innings but allowed three runs on four hits and a walk. He leads the National League in strikeouts (260) and in any other year would lead the race for the award, but deGrom’s going to be tough to beat.

Both Bud Norris and Shane Greene suffered their fifth blown save resulting in a loss for their respective team. For Norris, it’s under the microscope with his team fighting for a spot in the playoffs. He’s ceded five runs over his last two outings and three home runs in them. Prior to this, Norris had converted six straight saves in scoreless outings. He’s definitely on watch right now and Jordan Hicks could get the next save opportunity when provided. As for Greene, with not much competition in the bullpen, he should remain in the ninth inning but has back-to-back implosions giving up five runs and on Monday, did not record an out allowing three runs on two home runs.

Fueling the Nationals comeback win, Bryce Harper hit a two-run home run, his 31st, to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth. Over his last 20 games, Harper’s hitting .300 with 13 runs, six doubles, three home runs, 16 RBI and walked 10 times. Trea Turner added his 17th home run and hit safely in 11 of his last 13 (eight runs, two doubles, two home runs, five RBI, five walks, three stolen bases).

Middle infielders spurred the offense in Atlanta on Sunday. Ian Kinsler went 2-for-5 with a double and three RBI. During his last six games, he’s hitting .407 with seven runs, three doubles, a home run and six RBI. Ozzie Albies hit his first home run since August 12th, and first as a left-handed batter since July 11th, a span of 99 at-bats. After going through an adjustment period, his owners hope a strong finish in September could be in the offing.

Trevor Williams stayed hot throwing 6.2 shutout innings giving up only five hits and a walk with four strikeouts. He’s only allowed four runs over his last nine starts (54.2 innings) resulting in a 0.66 ERA and six wins in them. Teammate Adam Frazier went 4-for-4 with two runs, a double, his eighth home run and three RBI. Since his recall, Frazier’s hitting .352 in 33 games with 13 doubles, five home runs and 20 RBI.

Miami’s Jose Urena also pitched well in the afternoon slate striking out seven in seven innings allowing four hits and an earned run. He’s been all or nothing in starts and tough to trust due to his volatility. Drew Steckenrider notched the save with a clean ninth inning snapping a streak of four games in which he allowed at least a run.

As the White Sox bullpen turns, they landed on Jace Fry in the ninth inning. He allowed a run but garnered the win after Greene’s meltdown. Nine different White Sox pitchers have recorded a save this year, but only four remain on the roster. Keep an eye on rookie Ian Hamilton who worked a clean 1.1 innings on Monday. He’s retired all seven hitters he’s faced since his debut and converted six of his last seven save chances at Triple-A prior to his promotion. Could he be the 10th one to get a save?

Dallas Keuchel won his 11th game, working six innings yielding five hits, one run (zero earned) and two walks with six strikeouts. Alex Bregman homered for the third straight game, reached base for the 31st in a row during which he’s hitting .339 and has been on-base in 91 of his last 93 games. Bregman’s home run was his 28th, a total higher than his two previous seasons combined. That’s good, right?

How will fantasy owners evaluate Madison Bumgarner next year? It’s understandable when a pitcher struggles in Coors, but Bumgarner’s peripheral statistics seem to be lagging this season. He’s giving up more hits, striking out fewer batters and not producing swings and misses. Will Bumgarner be a starting pitcher two, three or someone to avoid in drafts due to his name value in 2019? It’s food for thought.

With Greg Bird firmly affixed to the bench, Luke Voit continues to play in his place and produce. Voit hit a two run home run, his seventh of the year, and is now hitting .333/.404/.627 in 17 games with 10 runs, five home runs and 12 RBI with the Yankees.

Death, taxes and Trevor Cahill at home? He won his fifth straight in Oakland after a rough start lasting five innings giving up four hits, three runs (two earned) and a walk with three strikeouts. In 57.2 innings at home, Cahill’s recorded a 1.09 ERA, 60:13 K:BB, 2.70 FIP and 0.78 WHIP. Blake Treinen notched his 36th save, 12th in a row and 33rd of his last 35 chances.

Perhaps Ryan O'Hearn will be too boom or bust to trust, but he’s hot right now and produced the first multiple home run game of his career. O’Hearn’s hit nine in only 24 games (82 at-bats) and over his last 11, he’s batting .357 with eight runs, four doubles, five home runs and 12 RBI. Jakob Junis won his eighth game of the year during seven shutout innings allowing two hits and striking out six. Since his return from the disabled list on July 21st, Junis is 3-2 with a 2.75 ERA in 52.1 innings with 53 strikeouts.

Francisco Lindor provided the Indians only run with his 30th home run. He and José Ramírez became the only teammates to play the infield with at least 30 home runs and 20 stolen bases in the same season.

Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner continues to scorch baseballs since his return. Turner hit his 12th home run and he’s reached base in 27 of 28 games since August second with 24 runs, 12 doubles, seven home runs and 21 RBI in them.

Rookie Franmil Reyes continues to flash his prodigious power. He launched two home runs last night in Arizona and drove in four. He’s on a nine-game hit streak going 11-for-his-last-27 (.407) with six home runs and 10 RBI.

All Jonathan Villar does with Baltimore is produce. He hit his 12th home run of the season accounting for their only run. in 29 games with the Orioles, Villar has 16 runs, five home runs, 14 RBI and nine stolen bases.

Last, but not least, save number 52 for Edwin Díaz . He struck out the side and has 115 strikeouts this year against 16 walks. Diaz raised his strikeout percentage to 46 on the season, has struck out the first batter in 31 games and Seattle’s now 61-0 when he enters with a lead, 29-0 in one-run games.

News and Notes

Marwin González left Monday’s game early due to an oblique injury swinging the bat. He’s going to be out until Friday according to reports. Charlie Morton could start on Saturday in Boston, his owners should leave him on the bench in case he does. Lance McCullers Jr. continues to work his way back, but will pitch out of the bullpen upon his return.

Chicago’s José Abreu targets the middle of the month for his return, but the team will not rush their best asset. Boston’s Rafael Devers will rejoin the team in Atlanta tonight, but could be in a platoon with hot hitting Eduardo Núñez .

In a rehab game at Triple-A, Josh Donaldson hit a grand slam. If he can make his way back to Cleveland, their lineup could be devastating. Stay tuned.

What To Watch For

With playoff races heating up, two southpaws will battle in Milwaukee with Mike Montgomery facing Wade Miley . Two more lefties, Rich Hill and Robbie Ray will try to keep their teams within reach of the Rockies.

Can Lucas Giolito stay hot at home against the Twins? He seems to be turning a corner and worth tracking as September winds down.

Imitation catches on fast in baseball. Cincinnati and Minnesota will also deploy an opener in their games this evening. Suddenly, the quality start push in fantasy could subside if this continues.

An intriguing match-up in Coors with Dereck Rodriguez against German Marquez , two breakout pitchers in a tough environment.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for a recap of all of Tuesday’s action. Also, Justin Mason covers the latest NFL news with snap counts and rosters taking shape leading to Week 1. Fantasy Alarm will keep you ahead of the competition.

Statistical Credits:

MLB.com

Fangraphs.com

BaseballSavant.com

Baseball-Reference.com