Adbert Alzolay Daily Fantasy News, Rankings, Projections

Adbert Alzolay has struck out 12 of 38 batters. He struck out 32.3% in 65.1 AAA innings last year. That’s not the problem. It’s the double digit walk rate that’s followed him from AAA to the majors last year and again so far this year (18.4%). The 25 year-old was recently rated the team’s fifth best prospect by Fangraphs with a fastball/curveball combo that’s been called the system’s best two pitch mix. Aside from recent control issues, its’ been staying on the field that’s been Alzolay’s other biggest issue, profiling as a potential mid-rotation piece with more durability and health. The Reds have a 12 BB% and 18.9 HR/FB vs RHP that would normally spell trouble here, but considering the pitcher friendly wind effects in play at Wrigley again tonight, daily fantasy players might focus more on their 24.8 K% vs RHP. With the winds potentially suppressing power, the walks may not be as dangerous. Considering a pitching deficient six game slate, why not take a shot at an upside arm for just $5.7K on FanDuel?

Adbert Alzolay has struck out nine of 34 major league batters he’s faced (10.6 SwStr%) with an 83 Z-Contact%, while also walking six (17.7%), allowing just two hits…both HRs. Just an 84.8 mph aEV on his 19 batted balls, the only two barrels he’s allowed leaving the yard with a just seven ground balls though. The team’s fourth ranked prospect (Fangraphs) with a 45+ Future Value grade, expected to be a bullpen arm, but struck out 34.8% of AAA batters in six starts, while walking just 4.8%. He’ll make his first road appearance for the big league club tonight with a slight park upgrade in Pittsburgh (assuming neutral Wrigley weather, which rarely happens). It’s also a park that suppresses RH power. Both of Alzolay’s HRs have been surrendered to RHBs (Ronals Acuna & Todd Frazier), though he’s had a lot of BABIP luck against LHBs without a hit on 12 batted balls. A strong week for the Pirates (121 wRC+, 15.4 K%) has pushed them to a season 100 wRC+ against RHP with just a 19.3 K%. However, they have just an 11.1 HR/FB vs RHP and 10.9 HR/FB at home. Although it may not be necessary tonight, Alzolay is a reasonable salary saver at $6.4K on DraftKings and although he only faced 19 batters in his first start, he went six innings in three of his last four minor league efforts.