Jeffrey

Springs

This doesn’t rule out Springs for the season, but it doesn’t seem all that likely that he’ll pitch again. The left-hander had a 3.27 ERA in seven starts since returning from Tommy John surgery, even though his velocity was down about two mph from where it was before he got hurt. Tyler Alexander could start for him Monday against the Phillies.

It was the first time this season that Springs was allowed to go more than five innings, which is important for his value the rest of the way. The left-hander was solid on Tuesday, allowing just one extra-base hit while including nine whiffs on 42 swings for a 21 percent whiff rate and 26 percent CSW. He now has a 3.27 ERA with 37 strikeouts in 33 innings since turning from the IL. However, even with that said, he’s a risky start next week against the Phillies.

Springs gave up one hit, walked two and struck out nine. He’s looked like the pitcher he was before he had Tommy John surgery lately. In three of his last four starts, Springs has completed five innings, allowed one run or less and struck out at least seven batters. That’ll play. Springs has a 3.67 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 33 strikeouts in 27 innings this season. The 31-year-old left-hander is set to face the Padres at home this weekend.

Springs was unable to take advantage of an extremely favorable matchup against the Athletics, needing a staggering 82 pitches (47 strikes) to work into the fourth inning of this one. The 31-year-old southpaw has struggled to a serviceable 4.50 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 24/7 K/BB ratio across 22 innings (five starts) in his return from last year’s Tommy John surgery. The strikeouts have been there, but he’s giving up way too much hard contact. He’ll aim for better results on Tuesday in a road matchup against the Mariners.

Springs was outstanding on Saturday, holding the Diamondbacks to one run over five frames. He scattered four hits and one walk while striking out seven. The one run came on three singles in the fifth inning. Springs has now struck out 15 batters with two runs allowed over ten innings over his last two starts. The 31-year-old left-hander will look to keep it going against the Athletics in Oakland on Thursday.

Springs finally looked like his old self in his third start off the injured list. He buzzed through the first three innings until Anthony Santander took him deep in the fourth. That was all he’d give up though as the Orioles’ hitters were baffled by his changeup and whiffed 10 times against it. Springs’ changeup is unique as it moves almost perfectly up and down without any arm-side run, so he’s able to use it effectively against hitters from both sides of the plate, acting a little bit more like a curveball or splitter than most other changeups. He seems primed for a solid stretch to close out the season.

After pitching two scoreless innings to start the game, Springs ran into trouble in the third. Entering the inning with a 2-0 lead, Springs saw that lead evaporate on a two-run homer by Victor Scott, only to later see Tommy Pham’s two-run homer in the same inning put the Cardinals up 4-2. Springs wouldn’t allow a run for the rest of the night, but the damage had been done, as the Rays were unable to mount a comeback for the left. In two starts this season, Springs has now allowed six earned runs over 8 2/3 innings while striking out six. His next start is scheduled to come on Sunday against the Orioles.

The left-hander averaged 89.9 mph with his fastball, which was almost two mph down from last year. As a result, he leaned into his changeup a lot more which worked well for him, leading to a 28 percent whiff rate and 26 percent CSW. With the Rays trading away a few key players at the deadline, they are unlikely to compete for a playoff spot, which makes them unlikely to push Springs too much. That could put a damper on his fantasy value for the remainder of 2024, but he deserves to be on fantasy rosters until we see how they plan to use him.

Springs will start Tuesday against the Marlins and make his 2024 debut after missing four months rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. The left-hander was among the best hurlers in baseball prior to his injury, and he’s absolutely worth roster consideration for the final few months of the campaign.

It’s a tasty matchup right out of the gate for Springs, who will make his long-awaited return from last year’s Tommy John surgery after striking out four and allowing three runs over five innings on Thursday in his final minor league rehab start for Triple-A Durham. The 31-year-old southpaw offers significant strikeout upside and should be rostered in all fantasy formats, even shallow mixed leagues.