The 1998 Yankees won 114 games in the regular season and then went 11-2 en route to a World Series title during the subsequent postseason. That year also marked the last time the franchise put together a stretch of 14 wins in 15 games. That is, until Saturday night’s 5-2 triumph over the Indians gave the Pinstripers a 14-1 record dating back to April 21.
About-Face
Sonny Gray paved the way for the Yankees on Saturday, turning in a second straight solid outing after some struggles during the season’s first few weeks. Through his first five starts of the campaign, Gray labored to a 7.71 ERA and 2.14 WHIP while failing to last at least five frames in all but one of them. Over his last two starts (@HOU, vs. CLE), the 28-year-old righty has surrendered just four earned runs on eight hits and five walks while striking out 11 across 12.0 innings.
Sunday on the Hill
Gray is not the only All-Star caliber hurler that seems to be figuring things out following a slow start to the season. Chris Archer had many fantasy owners and Rays fans alike scratching their heads after he limped out of the gate to post a 7.84 ERA and 1.69 WHIP over his first four starts of 2018. In his three starts since, the Tampa ace has worked to a much more respectable 4.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 18-to-3 K/BB ratio across 18.0 innings. Archer will look to continue his course correction Sunday afternoon versus the Blue Jays.
After being torched for a combined 20 runs on 31 hits the last two days, the Braves pitching staff will turn to youngster Mike Soroka in hopes of avoiding a sweep at the hands of the suddenly scorching bats of the Giants. Soroka was quite impressive in his MLB debut this past Tuesday, as he needed just 80 pitches (58 strikes) to limit the Mets to one run on six hits over 6.0 innings.
Another rookie that is sure to draw many eyes on the mound Sunday afternoon is Shohei Ohtani. The Japanese phenom has not taken the mound for the Angels since April 24, so his electric right arm should be rested and ready to roll. Ohtani’s results on the mound have been a bit of a mixed bag through four big-league starts, but one thing is certain, the stuff is as dynamic as originally advertised. Ohtani sports an 11.5 K/9 and .197 batting average against on the season.
Streaking
Sticking with the Angels, Andrelton Simmons is flying high at the moment. The slick-fielding shortstop will ride a nine-game hitting streak that has seen him post a ridiculous 1.324 OPS with eight extra-base knocks into Sunday’s matchup with Felix Hernandez and the Mariners. However, Simmons is a mere 1-for-12 in his career versus King Felix.
Rangers table setter Delino DeShields has his batting average up over the .300 mark for the first time this season, as he has also hit safely in nine consecutive contests. During that span, the fleet-footed outfielder has gone 15-of-38 with three doubles, two homers and two steals. The Rangers will close the week with a battle against Chris Sale.
You can follow Nate Miller on Twitter @Miller_RotoDad or hear him every Monday & Thursday hosting the Fantasy Alarm Fantasy Baseball Podcast along with Colby Conway.