Fantasy Baseball: Friday’s Roto Roundup

A short one today as I have more yardwork to get to in this heat.....fun times.

Here are a few thoughts after reviewing Friday's boxscores:

Braves outfielder Jason Heyward struck out 5 times on Friday night including the last out in the 9th inning vs Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton.

Phillies closer Brad Lidge pitched a 1-2-3 9th inning for his 2nd save of the season, striking out two Padres in the process. Jose Contreras pitched the 8th inning but only faced two batters getting one out and walking one.

Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz pitched a complete game shutout vs the struggling Orioles on Friday night. He gave up just 5 hits and one walk, striking out 2 in winning his 8th game of the season. He has won 5 starts in a row and has given up 2 runs or less in each of those 5 starts, including two shutouts in a row. He is becoming the ace of the Red Sox staff.

Rangers first baseman Justin Smoak went 3-3 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs, including his 6th HR of the season. Smoak has started off slowly, but is the future at first base for the Rangers.

Rays outfielder Ben Zobrist had 3 hits on Friday night and is now hitting .315-.384-.453 but only has 4 HRs so far this season, two of which have come in his last 10 games.

Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw pitched 6 2/3rd innings on Friday night, marking the 8th time in his last 10 starts where he has pitched at least 6 innings. He walked 5 on Friday night, so he still needs to work on his control.

Nationals reliever Tyler Clippard worked the 7th inning last night, and rookie Drew Storen worked the 8th inning, setting up closer Matt Capps. This marks the first time Storen has set up Capps since his callup in mid-May. It appears the Nats are slowly grooming him to take over the closer spot. Storen gave up one hit and struck out one for his 2nd hold of the season.

Reds outfielder Drew Stubbs went 1-2 with 2 runs scored and 2 walks batting in the 7th spot in the Reds lineup. He also stole his 12th base of the season.