Kansas City Royals DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Chris Stratton picked up his second save of the season in Monday's 3-2 win over the Brewers. Stratton came in to pitch the top of the ninth inning up by one. He allowed a leadoff walk, induced a ground-ball double-play, allowed another walk, and ended the game with a groundout. Closer James McArthur pitched two innings in Sunday's game, so he was likely unavailable. Stratton has struggled this season with a 5.40 ERA and a 7.20 BB/9 rate in 15 innings of work. His fantasy value will remain limited if he cannot improve those metrics.

Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (calf) is slated to make his next start on Monday against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers. Ragans dealt with cramping in his left calf in his most recent start last Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays after throwing 6 2/3 innings. It was obviously just a minor injury, and the 26-year-old southpaw is ready to go for his next turn through KC's rotation. With a two-start week on tap, fantasy managers are going to want to lock Ragans into their starting lineups this week despite coming off an injury in his last start. He's set to face the Los Angeles Angels this Saturday. Ragans is currently 2-2 with a 3.44 ERA and 1.36 WHIP while walking 13 and striking out 46 in 36 2/3 innings over his first seven starts of the season.

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Alec Marsh (elbow) is set for a rehab start with Triple-A Omaha on Sunday. Marsh is expect to throw between 60-65 pitches in the start. As of now it's unclear if Marsh will need multiple rehab starts before rejoining the Royals, so there is a chance that if all goes well then he will rejoin Kansas City when he can be activated off the IL on May 10th. Marsh had been having a solid season before getting drilled with a liner when facing the Toronto Blue Jays. The right-hander has posted up a 2.70 ERA and recorded three wins in five starts. Marsh may be a sneaky add that fantasy managers can stash on their bench until he returns.

Kansas City Royals first baseman Salvador Perez went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run in Friday's 7-1 victory over the Rangers. It was the eighth time he's gone deep this season and the three RBI put him at 30, good for third-most in all of baseball. The 33-year-old is having a fantastic season thus far, slashing .351/.413/.605 with a .438 wOBA and 184 wRC+. After an 86 wRC+ season last year, the veteran has cut down his K% to a measly 10.3% and his Contact% of 83.2% is his best since 2015. The 8x All-Star has hit safely in 25 of the 32 games he's played and has 11 multi-hit efforts. Ranking behind only William Contreras for top fantasy catcher, Perez is looking like an early AL MVP contender and probable All-Star.

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo continued his hot stretch on the mound during Wednesday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The right-hander went seven innings, allowing one earned run, and struck out eight batters in the win. Lugo has now struck out 17 batters over his last two starts. He has been solid on the mound throughout most of his starts. Fantasy managers in need of pitching help should consider Lugo as an option.