Pittsburgh Pirates DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller dominated the New York Mets in Monday's start, logging a quality start with six strikeouts over eight innings. Keller allowed two runs, a two-run home run off the bat of Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo, but that didn't prevent him from picking up his 10th win of the year. The 28-year-old right-hander is as steady as they come for fantasy managers, posting a 3.40 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 102 punchouts and 27 walks over 111 1/3 frames (18 starts) for the Pirates this season. Keller is lined up to take the ball one more time before the All-Star break, which is scheduled for Saturday's favorable matchup with the last-place Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz (hamstring) has been on a hot stretch at the plate over the last few weeks. On Monday, Cruz went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run in the win over the Mets. It's worth noting that Cruz was removed from the game after running the bases in the sixth inning. Pirates' manager Derek Shelton said Cruz was pulled out of the game as a precaution. It doesn't sound like Cruz is going to miss significant time from this issue. Fantasy managers should check back on Tuesday for another update.

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman was tasked with shutting down the New York Mets on Sunday. The left-hander was unable to do that as he put together a disastrous outing. Chapman walked three batters, allowing two hits, and two earned runs in what ended up being a loss. The hard-throwing southpaw threw 40 pitches as the Mets' hitters were putting together solid at-bats. Chapman hasn't been much of a fantasy option this season and is really only worth looking at for fantasy managers who are extremely desperate for saves.

Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Henry Davis (concussion) has been activated off the 7-day concussion injured list on Sunday. The Pirates have optioned him back to Triple-A Indianapolis where he will continue his rehab assignment. The assumption is that the former first-round pick will be back in Pittsburgh at some point this season. Davis was struggling before the injury, so fantasy managers in redraft leagues don't have much incentive to hold him right now.

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bailey Falter (arm) has been placed on the 15-day injured list on Sunday. This news comes after Falter left early during Saturday's outing against the New York Mets. The southpaw will be sidelined until after the All-Star break due to left arm discomfort. In a corresponding move, right-hander Brent Honeywell has been recalled to take the spot on the active roster. The former top prospect is unlikely to have any fantasy significance right now.