4 years agoOakland Athletics left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea entered the 2020 season with considerable pomp after a terrific five-start conclusion (4-0, 1.21 ERA) to last season. But things have gone completely sideways to begin the new year, with Manaea having yielded 13 runs (11 earned) in 12 ⅓ innings in three starts. The starkest difference is how batters are fairing against Manaea’s fastball -- last year, averaging 89.8 MPH, his four-seamer allowed just a .145 opponents batting average; this year, averaging the exact same speed, hitters are tagging the pitch at a .313 clip. He has begun the season as an elite-priced pitcher in DFS, although that number is likely to dip ahead of Monday’s start versus the Angels. Until he can deliver at least a quality start, owners are likely best leaving Manaea on the bench or the wire.--Jesse Borek
Source: MLB