Week 9 of the MLB season delivered mixed results for fantasy managers, with elite starting pitching performances lighting up rosters while several high-profile hitters struggled to find consistent production at the plate.
Pitcher Starts: Who Delivered
Gerrit Cole (NYY) — SP: 56.0 pts
Cole posted the week's strongest pitching performance with 6.2 innings pitched and 10 strikeouts — securing 56.0 fantasy points for his managers.
The Yankees ace was dominant on the mound, showcasing the elite stuff that makes him a perennial ace option. Cole's strikeout rate was particularly impressive, delivering the kind of ace-level production fantasy managers dream about rostering.
Cristopher Sánchez (PHI) — SP: 54.0 pts
Sánchez delivered a complete quality start with 7.0 innings, 9 strikeouts, and earned 54.0 fantasy points.
The Phillies left-hander was nearly untouchable, accumulating nine strikeouts across a full seven innings of work. This was the type of steady, dominant performance that made Sánchez a reliable fantasy asset week in and week out.
Jacob Misiorowski (MIL) — SP: 52.0 pts
Misiorowski turned in an exceptional start with 7.0 innings, 12 strikeouts, and just 1 earned run for 52.0 fantasy points.
The Brewers pitcher was particularly dominant with the strikeout, recording 12 Ks across seven innings while limiting damage to just one run. This was a showcase start that highlighted Misiorowski's potential as a breakout pitcher.
Hot Hitters: Must-Starts at the Plate
- Ezequiel Tovar (COL, SS) — 44.0 pts: 2 H, 4 RBI, 2 HR, 1 SB, 3 R
- J.P. Crawford (SEA, SS) — 40.0 pts: 2 H, 3 RBI, 2 HR, 4 R
Tough Sits: Who Disappointed
- Eury Pérez (MIA, SP) — 39.0 pts: Limited to just 4.0 innings despite recording 9 strikeouts, Pérez's abbreviated outing cost managers significant innings and depth production.
- Nick Lodolo (CIN, SP) — 42.0 pts: Only 6.0 innings pitched with 1 earned run allowed; the Reds pitcher did not reach the typical full seven-inning benchmark, leaving managers wanting more length from their rotation slot.
- Cam Schlittler (NYY, SP) — 39.0 pts: Six innings with 6 strikeouts and 1 earned run — Schlittler's shorter outing did not provide the volume output fantasy managers needed in their starting pitcher slot.
Whether you succeeded in Week 9 or fell short, PlayCaller's AI-powered lineup tools at playcallerapp.com can help you optimize your roster decisions moving forward.