Daily Dose: Kluber Shines

For a season that’s been so frustrating, Corey Kluber sure has put together some brilliant performances.

Last year’s AL Cy Young winner did it again on Sunday, bringing a no-hitter into the seventh inning vs. Minnesota and finishing the game to pick up his seventh win. Kluber allowed one run on three hits, one walk, and fanned 10 Twins batters on exactly 100 pitches.

Kluber’s ERA fell to 3.46, though he still leads the AL in losses (12). For stats that are more meaningful, he ranks tied for second in the AL in strikeouts and eighth in WHIP among starting pitchers. His 63 percent quality start rate is well below last year’s 76 percent, but Kluber’s peripheral numbers are almost right in line with what he produced last season.

His ERA indicators show a much better pitcher than we’ve seen to this point, and hopefully one who will continue to ascend down the stretch. Before Sunday’s start, Kluber ranked fifth among all MLB starters in FIP and eighth in SIERA, two ERA metrics that are telling of his dominance this season. Despite playing for a team that seems to be going nowhere in 2015, Kluber looks to be as fine a fantasy option as ever with a rematch vs. the Twins next time out.

Fernandez Diagnosed With Strained Biceps

Jose Fernandez returned from Tommy John surgery in early July, and looked like his old self in seven starts with a 2.30 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 43 innings. However, there were major fears after he complained of shoulder soreness following his most recent start.

After undergoing an MRI, the 23-year-old ace was diagnosed with a strained right biceps. Miami is expected to place him on the DL in short order, further complicating what has been an injury-plagued rotation this season.

Given Miami’s league-worst 44-68 record, which puts them 15.5 games out of first place and 19 games out of the Wild Card, it’s fair to question whether the team will even consider bringing Fernandez back this season. They’ve yet to place a timetable on his return, though the organization was relieved by the prognosis and interim manager Dan Jennings said, “I’d like to see him pitch. I think he wants to pitch.”

Even with the optimism, the injury is a capper to what has been an incredibly odd and frustrating season for the Marlins. The one bright note is that top pitching prospect Justin Nicolino will return to the rotation to replace Fernandez on Tuesday.

Zimmerman and CarGo Power Nats-Rox Showdown

Ryan Zimmerman and Carlos Gonzalez had similarly disappointing starts to their seasons. Now, they’re both making up for lost time.

Both veteran sluggers hit a pair of home runs in Sunday’s 6-4 win by the Rockies. For Zimmerman, the game continues his hot streak with extra-base hits in four consecutive games and three homers in August. He’s trying to make up for what has been a disappointing and injury-riddled season, as Zimmerman is still only hitting .227-9-44 for the year.

Gonzalez, on the other hand, is now on pace for one of his best seasons at the plate. After hitting only .219-4-13 through the first two months of the season, CarGo is on pace set a career high in home runs with a 37 homer pace. Of course, fantasy owners have learned the hard way that Gonzalez can be an injury risk, averaging 90 games played over the last two seasons. The power rebound is still exciting for the 29-year-old outfielder after managing only 11 homers in 70 games last season.

American League Quick Hits: Koji Uehara has been sent back to Boston to undergo an exam on his injured right wrist. Junichi Tazawa is likely to fill-in at closer while Uehara is sidelined … Miguel Cabrera (calf) will run the bases on Tuesday and could return soon after if all goes well … Jason Kipnis (shoulder) has yet to resume throwing … Dustin Pedroia (hamstring) has yet to resume baseball activities, and there’s no timetable for his return … Derek Holland (shoulder) lasted 3 1/3 innings in his minor league rehab start at Double-A Frisco on Sunday. He’s expected to need at least two more rehab starts before rejoining the Rangers … Jered Weaver returned from the DL to allow two runs in five innings vs. Baltimore … Alex Gordon (groin) took batting practice on Saturday, and hopes to return in September … Boston designated offseason signing Justin Masterson for assignment … Chris Johnson got his first start with Cleveland on Sunday, going 4-for-4 … James Paxton (finger) threw a bullpen session on Sunday … Drew Smyly (shoulder) could be making his final rehab start on Tuesday … Clay Buchholz (elbow) hopes to be cleared to throw after meeting with Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday … Kevin Kiermaier missed Sunday’s game with a right thumb injury … Kyle Lobstein (shoulder) is expected to need four rehab starts before returning … Tommy Milone (elbow) is expected to return from the DL on August 16.

National League Quick Hits: Howie Kendrick left Sunday night’s game with a strained left hamstring … Denard Span (back) admitted he’s not sure if he will return this season after his most recent setback. He’s a free agent following this season … David Wright (back) will begin a rehab assignment at High-A St. Lucie on Monday, with the hope of returning in about one week … Michael Cuddyer will be activated from the DL on Monday … Justin Turner (thigh) is unlikely to return from the DL before Wednesday … Jake Arrieta threw 7 2/3 innings of scoreless baseball on Sunday, lowering his ERA to 2.38 … Nori Aoki had to leave Sunday’s game after getting hit in the helmet by a pitch … Collin Rea will be called up by San Diego to replace Odrisamer Despaigne in San Diego’s rotation. He has a 1.95 ERA between Double-A and Triple-A this season … Matt Adams (quad) has resumed swinging a bat, and hopes to return before the end of the season … Aaron Barrett was placed on the 15-day DL with a right elbow sprain.