At one time or another this season, Kevin Gausman, Rubby De La Rosa and Drew Smyly have all been hyped to the hills -- if not by some other Fantasy analyst, then by yours truly. Their potential is just so enticing, especially when you consider they belong to a select group of starting pitchers who qualify at relief pitcher (or SPARPs, as they're more commonly known). It's a much bigger deal in Head-to-Head leagues than Rotisserie.
But following his third straight quality start Tuesday, I'm ready to say another SPARP, Jimmy Nelson, has left them all in the dust. With the exception of one ugly start against the Cardinals in his long awaited return from the minors July 12, when he allowed six earned runs in 4 1/3 innings, everything he accomplished at Triple-A Nashville prior to his promotion -- the improved control, the exceptionally high ground ball rate, the ability to pick up a strikeout when he needs it -- has translated. And with much better consistency than you'd expect for a rookie.
Naturally, it's a small sample, but a pitcher who put together a 1.46 ERA in the heavy-hitting Pacific Coast League deserves the benefit of the doubt. I'm not ready to move Nelson past Jacob deGrom yet, who has been as effective for longer, but ranking him 62nd at starting pitcher and 22nd at relief pitcher (in Head-to-Head leagues, that is) is my way of saying he should be owned in all leagues.