Edouard Julien, Fantasy Contributor? – April 29, 2026
Edouard Julien (2B-COL) went 3-4 with a HR, 2 RBI, and a walk out of the leadoff spot against the Reds on Tuesday. The 26 year-old seems to be settling in at his new home in Colorado as he’s now batting .308 with 2 homers, 12 RBI, 13 runs scored, and 2 steals (in 4 attempts) through his first 89 PA of the season. He’s still drawing walks (12.5%) while tempering the strikeout rate to 24.5% (31% career) and making more contact inside the zone (85.5% in 2026, 81.5% career). Quality of contact has also been solid as Statcast shows a 43.5% hard-hit rate (42% career), 9.5% barrel rate (11.5% career), and average exit velo of 90.5 mph (89 career). If you’re looking to upgrade at 2B, consider Julien.
Junior Caminero (3B-TB) exited Tuesday’s game in Cleveland after fouling a ball into the dirt which then hit his face; he’s been diagnosed with a right jaw contusion. With the team scheduled for a day off on Thursday, don’t be surprised if the team rests him on Wednesday so he can be ready for the weekend series. Caminero is off to a nice start in 2026 as he’s hitting .257 with 8 homers, 15 RBI, and 17 runs scored across 127 PA. His strikeout rate is down to just 15.5% so far this season (19% in 2025) while his walk rate is up to 10% (was 6.5% a year ago). He’s making more contact in the zone (up to 84.5% from 83.5%) while he’s still making a good bit of loud contact, even if that’s down a touch to open the campaign, as Statcast shows a 45% hard-hit rate (51.5% in 2025), 11% barrel rate (14%), and average exit velo of 92 mph (92.5). Watch the latest news for his status for Wednesday’s 1:10pm first pitch in Cleveland.
Jordan Walker (OF-STL) stayed hot as he went 2-4 with 3 RBI and a run scored at the Pirates on Tuesday. The 23 year-old seems to be finally realizing his potential as he’s now batting .283 with 8 big flies, 19 RBI, 22 runs scored, and 5 steals (in 6 attempts) through his first 120 PA of the 2026 season. Although Walker is drawing some bases on balls (10%), he’s also striking out a lot (31.5%) as his in-zone contact rate is poor (77%) and his swinging-strike rate remains high at 16%. Where he’s really improved is in quality of contact as his 57% hard-hit rate, 20% barrel rate, and average exit velocity of 94.5 mph are all easily career highs, with a career-high 12.7 average launch angle the key to him unlocking more pop; the owner of a 47% career groundball rate has cut that to 38.5% this season while his flyballs are up to 41.5% (38% career) and his liners are up to 20% (15% career). Still, the contact issues are concerning…
Jesus Luzardo (SP-PHI) finally put together a strong outing in 2026 as he blanked the Giants over 7 IP on Tuesday, allowing just 2 hits and no walks while fanning 8 on 88 pitches (62 strikes). Even after the nice outing, the 28 year-old southpaw owns a 5.50 ERA through his first 6 starts (34.1 IP) of the season, but his 2.58 xFIP, 10.8 K/9, and 2.4 BB/9 give fantasy owners good reason to think that more sharp performances lie ahead for Luzardo. Indeed, missed lots of bats (14.5%) despite the opposition’s in-zone contact rate sitting at a career-high 85%; his 35% chase rate is the highest of his career while the opposition’s 45.5% o-contact% is among the lowest recorded against him. Meanwhile, there hasn’t been much loud contact as Statcast shows a 33% hard-hit rate, 6.5% barrel rate, and average exit velocity of 86 mph, all of which rank among the best of his career. The buy-low window is certainly closing, but perhaps you can swing a deal for him before it slams shut. Look for another strong start in Miami on Sunday.
Casey Mize (SP-DET) exited Tuesday’s start at Atlanta after just 2.1 IP because of tightness in his right groin. He wasn’t super sharp before that point as he allowed 2 runs on 3 hits and a walk while fanning 3 on 34 pitches (25 strikes). The 28 year-old RHP is in the midst of a possible breakout campaign as he now owns a 2.90 ERA, 10.2 K/9, 3.2 BB/9, and 3.66 xFIP through 6 starts (31 IP). While his 11.5 swinging-strike rate is a career high, that’s still not amazing, but it’s encouraging to see the opposition’s in-zone contact rate down to a career-low 82%. Quality of contact hasn’t changed that much as Statcast shows a 44.5% hard-hit rate (42.5% career), 8% barrel rate (9%), and average exit velocity of 89 mph (90 career). Mize can certainly establish himself as a #2-3 fantasy SP, but there are questions about the strikeout ability while his control in 2026 hasn’t been as sharp as in the past (2.5 career BB/9). I wouldn’t look to actively buy his stock, but I’m also not looking to sell unless there’s a strong offer made. For now, it remains to be seen whether he’ll be able to start as scheduled against the Rangers at home on Sunday.
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