PT TOMORROW: NL West — Some Valaika Hot

Colorado Rockies

All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado (3B, COL) seems to have dodged a bullet this week, as he was originally hit on the wrist by a pitch (last weekend) and then removed from an August 17 game with soreness in his hand. X-rays came back negative, so Arenado figures to be back in the lineup soon. Pat Valaika (SS, COL), who has logged time all around the diamond this year, was the first tasked with filling the void in Arenado's absence. 

Valaika, as recently noted here, has 10 HR in his first 141 AB, good for a 169 PX (128 xPX). He’s fared generally as well against both lefties and righties (.286 BA, 4 HR vs. LHP; .271 BA, 6 HR vs. RHP), and his season-long .277 BA is supported by a .269 xBA. Moreover, Valaika is showing...

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