Ricky

Nolasco

The 36-year-old hurler sat out the 2018 campaign after getting cut loose by the Royals at the end of spring training. It’s unlikely he has much left in the tank, but there’s no risk on the Diamondbacks’ end in taking a shot on him. He can be ignored for fantasy purposes.

Nolasco had to pitch through three errors, one of which was his own. He had allowed just one earned runs in 21 2/3 innings over his previous three starts, making it easier to live with performances like this. He’ll have a chance to bounce back against the Nationals next time out.

The Nationals’ runs came on solo homers by Ryan Church and Nick Johnson. The win makes Nolasco just the third Marlin to reach 10 victories as a rookie. Dontrelle Willis (14 in 2003) and Brian Meadows (11 in 1998) were the others.

An impressive outing from Nolasco, who walked just one and struck out seven while scattering eight hits. He’s posted two quality starts in four tries since joining the rotation, but he’s best used as a spot starter. Nolasco can be used against the Padres at Petco Park next time out.

Nolasco has turned in four quality starts in his last five outings and his ERA is down to 3.06. He’s not yet an option in mixed leagues, but he could remain an asset in NL-only leagues. He’ll face the Orioles in Baltimore next week.

He only walked one and struck out four, but 10 hits did him in today. Nolasco pitched well against the Cubs last time out, but he showed this afternoon why he’s only an option as a spot starter in NL-only leagues. He certainly can’t be used at Coors Field next time out.

In his last nine starts, Nolasco has gone at least six innings six times and gotten no more than six outs on three occasions. A little more consistency would be nice, but he has to be kept active in NL-only leagues.

Nolasco allowed five runs in two-plus innings Friday in a no-decision against the Brewers.

He also hit a 341-foot homer off Sean Marshall. Nolasco took a no-decision in his start last week. The only run he gave up tonight came on Aramis Ramirez’s homer. Nolasco will face the Mets this weekend and then make his following start in Coors Field, so he’s not a great play in NL-only leagues right now. He’ll have to pitch well just to guarantee that he’ll keep his spot after Sergio Mitre returns.

Nolasco had a 2.62 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP in five starts last month, so NL-only leaguers won’t want to give up on him based on one lousy performance. He’s 6-5 with a 3.97 ERA on the year.