Sizzlers/fizzlers: Ivan Nova looking like the best trade deadline pickup

Steve Gardner

USA TODAY Sports

A rookie continues to hit everything in sight, and while one trade-deadline acquisition is thriving, two others have yet to make any significant impact in their new uniforms.

Ivan Nova was 7-6 with a 4.90 ERA in 21 games with the New York Yankees, but since being traded to Pittsburgh, he's 4-0 with a 2.87 ERA.

SIZZLERS

SP Ivan Nova, Pittsburgh Pirates: He’s the latest veteran pitcher to take a huge leap forward after arriving in Pittsburgh. In five starts since being acquired from the Yankees, Nova is 4-0 with a 2.87 ERA and a 22/1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

C Gary Sanchez, New York Yankees: Last week, his hot start was a pretty cool story. After five more home runs gave him 11 in his first 24 major league games, it’s become downright historic. He’s a top-five fantasy catcher.

Transcript: Steve Gardner fantasy baseball chat

SS Addison Russell, Chicago Cubs: Thanks to a recent stretch of five home runs in five games, he’s the National League’s most productive fantasy shortstop in August, entering the week with seven homers and 21 RBI.

SP Jake Odorizzi, Tampa Bay Rays: His overall numbers are nothing special, but in eight starts since the All-Star break, he’s 6-0 with a 1.59 ERA.

FIZZLERS

OF Carlos Beltran, Texas Rangers: The deadline deal has yet to pay any major dividends, as the 39-year-old has posted a .221 average, two home runs and nine RBI in his first 86 at-bats with the Rangers.

OF Jay Bruce, New York Mets: This veteran has struggled even worse with his new team, hitting .165, going three weeks without hitting a home run and dealing with a calf injury. Acquired from the Cincinnati Reds on Aug. 1, he finished the week with seven strikeouts in his last eight at-bats.

1B Justin Smoak, Toronto Blue Jays: With Jose Bautista back from the disabled list but limited to mostly designated hitter duties, Edwin Encarnacion has been playing regularly at first base. As a result, Smoak’s playing time has all but vanished.

SP Homer Bailey, Reds: Any excitement about his return from elbow surgery was quickly doused last week when he lasted a total of 3 1/3 innings over two starts and gave up nine earned runs.

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