Forgot Log-in or  Password? |  Help  Not a member, Register Now!
      
Fantasy Football Today
2011 Draft Prep Guide
Downloadable Draft Kit
Mock Drafts
Draft Analyzer
Player News
Stats
Players
Depth Charts
Roster Trends
Columns
Injury Report
Projections
Rankings
Red Zone Stats
Teams
Schedules
Scores
Standings
Message Boards
Fantasy Games
Commissioner
Free
Premium
Office Pool Manager
Playoff Challenge
Fantasy Baseball 360
2012 Draft Prep Guide
Downloadable Draft Kit
Mock Drafts
Player News
Stats
Players
Depth Charts
Roster Trends
Columns
Injury Report
Rankings
Projections
Teams
Schedules
Probable Pitchers
Scores
Standings
Message Boards
Fantasy Games
Commissioner
Free
Premium
Downloadable Draft Kit
Player News
Stats
Players
Columns
Injuries
Projections
Rankings
Teams
Schedules
Message Boards
Fantasy Games
Commissioner
Free
Downloadable Draft Kit
Player News
Stats
Players
Columns
Injury Report
Projections
Rankings
Teams
Schedules
Mock Drafts
Scores
Standings
Message Boards
Fantasy Games
Commissioner
Free
Premium
Downloadable Draft Kit
Player News
Stats
Players
Columns
Injury Report
Projections
Rankings
Teams
Schedules
Mock Drafts
Scores
Standings
Message Boards
Fantasy Games
Commissioner
Free
Premium
No Fantasy Teams Found
player photo
 
35 Jake Westbrook, SP
Height/Weight: 6-3/215 | Birthdate: 09/29/1977 | Birthplace: Athens, GA | Bats/Throws: R/R | Team: St. Louis | College: No College | MLB Experience: 12 | Salary: $8,500,000 | Owned/Started%: 60/25 | Average Draft Position: 263.02
STL

Latest Updates

 
12:45 AM

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook scuffles early vs. Phils

News: Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook had his worst start of the season on Thursday, as he was unable to get out of the fourth inning against the Phillies. Westbrook gave up six runs over the first two innings and ultimately needed 92 pitches just to get through 3 2/3 innings before being pulled. He finished with eight hits and three walks allowed, while striking out four, however he did not pick up the loss, as the Cardinals’ offense was able to get him off the hook before falling, 10-9.
Analysis: Westbrook had a 2.41 ERA before Thursday, with seven quality starts in eight outings, however that ERA now stands at 3.21. He has now failed to pick up a win in each of his last three starts, though his record is still pretty solid at 4-3. He is enjoying a nice resurgence at the age of 34, as he is currently posting what would be his best strikeout rate per nine innings (6.11) since his rookie season. Combined with still solid control and his extreme groundball tendencies, and it seems like he should be able to continue to pitch well. However he will face a tough test the next time he takes the mound, as he is scheduled to face Atlanta, the second-best offense in the National League. He should probably only be used in deeper Fantasy leagues for Week 9 (May 28-June 3).

5/20/2012

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook starting to tumble

News: St. Louis starting pitcher Jake Westbrook (4-3) surrendered four runs -- three earned -- and six hits in 6 1/3 innings during the Cardinals' 6-0 loss to the Dodgers on Saturday night. Westbrook tried to match his pitching counterpart Clayton Kershaw (complete game) and did not permit a run over the first three innings before running into trouble in the fourth. In eight starts this season, Westbrook has yielded just one run over the first three innings. He had five strikeouts and one walk during Saturday's game as his ERA swelled to 2.58.
Analysis: After starting the season with a 3-1 record and 1.30 ERA over his first four starts, Westbrook has reverted back to his old inconsistent form. The veteran right-hander has been charged with at least three runs in three of his past four outings as he's found trouble keeping the ball in the park. In each of those three games, Westbrook has been taken deep -- his only homers allowed this season. Fantasy owners should look to him as a low-end option in deeper formats for his next scheduled start Thursday against Philadelphia. He is 2-1 with a 3.55 ERA in four starts at home this year.

5/14/2012

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook endures shortest outing

News: Cardinals pitcher Jake Westbrook endured his shortest outing of the season on Monday night against the Cubs. He allowed four runs on 11 hits over five innings of work. The right-hander made it through his first four frames unscathed before running into trouble in the fifth. In that inning, he gave up all of his damage, including a two-run homer to Bryan LaHair. He was done after throwing 107 pitches, 64 for strikes, and left in line for the loss but luckily his teammates were able to battle back to tie the game. Westbrook also struck out two and walked two in the no-decision.
Analysis: Westbrook allowed more than two earned runs in a start for just the second time on Monday and saw his ERA rise from 1.76 to 2.35 as a result. Still, he has gotten off to a solid start this season and appears in line for a bounce-back campaign after posting an ERA over 4.00 each of the last two years. The 34-year-old has a potent lineup backing him up in St. Louis so continue to view Westbrook as a viable option in deeper mixed leagues. His next start -- and second of Week 7 (May 14-20) -- is scheduled for Saturday against the Dodgers in Los Angeles. In three starts on the road thus far, Westbrook has gone 2-1 with a 0.87 ERA.

5/9/2012

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL Westbrook blanks D-Backs for fourth W

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook blanks D-Backs for fourth W

News: After giving up a season-high four runs his last time out, Cardinals pitcher Jake Westbrook got back on track on Tuesday night against the Diamondbacks. He worked seven scoreless innings, giving up four hits in the 6-1 win. The right-hander threw 72 of his 115 pitches for strikes and lowered his ERA to 1.76 on the outing. Westbrook also struck out eight and walked two while earning his fourth win of the season.
Analysis: Westbrook has looked like a new pitcher so far this season as the weight he lost in the offseason has really paid off. He has allowed more than two earned runs in just one of his six starts and has struck out 27 in 41 innings. The 34-year-old has proven in the past to be a viable option in Fantasy and should continue to see decent run support in St. Louis so consider adding Westbrook in mixed leagues, especially since he lines up as a two-start option for Week 7 (May 14-20). He is scheduled to pitch next on Monday against the Cubs. When Westbrook faced Chicago earlier in the year, he allowed one run over seven innings in the win.

5/3/2012

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook handed second loss

News: Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook lasted longer than opposing pitcher Erik Bedard on Thursday against the Pirates, but he wasn't as efficient in a 6-3 loss. Bedard struck out 11 in five innings, while Westbrook served up four runs on nine hits and one walk in 6 1/3 innings. Westbrook (3-2) was leading 2-1 before serving up a two-run homer to Pedro Alvarez in the sixth inning. The veteran right-hander struck out four and saw his ERA rise to 2.12.
Analysis: Thursday was the first time Westbrook really struggled this season. He had allowed a total of four runs in his first four starts. Westbrook had a pretty spectacular April, but you had to figure he would come back down to earth at some point. That's not to say that Westbrook can't be an effective arm, but since he isn't a great strikeout pitcher, then he will continue to have low-end Fantasy appeal. Westbrook will be back on the hill Tuesday at Arizona.

4/28/2012

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook continues stellar play

News: Cardinals pitcher Jake Westbrook improved to 3-1 on the year on Friday as St. Louis destroyed Milwaukee. Westbrook allowed one earned runs off seven hits over his seven innings of work. He struck out five batters and did not issue a free pass. Westbrook threw 101 pitches in the game before turning the ball over to the bullpen. The Cards went on to win the game, 13-1. "He's on a roll," Milwaukee manager Ron Roenicke said of Westbrook. "He's throwing the ball down in the zone real well. He gets ground balls when he needs to."
Analysis: Westbrook takes the mound next on Thursday in Week 5 (April 30-May 6) against the Pirates. His lone loss of the season came against Pittsburgh. Westbrook allowed two earned runs over 6 2/3 innings in the contest. Westbrook is pitching extremely well this season and owns a dazzling 1.30 ERA for the Cardinals. Fantasy owners should view Westbrook as a low-end starting pitcher in deeper mixed leagues as his stock continues to rise.

4/21/2012

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook suffers first loss

News: St. Louis starting pitcher Jake Westbrook (2-1) yielded two runs and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings during the Cardinals' 2-0 loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday night. Westbrook's run total represented the most he's allowed this season as he was saddled with his first loss. He tallied six strikeouts -- more than his combined total from his previous two starts (four) -- and two walks while his ERA grew slightly to 1.31. "I felt like I made some decent pitches," Westbrook said. "I think they hit a couple balls hard. I still feel good about the way I performed."
Analysis: Westbrook has unexpectedly shined at the start of the year and displayed improved command since his season opener at Cincinnati (four walks). However, his strikeout total is a mirage for the veteran right-hander as he exceeded five strikeouts only three times last season so Fantasy owners should not rely on him in that category. Westbrook's next start is projected for Friday against Milwaukee. He finished 1-3 with a 4.13 ERA last year against the Brewers, but no longer has to contend with Prince Fielder. Consider him a low-end NL-only Fantasy option.

4/15/2012

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL Westbrook starts season 2-0

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook starts season 2-0

News: Cardinals pitcher Jake Westbrook was sharp once again in his outing against the Cubs on Sunday. He allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits over seven innings of work in the 10-3 win. The right-hander gave up a run in the fourth before an error led to another one in the fifth. Westbrook pounded his sinker for 12 ground ball outs, and threw first-pitch strikes to nine of his first 11 batters. "That's how I'm able to be successful, when I get ahead and control some counts," he said. "Just keeping the hitters on their toes." Westbrook also struck out two and walked one while earning his second win of the season.
Analysis: Westbrook has allowed one earned run over 14 innings in his first two starts and has received some solid run support thus far. He has not been that impressive since coming to the Cardinals in 2010 but it looks as though the 34-year-old could be in line for a bounce-back campaign. Westbrook does not post a ton of strikeouts but can rack up some wins for owners so keep him active in deeper Fantasy formats. His next start is scheduled for Saturday against the Pirates. In two starts against Pittsburgh a year ago, Westbrook went 0-1 with a 6.17 ERA.

4/9/2012

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook collects first win

News: Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook picked up his first win of the season during Monday night's contest against the Reds. Westbrook allowed just one unearned run on three hits in the 7-1 win, which came in the fifth inning when Brandon Phillips was able to score from second base on a throwing error. The right-hander did not allow another run over his final two innings of work and finished with four walks and two strikeouts, while picking up his first win of the season. "It took me a little while to get going," he said. "Once I figured it out, I pitched the way I'm capable of throwing. I just zoned it in."
Analysis: Westbrook looked a little shaky early on against the Reds, but quickly was able to settle down. The right-hander came into spring training with a chip on his shoulder after a very disappointing season in St. Louis last year and was able to get off to a good start Monday night. However, Fantasy owners should take more of a wait-and-see approach with the veteran right now. Until he proves he can be effective, Westbrook should be considered merely an NL-only option heading into his next start, which is scheduled for Saturday against the Cubs. Westbrook went 1-2 with a 6.46 ERA in six starts against the Chicago last season.

3/31/2012

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook wins second spring start

News: Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook made a Grapefruit League start on Saturday against the Nationals. Westbrook earned the win against Stephen Strasburg and the Nationals to improve to 2-1 on the spring season with a 1.50 ERA. Westbrook allowed one run on two hits and three walks over 5 2/3 innings. He struck out four.
Analysis: Westbrook bounced back nicely from his first spring loss in his previous outing. Westbrook has looked like a totally different pitcher this spring. He came to camp 20 pounds lighter and determined to have a better season. His productive spring gives us hope. However, we still aren't expecting Westbrook to have a huge season. He still doesn't have a ton of strikeout potential, so Westbrook remains more of an NL-only Fantasy option.

3/26/2012

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook suffers first spring loss

News: Cardinals hurler Jake Westbrook suffered his first spring defeat during Monday's 6-3 loss to the Mets. Westbrook (1-1) came into the game having tossed 12 scoreless innings this spring. The Mets tagged Westbrook for three runs on four hits and one walk in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out two. Westbrook now has a 1.47 ERA. "That's kind of where you want to get to. You want to get [deep in the game] and see how you handle it," Westbrook said. "I felt strong."
Analysis: Westbrook has looked like a totally different pitcher this spring. He came to camp 20 pounds lighter and determined to have a better season. His productive spring gives us hope. However, we still aren't expecting Westbrook to contend for the NL Cy Young award. He still doesn't have a ton of strikeout potential, so Westbrook remains more of an NL-only Fantasy option.

3/21/2012

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook's scoreless streak continues

News: St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook was dominant in his Wednesday start against the Mets, giving up no runs on three hits over six innings. He struck out three and walked none (although he hit Mets OF Lucas Duda with a pitch in the fourth inning). He has yet to give up an earned run this spring.
Analysis: Westbrook's now gone 12 innings without giving up a run this spring. He came to camp weighing 20 pounds less than he did at the end of 2011, and the trimming down seems to have worked thus far. Westbrook has been exceptionally sharp right out of the gate and his stock is rising, from a possible late consideration in NL-only drafts to a very late pick in deeper mixed leagues.

3/16/2012

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook remains unblemished

News: St. Louis starting pitcher Jake Westbrook worked four scoreless innings and permitted only two hits during the Cardinals' 5-0 victory over Miami in a Grapefruit League matchup on Friday. Westbrook posted four strikeouts and one walk as he maintained his spotless 0.00 ERA after his second official start of the spring. The veteran right-hander has now amassed six strikeouts and three walks in Grapefruit League action.
Analysis: So far, the early results following Westbrook's weight loss have been exceptional. The 34-year-old slimmed down during the offseason and it is showing with his presence on the mound as he did not allow a runner past first base on Friday. He is not a consistent starter, but could be a useful innings-eater worthy of a late-round selection in deeper NL-only Fantasy drafts.

3/11/2012

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook settles down vs. Nationals

News: Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook held the Nationals to one run on three hits in three innings during his second spring start Sunday. Westbrook didn't issue a walk and struck out two. He now has a 1.80 ERA on the spring. “I’m just trying to build off today and try to be as consistent as I can be from start to start,” Westbrook told MLB.com. “I’m going to use what I did today and duplicate it.”
Analysis: Westbrook was much more effective with his control Sunday after walking two batters in two innings during his spring debut. It's a step in the right direction, but Westbrook still has a few more starts to go before opening day. Westbrook has come to camp in better shape and looking for better results in 2012. Westbrook won 12 games last season, but he posted a 4.66 ERA and 1.53 WHIP. Westbrook can chew up innings and win games, but leave him for NL-only Fantasy formats on Draft Day.

3/6/2012

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook makes it out unscathed

News: Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook escaped his spring debut unscathed despite yielding two walks in two scoreless innings Tuesday against the Mets. Westbrook countered his walks with two strikeouts. He allowed just one hit. "For the first one, I'm really looking for how I feel, and I feel strong," Westbrook said. "It felt really good. Obviously, the walks aren't something that I want to continue to be a pattern. It's a good starting point. I'll take what I got out of the day and learn from it and try to get back to be more consistent in the zone."
Analysis: Westbrook showed up to camp 20 pounds lighter and hopes his new physique will allow him to be more effective. Although, we aren't sure dropping weight will turn Westbrook into a Cy Young pitcher. Westbrook can chew up innings, but he likely won't post impressive ERA, WHIP or strikeout total. Leave him for NL-only Fantasy formats.

2/27/2012

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook aims to carry weight

News: After being virtually unused during St. Louis postseason run last season, starting pitcher Jake Westbrook shed 20 pounds at the team's urging and wants to show he can be counted upon. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed,” the 34-year-old Westbrook said. “If that opportunity comes about again, I want to have the year where they have confidence to throw me out there. I have a lot of motivation, especially as I’m getting older, to get back to where I’m capable of pitching.” Westbrook, who is entering the final year of his contract, said he’s down to 210 pounds for the first time in perhaps 12 years and feeling a lot lighter on his feet.
Analysis: Westbrook’s 12-9 record last season was accompanied by a 4.66 ERA and 1.51 WHIP as he was bothered by plantar fasciitis on both feet. He was left off the roster for the NLDS and NLCS before he was the unlikely World Series Game 6 winner after working an inning of relief in the Cardinals’ wild comeback victory over Texas. “He looks good," St. Louis manager Mike Matheny said. "Obviously, he’s lost some weight but he’s also put on some muscle mass, so that’s a great combination." Westbrook has proven to be a workhorse with the Cardinals, but remains a Fantasy option only in deeper NL-only drafts.

2/14/2012

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook sheds 25 pounds

News: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Cardinals SP Jake Westbrook has shown up for spring training 25 pounds lighter than he was last season.
Analysis: This is the time of year where everyone seems to come to camp in better shape than they left last season. Hopefully for Westbrook it makes a difference in his game. He did go 12-9 in 2011, but he posted a 4.66 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 33 starts. Westbrook can chew up innings, but he won't post impressive ERA, WHIP or strikeout total. Leave him for NL-only Fantasy formats.

10/18/2011

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook to rejoin roster for WS

News: Cardinals SP Jake Westbrook told MLB.com on Tuesday that he will be on the roster for the World Series against the Rangers. He was left off the NLCS roster after not pitching in the NLDS.
Analysis: Westbrook went 12-9 with a 4.66 ERA over 33 starts during the regular season but the Cardinals have not trusted him for the playoffs yet. He will likely pitch out of the bullpen against the Rangers so keep an eye on his progress going forward. Fantasy owners should look to Westbrook as more of an option for NL-only formats for 2012 drafts.

10/9/2011

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook dropped from NLCS

News: Cardinals SP Jake Westbrook was dropped from the team's NLCS roster against Milwaukee, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The Cardinals also left off 2B Skip Schumaker (oblique) and replaced them with pitchers Kyle McClellan and Lance Lynn.
Analysis: Westbrook did not pitch in the team's NLDS victory over Philadelphia after completing an inconsistent regular season. The veteran right-hander made 33 starts and compiled a 12-9 record with a 4.66 ERA -- the first time he finished with a winning mark since 2006 with Cleveland. Westbrook also ranked ninth in the National League with 73 walks in 183 1/3 innings pitches. Fantasy owners should look to him as a low-end option in NL-only formats for 2012 drafts.

9/27/2011

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook gets quick hook in Houston

News: Cardinals SP Jake Westbrook did not factor in the decision during Tuesday night's contest against the Astros. Westbrook, who was making his final start of the regular season, allowed five runs on seven hits over 2 1/3 innings in the contest. Most of the damage the right-hander surrendered came in the third inning, including a two-run triple off the bat of Jimmy Paredes, which chased Westbrook from the game. He threw just 45 pitches during his outing and finished with two strikeouts and one walk while earning the no-decision.
Analysis: Westbrook made what would be his final start of the season on Tuesday night, but wasn't very good. The right-hander has earned mixed reviews during his first season in St. Louis, finishing at 12-9 with a 4.66 ERA. He did make 33 starts for the consecutive year and was also able to record over 100 strikeouts, but was very inconsistent at times on the mound. Fantasy owners can consider the 33-year-old a low-end option heading into the 2012 season.

9/22/2011

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Bullpen blows lead for Westbrook

News: Cardinals SP Jake Westbrook did not factor in the decision during Thursday's contest against the Mets. Westbrook, who was making 32nd save of the season, allowed just one run on three hits over six innings in the 8-6 defeat. The only run the right-hander surrendered came in the fifth inning on a base-loaded walk to Rubin Tejada. Westbrook threw 84 pitches during his outing and turned a 4-1 lead over to the bullpen. However, he could only watch helplessly from the dugout as the Mets would score six times in the ninth inning, erasing the Cardinals lead and Westbrook's chances for a win. He finished with four walks and four strikeouts while earning the no-decision.
Analysis: Westbrook was a bit wild on Thursday, but still pitched well enough to win. However, the bullpen was unable to hold the lead for him,. which forced him to have to settle for the no-decision. Westbrook has earned mixed reviews during his first season in St. Louis and is scheduled to make his final start of the year on Tuesday at Houston. Continue to view the 33-year-old as a viable option in deeper mixed formats heading into his final outing.

9/17/2011

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook doesn't last long

News: St. Louis SP Jake Westbrook (12-9) allowed two runs -- one earned -- and five hits in 3 1/3 innings during the Cardinals' 9-2 loss to Philadelphia on Saturday night. Westbrook struggled mightily with his control and matched a season-high five walks while recording just one strikeout. It was the third time he has walked five batters since the beginning of August, a span of eight starts. Westbrook fell into an early hole when he gave up a run in the first inning. He surrendered his second run in the fourth inning when he walked Shane Victorino with the bases loaded.
Analysis: Westbrook hurled 71 pitches, including 34 for balls, as he labored through his shortest outing since May 11 against the Cubs. He's given up two earned runs or less in 11 of his 16 road starts this season, but fell to 8-4 away from home. The right-hander has been limited by the Cardinals' inconsistent offense and is in danger of losing 10 games for the second straight season. Fantasy owners should view him as a decent option in NL-only formats for Week 25 (Sept. 19-28) when he's scheduled to face the Mets (home) and Houston (road).

9/11/2011

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbroook wins despite early hook

News: Cardinals SP Jake Westbrook wasn't able to go six innings Sunday against the Braves, but he still managed to pick up his 12th victory, allowing two runs on five hits with one walk and four strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. Westbrook has won three of his last five starts, posting a 3.68 ERA during that stretch.
Analysis: Westbrook has been decent of late, but it's not like he's dominating. As a non-strikeout pitcher, he needs to consistently pitch seven-plus innings and allow three earned runs or less to make a big impact in Fantasy. He's usable right now, but he's still just a lower-end option for his next start, which is scheduled for Saturday at Philadelphia.

9/5/2011

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook takes eighth loss

News: Cardinals SP Jake Westbrook took his eighth loss of the season during Monday's contest against the Brewers. Westbrook, who was making his 29th start of the season, allowed three runs (two earned) on nine hits over six innings during the 4-1 defeat. The right-hander allowed a run in each of the first two innings, including a solo shot off the bat of Ryan Bruan. Westbrook allowed just one more run over his final three innings of work and was pulled after throwing 107 pitches. He finished with a season-high nine strikeouts and one walk while falling to 11-8 on the season.
Analysis: Westbrook actually pitched pretty well on Monday, but unfortunately didn't get much run support from his teammates. Still, the right-hander has shown much better control of the strike zone over his last two outings, which could be an encouraging sign for owners as we head into the final four weeks of the season. Westbrook will now look to get back on the winning side of things when he makes his next start, which is scheduled for Sunday against the Braves. He has yet to face Atlanta this season but will do so at home, where is now 3-5 with a 5.78 ERA in 14 starts at Busch Stadium. Fantasy owners should consider Westbrook a low-end option heading into Week 23 (Sept. 5-11).

8/31/2011

Jake Westbrook, SP, STL

Jake Westbrook

Westbrook feeling grand in win

News: St. Louis SP Jake Westbrook (11-7) yielded three runs -- two earned -- and eight hits in five innings during the Cardinals' 8-3 victory at Milwaukee on Wednesday. Westbrook, who won for the second time in his last three games, tallied just one strikeout and no walks. He allowed a home run to the first batter he faced in the game (Corey Hart) and a run in the third and fourth innings before being lifted in the sixth -- his shortest outing since Aug. 15 at Pittsburgh. Westbrook helped himself by clubbing his first career homer -- a grand slam in the fourth to give St. Louis a 6-2 lead.
Analysis: After issuing a season-high five walks in his last start, Westbrook settled down against the Brewers and did not register a free pass for the first time since July 15 at Cincinnati. The veteran right-hander has been sporadic with his command and finished with a lowly 18:16 strikeout-to-walk ratio in August. But Wednesday's outing is an encouraging sign for possible improvement heading into the final month of the season. Fantasy owners should consider him a low-end option in NL-only formats for his next projected start Monday against Milwaukee. He is 3-4 with a 5.96 ERA at home this year.