May 9, 2018

With Corey Kluber re-taking the AL IP lead from Justin Verlander, Harvey Hawkins is back on top after yielding his pool supremacy to Jim Kushner for a couple of days. Of course, leads based on innings pitched categories are pretty tenuous, as Verlander's next start will come a few days before Kluber's.

Hawkin's hold on the top spot is far from firm for another reason, besides the fact it's so early. With Jose Berrios getting his control under control and Josh Harrison out with a broken hand, Harvey has the third-lowest HBP total in the pool. By contrast, right behind him in the standings is Dan McCloskey, the pool's leader in the category on the strength of unique pick Carlos Martinez's league-leading total of 9. HBP have been the deciding factor in 4 of the last 6 years, so it's hard not to imagine Harvey's low total coming back to haunt him.

It's a long season, though. Good luck all!