Fantasy baseball Pitching Report: Archer flashes his potential

Chris Archer tossed seven strikeouts in six innings during his first start of 2014 against Toronto.

Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports

Archer threw well in his first start of the year, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out seven in six innings in just a hint of what's to come for the Rays this year, and likely every year through 2021. Tampa Bay has itself a highly affordable commodity at a hard-to-fill position, and while there's always some risk in handing a six-, or potentially eight-year extension to a starting pitcher, it's impossible to argue with the logic behind this one. Archer will be a major asset for his fantasy owners this year, and for the Rays into next decade.

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images Sport

• Doug Fister, Washington Nationals -- I'm refusing to downgrade any pitchers after one week. However, Fister had to push back his throwing program as his lat strain continues to give him trouble. He played catch on Sunday for the first time since suffering the injury, making throws from 60 feet. The Nationals expect him to be on the DL for another month or so, simply to build up arm strength.