3 Up, 3 Down: The Biggest MLB Fantasy Questions of the Week

Here are three burning questions affecting MLB fantasy players this week:

Is it time to drop Michael Pineda outright?

Josh Ghatak: Having made this decision personally, the answer is an unfortunate, but necessary, yes. While many drafted Pineda looking for a high strikeout total, his awful 6.92 ERA, WHIP of 1.65, and 2-6 record is simply unbearable. Even with his 9.96 K/9, it is time to cut ties with this failed draft pick. The pain he has inflicted in three categories is not worth the punch-outs.

Andrew Potter: Last year's bad 4.37 ERA got even worse and Pinata Pineda has an injury history as long as his battered arm. His average draft position had him going in the 15th round in 10-team leagues and even that's too early for my liking. I don't think he'll be this bad if he stays healthy but he needed to be dropped a month ago.

James Bisson: Outside of 14-team-or-deeper leagues or AL-only formats, Pineda should be a free agent. The strikeouts are nice, but that's about all he has going for him right now - and there's no guarantee he stays in the starting rotation if the Yankees opt for help from the minors or via trade. It's a tough pill to swallow, but if you're a Pineda owner, it's probably time to cut bait.

Is Jonathan Villar a legitimate option at shortstop for the rest of the year?

Josh Ghatak: Villar has been a steal for those who scooped him up early on, and he should remain that way, especially at such a thin position. While a .419 BABIP will lead to some regression, his speed on the base paths will allow him to stick around all year long. 45 steals, 55 RBIs, and 70 Runs are attainable.

Andrew Potter: Villar has hit first or second in the order in 35 of his 47 starts this season; in fact, since assuming everyday lead off duties on May 14, he has hit .357 with a .464 OBP. While that will regress, my bigger worry is his 75 percent conversion rate on steal attempts - slightly below the point where the risk outweighs the reward of a steal. Still, at a thin position, he's a must-own.

James Bisson: Villar is providing exactly what the Cincinnati Reds wish they were getting out of OF Billy Hamilton. While his current batting average is likely unsustainable, Villar has the ability to post consistently high BABIPs thanks to his blazing speed. Something north of .280 is possible, and that - combined with 60-steal upside - makes him a valuable fantasy option.

Which struggling ace are you buying low?

Josh Ghatak: At this point, I'm completely off both Matt Harvey and Dallas Keuchel. Ultimately, Chris Archer seems like the best answer here though he may be the highest priced 'buy-low' option. After a rocky start, Archer has shown signs of turning it around, posting five quality starts in his last seven outings. His K/9 also stands at a healthy 10.74.

Andrew Potter: Sonny Gray hit the DL with a injury in his throwing shoulder -- the same injury that put Stephen Strasburg out of commission for a month last summer. Stras posted a 6.55 ERA pre-injury and a 1.76 ERA in 13 starts post-injury. It's clear that Gray was impacted on the mound; when he returns, I expect to perform closer to ace value, similar to how the Nats' ace performed.

James Bisson: I'll take Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Marcus Stroman. While his sagging K rate is certainly a concern, he's a much better pitcher than his 4.46 ERA would suggest; a 3.67 FIP suggests some bad luck, and he is still elite at keeping the ball in the park. Expect a bounce-back soon, and seek out Stroman owners who have lost patience. They're out there.