RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Stream in Deep Mixed Leagues, AL-Only Leagues
OWNED IN: 35% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Michael Pineda remains an enigma three full seasons into his career. Last year, he had an outstanding 16-strikeout performance in which he yielded only one run, but gave up eight runs in three innings barely a month later. Despite the inconsistency, it’s performances like the former that allow him to remain an intriguing fantasy option, as he’s owned in 35% of Fleaflicker leagues.
After he gave up six runs in five innings against the Astros on April 6, his next start was encouraging. Pitching against a potent Blue Jays offense, Pineda tossed six innings, allowing just two earned runs in a losing effort. Enjoying a full week at home coming up, Pineda’s first start will come on Tuesday against the Athletics. Since the 27-year-old hasn’t pitched against Oakland in five years, his career numbers against them can be thrown out the window. The way Oakland’s offense has been struggling, however, is a benefit for Pineda, who has started the year facing two of the best offenses in baseball.
His second start of the week comes on Sunday afternoon against the Rays, another team near the bottom of the league in scoring. If you’re willing to take a gamble on the puzzle that is Michael Pineda, this is a good week to do so.
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