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In this piece, RotoBaller will highlight a selection of starting pitchers owned in less than 75% of both CBS and Yahoo leagues that have favorable matchups in the upcoming week. Whether you’re suffering from injuries, poor performance, or your league’s fantasy baseball waiver wire is barren, these undervalued pitchers could prove useful in the days ahead.
8/13: Marco Estrada (MIL) @ Texas Rangers (Alexi Ogando)
CBS Ownership: 35%, Yahoo Ownership: 28%
Estrada was simply sensational in his return from a two-month hamstring injury last week, completely dominating the Giants in striking out six and allowing just one hit over five shutout innings. The changeup artist was an up-and-down performer prior to his extended DL stay, but at this stage of the season he represents real value considering he’s available in the vast majority of CBS and Yahoo leagues. Despite a tough matchup, look for him to keep it going in Arlington on Tuesday night.
8/14: Ivan Nova (NYY) vs. Los Angeles Angels (Jered Weaver)
CBS Ownership: 71%, Yahoo Ownership: 43%
It’s hard to believe Nova isn’t owned in virtually all leagues, as the Yankees’ righty has been one of the best pitchers in baseball since returning at the end of June from a minor league demotion. In that timeframe “Super” Nova has lived up to his nickname, posting a spectacular 2.04 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 55/15 K/BB ratio over 57.1 IP. Nova needs to be owned and started in all formats, as he could truly be a difference-maker in the heat of the fantasy stretch run.
8/14: Dillon Gee (NYM) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (Chris Capuano)
CBS Ownership: 49%, Yahoo Ownership: 20%
What’s a guy gotta do to get some respect? Gee was horrendous in April and May, but since then he’s been one of the most consistent starters in baseball, piling up a 2.52 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 52/20 K/BB ratio over 82 IP while going 9/12 in quality starts. Somehow he’s still owned in less than half of CBS and less than a quarter of Yahoo leagues, something that’s inexcusable after months of premium performance. Sure, he doesn’t get many wins pitching for the Mets, but Gee is someone who should be rolled out every fifth day with confidence. Get him in there on Wednesday night; odds are he’ll deliver yet another strong performance.
8/15: Dan Haren (WAS) vs. San Francisco (Ryan Vogelsong)
CBS Ownership: 63%, Yahoo Ownership: 59%
Haren was a free agent and fantasy bust in the season’s first half, but he’s put up a 2.77 ERA and lethal 25/4 K/BB ratio in 26 IP since the All-Star break. In rediscovering his mojo, Haren has totally dominated in his past three starts, going seven innings in all of them and surrendering 1, 0 and 2 ER, respectively. This is the Dan Haren that Washington paid $13 million for, and he should be used while the going’s good. Roster him immediately if available and look for another strong effort versus San Francisco on Thursday afternoon.
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