Sneaky Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups and Buys (Week 20): Hot Pitchers to Sustain Success?

Some valuable starting pitchers have hit the injured list recently, dealing a blow to their fantasy managers. Among them are Ranger Suarez (back) and Reynaldo Lopez (forearm).

As managers look to replace injured starters, streaming the right players could be key. Are Jose Quintana, River Ryan, JP Sears, Jose Soriano, and David Peterson just viable streaming options, or could any of them be worth rostering for the remainder of the season?

Let’s dig into the stats for these five starters and discuss if they can sustain their current level of success. All roster percentages are via Yahoo.

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Jose Quintana, New York Mets

36% rostered

Quintana has given up two or fewer runs in seven of his last nine starts. During that span, he posted a 1.06 WHIP and recorded 50 strikeouts over 52 innings. His recent run of success has helped Quintana lower his ERA to 3.95 for the season. However, his 4.90 FIP is a concern.

As good as Quintana has been lately, he doesn’t come with a ton of fantasy upside. He doesn’t miss many bats, generating an 18.7% strikeout rate. His 1.27 WHIP also isn’t a major asset. While he can still exploit a favorable matchup, he shouldn’t be viewed as anything more than a streaming option.

River Ryan, Los Angeles Dodgers

36% rostered

The Dodgers starting rotation is deeper now after they acquired Jack Flaherty from the Tigers. Clayton Kershaw is also back from the injured list. Still, as they continue to search for a viable fifth member of their rotation, Ryan has been given an opportunity. He has made three starts since being called up, allowing four runs (three earned) over 15 2/3 innings.

It’s a bit worrisome that Ryan walked nine batters over his three outings. Last year, he had a 10.7% walk rate at Double-A. He also only had a 23.7% strikeout rate at the level. It helps his cause that he has a good lineup to provide him with run support and a bullpen behind him that got stronger with the acquisition of Michael Kopech. However, he might not be in the majors for much longer, with Walker Buehler (hip) nearing a return.

JP Sears, Oakland Athletics

34% rostered

Sears was sharp against the White Sox on Monday, holding them to one run over seven innings. That marked the fourth time over his last six starts that Sears allowed one or no runs. Not known for his ability to miss bats, Sears even recorded 35 strikeouts over 36 1/3 innings during that span.

It should be noted that three of Sears’ last six starts have come against the White Sox and Angels. They both rank inside the bottom five in baseball in runs scored. In total, Sears has a 4.35 ERA and a 4.47 FIP this season, to go along with an 18.2% strikeout rate. Stream him when he faces a struggling lineup, but be wary of deploying him when he doesn’t have a significant matchup advantage.

Jose Soriano, Los Angeles Angels

21% rostered

Soriano has logged at least six innings and allowed one or no runs in three of his last four starts. His ERA is down to 3.47 for the season, to go along with his 1.21 WHIP. One of the keys to his success has been keeping hitters inside the ballpark. Through 103 2/3 innings, he has been taken deep only eight times.

As good as Soriano has been lately, two of his recent starts came against the Mariners, who have scored the fourth-fewest runs in baseball. With regards to fantasy, Soriano has seen his value be limited because of his 19.8% strikeout rate. His FIP isn’t all that great, either, at 3.95. Stream him when he has a favorable matchup, but be ready to send him right back to the waiver wire when he is lined up to face a more difficult lineup.

David Peterson, New York Mets

17% rostered

Last year, Peterson finished with a 5.03 ERA and a 26.0% strikeout rate. This season, he has a much better ERA at 3.47, but his strikeout rate has cratered to 18.1%. Oddly enough, his FIP last year (4.34) is almost right on par with his mark for this season (4.56).

The lack of strikeouts is a real surprise with Peterson, given that he has a 24.1% strikeout rate for his career. He needs to be able to miss bats when you factor in his lack of control. For his career, he has a 10.5% walk rate. Until he shows signs of becoming a better source for strikeouts again, Peterson won’t be able to ascend past streamer status.

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