RADIO
Adam Meyer analyzes under-the-radar starting pitchers (SP) making two starts this week (August 20-August 26) as possible streamers and waiver wire adds or targets for fantasy baseball.
We are already talking about the tail end of August? This season is flying by. I know that football season is upon us, just remember to stay focused and lock in those playoff spots early. With 10 games on Monday, the pitcher player pool increases immensely for us as we look for streamers this week.
This week, we have some familiar names on the list. Some have switched teams since the last time they were mentioned in our streaming article, and others have been reliable streamers who are ready to contribute twice to your fantasy lineup this week.
Last week, Nick Pivetta (6 IP, 1 ER, and 6 K), German Marquez (7 IP, 1 ER, and 7 K), and Jake Odorizzi (5.2 IP, 2 ER, and 9 K) were the stars of the show. All three arms were under 50 percent owned and all three had tremendous opening starts to the week. Hopefully, that momentum continues for them, and us, for this week.
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Pitcher Streamers - Under 50% Owned
Vince Velasquez, PHI (46% owned)
Probable opponents: @ WSH, @ TOR
Minus a rough outing in Arizona (4 IP, 4 ER, and 2 K), Velasquez has been a solid streaming starter and borderline staple to a fantasy rotation. He’s allowed two earned runs, or less, in seven of his last 10 appearances and struck out at least seven batters in four games during that same span. This season, Velasquez has pitched against the Nationals for seven innings and has punched out seven batters (2.57 ERA).
Shane Bieber, CLE (36% owned)
Probable opponents: @ BOS, @ KC
The Biebs will get two turns in the Cleveland rotation this week, facing both the Red Sox and Royals on the road. Bieber has allowed three earned runs, or less, in three consecutive starts and has struck out at least five batters in four straight appearances (six of the last seven, too). His opponents are vastly different, especially in the run producing category, this season. Boston leads the league in runs scored (672 runs in 123 games) and has the best team wOBA (.361) against righties. Kansas City is 30th in runs scored (450 runs in 122 games) and 29th in team wOBA (.293) against righties in 2018.
Mike Fiers, OAK (33% owned)
Probable opponents: vs. TEX, @ MIN
In two starts with the Athletics, Fiers is proving they made the right move bringing him aboard. He’s struck out at least five batters and allowed two earned runs, or less, in each outing with his new club. If you combined starts from his previous team, the Tigers, Fiers has allowed two earned runs, or less, in seven of his last 10 performances. As for his two opponents this week, the Twins are 18th in runs scored (544 runs in 121 games) and the Rangers are first in team strikeouts (1,174) this season.
Pitcher Streamers - Under 25% Owned
Marco Estrada, TOR (13% owned)
Probable opponents: vs. BAL, vs. PHI
It’s been a rough road for Estrada lately. He’s allowed at least four earned runs in three of his last four starts and has struck out five batters, or more, only once in the last six appearances. However, hopefully, the opponents will get easier this week as the Orioles and Phillies are on the docket. Both teams are in the top 10 in team strikeouts and in the bottom 11 in runs scored this season. Baltimore is also 26th in team wOBA (.301) against right-handed pitchers this year.
Austin Gomber, STL (9% owned)
Probable opponents: @ LAD, @ COL
After back-to-back shutouts for Gomber, the road will be tougher this week. He’ll face both the Dodgers and Rockies on the road. However, in those last two outings, he struck out nine total batters and allowed only seven hits with zero earned runs. As I mentioned, the Dodgers and Rockies are a little better offenses than the one’s he’s faced already. Both are in the top 10 in runs scored this season. Also, the Rockies have the best team wOBA (.351) against left-handed pitchers this season. On the bright side, both teams are also in the top 11 in team strikeouts this year.
Trevor Richards, MIA (8% owned)
Probable opponents: vs. NYY, vs. ATL
Richards was roughed up by the Braves in his last start (4.1 IP, 5 ER, and 3 K) and he’ll face them, again, this week. However, Richards has still allowed three earned runs, or less, in six of the last seven appearances. He’s also punched out at least six batters in four of the last five outings. As for the Yankees, they are seventh in team strikeouts (1,074) this season.
