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Two-Start Pitcher Streamers for Week 20

Michael Grennell analyzes under-the-radar starting pitchers (SP) making two starts in Week 20 as possible streamers and waiver wire adds or targets for fantasy baseball.

Oof. Big oof. That was my reaction after finding out that shortly after publishing last week's column, both Michael Pineda AND Griffin Canning ended up on the Injured List. Then add on to that the fact Jordan Yamamoto's start got pushed back, and...yeah I whiffed on last week's column. My bad guys.

Wrapping up Week 17's list, Reynaldo Lopez was the top choice to go with as he finished 1-0 with five runs allowed over 10 2/3 innings while striking out nine. And taking a look at the two guys from Week 18 still on track to make two starts, Dylan Cease is out in front after allowing two runs over five innings while striking out six en route to his second career win.

Well here's hoping half of this week's list doesn't end up on the IL as well.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Week 20 Streamers - Under 50% Owned

Zac Gallen, ARI - 54% owned

Probable opponents: @ COL, vs SFG

I know he's technically over the 50% threshold, but Gallen has been dominating teams over his last five starts, as he has posted a 1.53 ERA with 33 strikeouts over 29 1/3 innings. In his Arizona debut on Wednesday, Gallen allowed one hit and three walks over five scoreless innings while striking out six against the Phillies.

He'll open up Week 20 on the road against the Rockies, who have gone 3-7 over their last 10 games while averaging 4.4 runs and 6.8 strikeouts per game in that span. This start could prove somewhat problematic for Gallen, as the Rockies hit significantly better at home (.307 average, .894 OPS) than on the road (.230, 674). But even with those splits, Gallen has shown success shutting down top offenses in Minnesota and Los Angeles, where he held the Twins and Dodgers to a combined four runs — three earned — over 12 1/3 innings, so playing the struggling Rockies should be much of a challenge. After Colorado, Gallen returns home to Arizona where he will face the Giants, who are hitting even worse than the Rockies. Over their last 10 games, San Francisco is averaging 3.0 runs and 8.1 strikeouts per game while posting a 3-7 record in that span.

Despite the potential difficulty of playing the Rockies at Colorado, this week seems to be a relatively easy slate of starts for the rookie. Gallen is riding a hot streak right now, and owners should jump on the bandwagon and target him first and foremost out of this week's column.

Brendan McKay, TBR - 39% owned

Probable opponents: @ SDP, vs DET

Another rookie with a good schedule this week, McKay has taken a hit to this ERA over the past couple weeks but he's continuing to post high strikeout numbers. He has seen his ERA jump from 1.69 to 4.55 over his last three starts, but he has posted four straight outings with at least five strikeouts and he has thrown at least seven strikeouts in three of his last four starts.

Starting off the week in San Diego, McKay will face a Padres offense that is averaging 5.7 runs and 10.0 strikeouts over their last 10 games. While the Padres may be one of the highest-scoring offenses over the last two weeks, McKay will benefit from San Diego's batting splits as they are hitting worse at home (.234 average, .715 OPS) than on the road (.255, .766) and they are hitting worse against left-handed starters (.229, .707) than against right-handers (.249, .750). After San Diego, McKay will return to Tampa Bay to take on the Tigers who have gone 3-7 over their last 10 games while averaging 5.0 runs and 8.0 strikeouts over that span. That scoring average though is quite inflated from the Tigers wins in this span, as they scored 29 of their 50 runs in those three victories.

McKay is the guy to go after from this week's column if you're looking for strikeout potential. As mentioned before, McKay's ERA has climbed over his last few starts, and he'll be facing a couple of offenses that are upping their scoring output over the last few weeks. If you're willing to risk a potential hit to your ERA, McKay should be your first pick out of this column.

 

Week 20 Streamers - Under 25% Owned

Ivan Nova, CHW - 17% owned

Probable opponents: vs HOU, @ LAA

After a rough start to the season, Nova has been pitching significantly better over the last two months. Over his last seven starts Nova is 4-2 with a 2.44 ERA and three quality starts while striking out 24 in 44 1/3 innings. Nova will start Week 20 against the Astros, who are averaging 7.4 runs and 7.3 strikeouts over their last 10 games. It's definitely an outing for owners to be wary of, but Nova will have a slight benefit from Houston's splits, as they are hitting worse against right-handed starters (.265 average, .815 OPS) than against left-handers (.292, .876) and they are hitting worse on the road (.266, .818) than at home (.279, .846). Things will look much better in his second start against the Angels, as they are averaging 2.9 runs and 9.7 strikeouts over their last 10 games.

Nova isn't a strikeout machine, and owners shouldn't expect much help in that category this week. What Nova should be able to provide a boost to in Week 20 are wins and ERA, and in leagues that count it he could provide at least one quality start. He's not going to single-handedly win the week for you, but he should provide solid help that could push your team over the edge.

Joe Ross, WAS - 2% owned

Probable opponents: vs CIN, vs MIL

Since making the move from the bullpen to the rotation, Ross has been a fairly effective starter. Over four starts, Ross is 2-2 with a 3.80 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 21 1/3 innings against the Braves, Dodgers, Diamondbacks and Giants. He'll start off Week 20 against the Reds, who have heated up at the plate recently and are averaging 5.5 runs and 7.8 strikeouts over their last 10 games. Ross should benefit slightly from the Reds' splits, as they are hitting 25 points lower against right-handed starters and 17 points lower on the road. After Cincinnati, Ross will take on the Brewers, who are averaging 3.9 runs and 10.0 strikeouts over their last 10 games.

Ross' value this week is similar to Nova's, in that he won't win the week for you all by himself, but he can provide a solid boost to a strong team. Both of their matchups this week are relatively similar in difficulty and potential, but owners should try to grab Nova before looking at Ross.

Dillon Peters, LAA - 2% owned

Probable opponents: vs PIT, vs CHW

Peters is essentially the American League version of Ross this week. Since making the move from the bullpen to the rotation, Peters has been pitching well with a 3.18 ERA and 19 strikeouts over his last 22 2/3 innings. He'll take on the Pirates first in Week 20, who despite posting a 2-8 record in their last 10 games are averaging 5.3 runs and 7.1 strikeouts in that span. Pittsburgh though is hitting significantly worse this year against left-handed starters (.249 average, .690 OPS) than against right-handers (.270, .766), which should give a boost to Peters' value. His next start will come against the White Sox, who have averaged 4.6 runs and 11.3 strikeouts over their last 10 games. Between the two starts, it will likely be his outing against Chicago that provides the most value for Peters.

While I previously compared Ross' value to Nova, Peters will likely be at almost the exact same level of value as Ross this week. If owners are looking at either Peters or Ross, it will truly boil down to a coin toss as to who you should target first. That being said, my money is on Ross for Week 20.

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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
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Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
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Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

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' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
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Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
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Suffers Second-Round TKO
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Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
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Santiago Luna

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Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
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Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Aaron Jones Sr.

Injures Hamstring During Sunday Night Football
Darren Waller

Not Expected to Play in Week 3
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
Jameson Williams

Records Long Touchdown in Week 2, Still Limited to Downfield Role?
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Jayden Daniels

Considered "Day-to-Day" with Knee Injury
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Exits with Back Tightness
Jonathan Taylor

Tops 200 Yards From Scrimmage in Week 2 Win
Joe Burrow

Could Miss Three Months if he Requires Toe Surgery
Davante Adams

Headlines Rams Receiving Corps Sunday
Wan'Dale Robinson

Explodes for 142 Yards, Touchdown in Overtime Thriller
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
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Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

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Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
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Takes a Seat on Sunday With Head Injury
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Activated, Starting on Sunday
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
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DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
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Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
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CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
Bryan Woo

Records Career-High 13 Strikeouts
Max Muncy

Exits Early on Saturday
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Salvador Perez

Reaches 300 Home Runs, 1,000 RBI
Jose Altuve

Exits Early With Foot Discomfort
Trey Yesavage

Heading to Big Leagues
Will Smith

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

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Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
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Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
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Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

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Corey Perry

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Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
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CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
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Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
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A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

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Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
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Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
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Looks To Return To The Win Column
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David Sanders Jr. Won't Play Against Georgia
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
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Dylan Edwards Slated to Return on Friday
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return
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Ryan Williams Expected to Play Against Wisconsin
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Officially Signs Contract Extension
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Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Notches 39 Points in Losing Effort
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Cam Reddish Expected to Move to Europe
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Trey Lyles Joins Real Madrid
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Michael Misa Signs Entry-Level Contract With Sharks
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Nursing an Injury

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