Welcome back for week 19 of Streams and Nightmares, where we try to help you plan out your fantasy pitching staff for the upcoming week.
Pitchers are broken down into the following 4 groups. No Brainers, which is pretty self-explanatory. Lock and Load, who are must starts based on match-ups and their expected total value for the week. Proceed with Caution are guys that, depending on the options I have available, I probably start in most 15 teamers, but iffy below that. Potential Nightmares are guys to avoid in mixed leagues. Streamers are guys with lower ownership levels that I am looking to add for this week. Their availability will be league size dependent.
No Brainers:
Jacob deGrom vs MIA, vs WAS
Charlie Morton vs TOR, @ SEA
Jose Berrios vs ATL, vs CLE
Lucas Giolito @ DET, vs OAK
Luis Castillo vs LAA, vs CHC
Lock and Load:
Mike Soroka @ MIN, @ MIA (You have to think they start easing off on his workload soon to have him for October. If he works less innings per start, he may be less likely to grab the win)
Kyle Hendricks vs OAK, @ CIN (As reliable as they come)
Jeff Samadzija vs WAS, vs PHI (Turned it around recently and benefits from 2 at home)
German Marquez @ HOU, @ SD (A 2 step away is a must start for Marquez, even if it does include Houston)
Masahiro Tanaka @ BAL, @ TOR (While these ballparks won’t help his homer issue, the teams he’s playing are very streamable for a 1 start pitcher. If you haven’t dropped him, you’re probably starting him)
Proceed With Caution:
John Lester vs OAK, @ CIN (An inconsistent season for the veteran and these match-ups aren’t the easiest. He’s still a start in 15 team and above)
Max Fried @ MIN, @ MIA (Hasn’t had great away form. The Minnesota start is offset by the Miami start though)
Chase Anderson @ PIT, vs TEX (Pickup for 2 decent match-ups this week)
Michael Pineda vs ATL, vs CLE (2 tough opponents at home. Despite recent success the fastball has ticked down. I am concerned he’s fatiguing in his time away recovering from TJ)
Dinelson Lamet @ SEA, vs COL (I like the match-ups and he’s getting you the K’s, despite the shorter outings)
Vince Velasquez @ ARI, @ SF (Has been performing well when not being asked to go through the order 3 times. I still don’t trust him, but 2 nice starts this week)
Mike Minor @ CLE, @ MIL (After posting a July ERA of 6.59, his stock has plummeted. He did have 3 starts in Texas and 2 against the Astros in those 5 starts however. These 2 on the road aren’t a cake walk, but I am interested to see if he can turn it around)
Jake Arrieta @ ARI, @ SF (The 2 nice starts pushes him back into consideration this week)
Griffin Canning @ CIN, @ BOS (Like the pitcher, don’t like the match-ups)
Jake Odorizzi vs ATL, vs CLE (Rebounded last start after the blowup against the Yankees. These opponents aren’t easy beats, but if he’s back to his mid-rotation form, he’s always a chance to grab a W)
Chris Bassitt@ CHC, @ CWS (Has been on a roll. I might start him while he’s hot)
Potential Nightmares:
Zach Plesac vs TEX, @ MIN (Has pitched well when not facing the Astros)
Aaron Civale vs TEX, @ MIN (Called up to replace Salazar. It would be a dice throw, but he did throw 6 shutout against Detroit in his June spot start)
Mike Leake vs PHI, @ LAD
Rick Porcello vs KC, vs LAA
Daniel Norris vs CWS, vs KC
Jordan Yamamoto @ NYM, vs ATL
Jacob Junis @ BOS, @ DET
Conner Menez vs WAS, vs PHI
Michael Wacha @ LAD, vs PIT
Andrew Cashner vs KC, vs LAA
Sandy Alcantara @ NYM, vs ATL
Jordan Lyles @ PIT, vs TEX
Mike Montgomery @ BOS, @ DET
Merrill Kelly vs PHI, @ LAD
Jacob Waguespack @ TB, vs NYY
Trent Thornton @ TB, vs NYY
Wade LeBlanc vs SD, vs TB
Patrick Sandoval (PP) @ CIN, @ BOS
Dario Agrazal vs MIL, @ STL
Streamers I Want:
Aaron Sanchez @ BAL (Fantrax 68%, CBS 49%, ESPN 8%) – It might just be coincidence that he performed well once acquired by Houston. Either way, @ BAL, I’m taking the chance and picking him up if available.
Drew Smyly vs SF (Fantrax 45%, CBS 30%, ESPN 6%) – Is a streamer when away in a good park. That’s what you got this week.
Cal Quantrill vs COL (Fantrax 36%, CBS 23%, ESPN 4%) – At home against the Rockies who are the second worst offence in baseball when away from Coors.
Good luck everyone!
-Match-ups and ownership percentages are accurate as of 7/5.
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