This article focuses on a precious commodity in Head-to-Head points leagues … starting pitchers with RP-eligibility or SPARP (starting pitcher as relief pitcher) as they have been conveniently coined by Scott White and Al Melchior from CBS Sports.
The concept is simple. An average starting pitcher will score more points per week than an average closer. The word average is used advisedly as elite closers are preferable over mid-range starters. Two-start weeks are potential bonanzas, especially in leagues where as many starts as possible are desirable. Being able to slot a starting pitcher into one of your RP spots gives you the potential for a big matchup advantage. Added to this, there is the inevitable lack of job security attached to being a closer. Thirteen of last season’s 30 closers lost their jobs by the All-Star break.
You can expect the addition of RP-eligibility to push up the draft position of a starter by two or three rounds. A waiver wire pitcher like Doug Fister suddenly has mixed-league appeal.
Unfortunately, there is no standout player this season like Carlos Carrasco, Alex Wood or Kris Medlen who have previously produced top-20 stats from an RP slot. Luckily, there are plenty of SPARPs who, given a shot in the rotation, could be useful additions to your roster this season. Most of the players detailed below will face battles in Spring Training and some may not even become viable options until later in the season.
One final note is that the major platforms have different eligibility rules (CBS = 10 relief appearances, ESPN = 8 relief appearances and Yahoo just 3). There are a few anomalies which have been noted below but check your player pool.
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Chris Young (SP, RP – KC)
The 36-year-old is expected to open the season as the Royals’ fifth starter although he will face competition from Kris Medlen, Dillon Gee and the two highly-touted prospects Kyle Zimmer and Miguel Almonte. The tall left-hander made 18 starts in 2015 with an 8-6 win-loss record. He also won three games in relief so he could be used as a weapon out of a bullpen that is lacking in left-handers. As a starter last year, he had a 3.18 ERA and 1.12 WHIP, so if Young secures a rotation spot he will have value in most leagues.
Adam Warren (SP, RP – CHC)
The 28-year-old moved from New York to Chicago in the offseason in exchange for Starlin Castro. He made 17 starts last year with a 6-6 win-loss record, 3.66 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 6.28 SO/9. The Cubs’ rotation looks stable with Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, John Lackey, Jason Hammel and Kyle Hendricks, so Warren is likely to start the season in the bullpen. Expect him to be the first pitcher called upon when there is an opening in the rotation. The right-hander demonstrated an ability to restrict hard contact, with only 13 starting pitchers improving upon his 24.7%. In a recent interview with MLB Radio, he admitted a preference to starting, citing enjoying the mind game and the ability to use all of his pitches. Warren is likely to be a valuable SPARP when he gets his opportunity. Keep him on your radar.
Trevor May (SP, RP – MIN)
The right-hander made 16 starts in 2015 with a 3.25 FIP, 1.33 WHIP and 8.63 SO/9. The 26-year-old will battle Tommy Milone, Ricky Nolasco and Taylor Duffey for the final two spots in the rotation. He had mixed results as a starter last year ranging from a nine-hit, six-run disaster when he only retired one batter to a majestic two-hit, scoreless outing against the Red Sox, when he struck out nine over seven innings. Long-term, the Twins still see May as a starter, but they may decide to keep him in the bullpen this season. With an above-average fastball and a useful changeup, May has the potential to develop into a good pitching option. There is of course the risk that even if he does win a rotation spot, he is only keeping it warm until uber-prospect Jose Berrios is called up.
Ryan Vogelsong (SP, RP – PIT)
Having spent the last five years with the Giants, Ryan Vogelsong returns to Pittsburgh where he pitched from 2003-2006. He made 22 starts in 2015 with an 8-10 win-loss record, 4.50 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 6.98 SO/9. The 38-year-old is expected to start in the rotation, which already looks weak with Jon Niese and Jeff Locke. Perhaps the Pirates’ pitching coach Ray Searage can work his magic and transform Vogelsong back into an All-Star. Otherwise, the folks in Pittsburgh will be clamoring for the promotion of star prospects Tyler Glasnow and Jameson Taillon.
Drew Pomeranz (SP, RP – SD)
The 27-year-old made nine starts with the Athletics in 2015 with a 2-3 win-loss record, 7.25 SO/9, 4.63 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. The former first-round pick was much better when he moved to the bullpen, throwing 44 innings with a 10.0 SO/9, 2.61 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. He will battle Brandon Maurer, Robbie Erlin, Colin Rea, Brandon Morrow, Luis Perdomo and Carlos Villanueva for one of the final two rotation spots. Pomeranz’s dominance as a relief pitcher and being out-of-options, suggests that a bullpen role beckons. Grab him quickly if he does get the opportunity to start as he will offer mixed-league value if he can finally produce to his potential.
Aaron Sanchez (SP, RP – TOR)
The former first-round pick made 11 starts in 2015 with a 5-4 win-loss record, 5.73 SO/9, 3.55 ERA and 1.44 WHIP. He was then shifted to the bullpen and made 30 relief appearances. The trade which brought Drew Storen to Toronto will likely give Aaron Sanchez another opportunity to make the rotation. The right-hander is an extreme groundball pitcher (58.1% last year, sixth-highest among starters) and has a fastball that tops out in the high 90s. Financially it makes sense for the Blue Jays to persevere with the cost-controlled 23-year-old as a starter, although he will face competition from Drew Hutchison and the newly-acquired Gavin Floyd. Sanchez is erratic at times but has the potential to grow into a very exciting starter for the high-scoring Blue Jays.
Tanner Roark (SP, RP – WAS)
Tanner Roark was sensational in 2014 with 15 wins in 31 starts and a 2.85 ERA but he is not as good as that looks. Last year he drifted between the rotation and the bullpen, making 12 starts with a 3-4 win-loss record, 4.82 ERA and 1.35 WHIP. He has never had high strikeout numbers but they dropped to just 4.96 SO/9 giving him very little room for error. The right-hander is expected to win a rotation spot along with Joe Ross, but the Nationals have plenty of depth, including A.J. Cole, Taylor Jordan, Bronson Arroyo, Yusmeiro Petit and of course, star prospect Lucas Giolito.
Doug Fister (SP, RP – HOU)
The right-hander was a decent starting pitching option in his time in Detroit (440+ innings with a 3.29 ERA and 7.82 SO/9). His performance slipped in his first year with the Nationals (3.93 ERA, 5.4 SO/9) but he still finished eighth in Cy Young voting. Everything deteriorated for him last year, with a 4-7 win-loss record, 5.02 SO/9, 4.60 ERA and 1.42 WHIP over 15 starts. Despite his groundball rate, strikeout rate and average fastball velocity all trending downwards, the Astros signed him to a one-year deal that could reach $12 million. Fister will compete with Mike Fiers, Asher Wojciechowski, Lance McCullers, Brad Peacock, Dan Straily and Scott Feldman for the last three rotation spots. He has shown the ability to be a mixed-league viable starter so if the Astros have identified a fixable flaw, maybe the 32-year-old can be a useful addition to your deep league roster.
Brandon Maurer (RP – SD)
He is one of the most intriguing sleeper pitchers to draft this year. With Tyson Ross, Andrew Cashner and James Shields firmly installed at the top of the rotation, there are two spots available. Maurer will be given the opportunity in Spring Training to prove himself as a starter, failing that he can stake a claim to be the Padres’ closer. He made 53 relief appearances last year, striking out 6.88 SO/9 with a 3.00 ERA and 1.06 WHIP, although he pitched better than the stats suggest. With an improved slider and average fastball velocity of 95 mph, the 25-year-old could be excellent value.
Vincent Velasquez (SP, RP – PHI)
Even if he starts in the minors, the 23-year-old could be this year’s most valuable SPARP. He made seven starts in 2015 with a 1-1 win-loss record, 4.03 ERA (3.27 FIP) and 1.29 WHIP while striking out hitters at a rate of 9.0 SO/9. With a fastball that tops out at 99 mph and a plus changeup, Velasquez will enter camp as the favorite to secure the final rotation spot, according to MLB.com. The Phillies’ manager Pete Mackanin has already confirmed that Aaron Nola, Jeremy Hellickson, Charlie Morton and Jerad Eickhoff will be in his rotation. Velasquez will battle with Brett Oberholtzen, David Buchanan, Adam Morgan and Alec Asher for the final spot. The Phillies also have Mark Appel, Zach Eflin and Jake Thompson in the minors so their rotation is likely to be in flux for the whole season. However, when Velasquez does get his shot, expect him to hold on to it for the rest of the season.
Brandon Finnegan (SP, RP – CIN)
The former first-round pick made four starts in 2015 with a 2-2 win-loss record, 8.57 SO/9, 4.71 ERA (5.32 FIP) and 1.33 WHIP. He has an excellent repertoire of fastball, curve and change, and induces a lot of groundballs (54.3%). The left-hander’s numbers in the minors were enticing, just 17.6% hard-hit ball rate in 2014 and before the trade to the Reds, he was striking out 12.2 SO/9 in Triple-A. There will be competition in Spring Training but John Lamb will be out until the end of April, Homer Bailey is expected to be out until the All-Star break and top prospect Robert Stephenson will likely continue to develop in Triple-A. The 22-year-old should make the Reds’ roster and could be one of the best SPARPs this year.
Tony Cingrani (RP – CIN)
There will be lots of Spring Training opportunities for players to impress the rebuilding Reds. Tony Cingrani is one of the contenders to assume the closer role from recently departed Aroldis Chapman. The left-hander has made 30 career starts in the majors with a 3.72 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 9.58 SO/9. Cingrani will need to work on a third pitch if he has ambitions to be given another shot at starting. The 26-year-old is out-of-options so will make the 25-man roster and is definitely worth picking up if he gets an opportunity in the rotation.
Matt Barnes (RP – BOS)
The shine is wearing off the former first-round pick who lost both of his big league starts in 2015 with an unflattering 5.36 FIP and 7.84 SO/9. The 25-year-old, with a plus-fastball that gets up to the high 90s, will likely start in Triple-A and has fallen behind the more highly-regarded prospects Henry Owens and Brian Johnson as well as the recently acquired Roenis Elias. The Red Sox announced their plan for Barnes to now work exclusively from the bullpen but he has the pedigree of a starter in the minors so keep an eye on him if injuries hit.
Alex Meyer (RP – MIN)
The 6-foot-9 right-hander made 28 starts in Triple-A in 2014 but was restricted to just eight last year as he was shifted to work mainly out of the bullpen. The former top-20 prospect made two relief appearances in the majors in 2015, coughing up two home runs in just 2 2/3 innings. He has a fastball that sits 93-98 mph, an excellent slider and boasts a career 10.13 SO/9 spanning all levels. The Twins’ rotation, which will contain two of Ricky Nolasco, Tommy Milone, Trevor May and Taylor Duffey, looks fragile. They have highly-rated prospect Jose Berrios in Triple-A waiting for the call. Alex Meyer might get another chance to start, but it looks like the Twins have plans for the 26-year-old to be a bullpen weapon, perhaps even the closer-in-waiting.
Miguel Almonte (RP – KC)
The Royals’ highly-rated prospect made 23 starts between Double-A and Triple-A in 2015 with a 4.51 ERA and 8.33 SO/9. He jumped to his third level of the year by making nine bullpen appearances in the majors. The 22-year-old right-hander is destined to be a solid starter for the Royals but probably not until mid-late 2016. There is no reason to rush the fireballer with two of Danny Duffy, Chris Young, Kris Medlen and Dillon Gee almost certain to claim the remaining rotation spots. Almonte will bide his time in the minors with fellow highly-rated prospect Kyle Zimmer awaiting the call to the big leagues. Keep Almonte on your watch list. He could very valuable in the second half.
Alex Colome (SP, RP – TB)
The 27-year-old made 13 starts in 2015 with a 3-4 win-loss record, 4.70 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and an uninspiring 5.74 SO/9. With Alex Cobb unlikely to return until July and the back end of the rotation (Drew Smyly, Erasmo Ramirez and Matt Moore) looking unstable, there will be starting opportunities in Tampa Bay. The right-hander is out-of-options and almost guaranteed a spot on the 25-man roster, but the departure of Jake McGee probably pushes Alex Colome into the eighth-inning setup role. Of course, Rays’ fans will be desperate for highly-touted prospect Blake Snell to be called up, but Colome could still get some opportunities to start.
Joe Blanton (SP, RP – LAD)
The veteran made four starts in 2015 with a 2-2 win-loss record, 5.30 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 8.2 SO/9. However, he was a revelation in the bullpen with 32 appearances, two saves, a 2.04 ERA and 9.73 SO/9. The Dodgers are stacked with starters, but Brandon McCarthy, Brett Anderson, Frankie Montas and Hyun-jin Ryu are all expected to start the season on the DL. Alex Wood, Brandon Beachy, Mike Bolsinger, Carlos Frias and Zach Lee are the most likely contenders to fill out the rotation. Highly-rated prospects Julio Urias and Jose De Leon will probably be given more time to develop in the minors before being summoned to the big leagues. Joe Blanton does not look like an attractive starting pitching option but, as the long man in the Dodgers’ bullpen, he could get a handful of spot starts in 2016. Just don’t expect too much from them.
Josh Collmenter (SP, RP – ARI)
The 30-year-old right-hander made 12 starts with a 3-6 win-loss record, 5.24 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and just 4.33 SO/9. He is expected to be the swing man in the Diamondbacks’ bullpen so is likely to get the occasional spot start. Back in 2014 he was a viable starter in mixed leagues with 10 wins in his 28 starts. The Diamondbacks have lots of high-upside pitching options, with Archie Bradley, Zack Godley, Braden Shipley, Rubby De La Rosa and Robbie Ray all battling for the final two rotation spots. Collmenter, the 2015 Opening Day starter, will likely give you innings and the possibility of a few wins should he get the opportunity to start.
Bud Norris (SP, RP – ATL)
Bud Norris is expected to be an innings-eater for the rebuilding Braves, and if he recaptures the form that deserted him last year, he will be flipped to a contender in July. The 30-year-old made 28 starts in 2014 with a 3.65 ERA and 1.22 WHIP. It spiraled out of control for him last year with a 6.79 ERA and 1.62 WHIP in 11 starts before being traded to the Padres to work exclusively from the bullpen. The right-hander still has a fastball that can touch the high 90s and is expected to remain in the rotation until the Braves’ younger, more exciting starters are ready to make the jump to the big leagues. Norris will frustrate fantasy owners with his lack of control, but he could still have value in leagues where innings equal points.
Jose Urena (SP, RP – MIA)
There was a six-game stretch in June when Jose Urena looked like the highly-rated prospect that he was touted to be. He posted a 2.86 ERA but with a worryingly-low 4.15 SO/9. He has never been a high strikeout pitcher, registering just 6.40 SO/9 in the minors. The right-hander was given another opportunity to start in August but was blown away with an 11.57 ERA over just two games. There are opportunities in the Marlins’ rotation behind Jose Fernandez and Wei-Yen Chen, but Urena will need to show more in Spring Training before you can take a shot with him, even in the deepest leagues.
Frankie Montas (RP – LAD)
The right-hander was rushed to the majors last year after just five starts in Double-A. He brings heat with a fastball that can reach 100 mph and has a Minor League strikeout rate of 9.20 SO/9. Although his two starts in 2015 resulted in a 9.00 ERA (4.25 FIP), he did strike out 10 hitters over seven innings (12.9 SO/9). He has just had surgery for a rib injury and will miss two-to-four months. The expectation that the 22-year-old will compete for a spot in the Dodgers’ rotation after the All-Star break makes Montas one of the most exciting RP-eligible pitchers on this list.
Rafael Montero (RP – NYM)
The 25-year-old has thrown 176 1/3 innings in Triple-A, all as a starter, with an 8.40 SO/9 rate, 3.42 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. Montero made one start in 2015, giving up three earned runs with one walk and six strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings. He is ready for an extended shot in the big leagues but the Mets have a crowded and proven rotation. Spring Training will decide whether he is kept stretched out in the minors or added to the bullpen. Montero’s upside makes him a definite RP-eligible starter to target.
Taylor Jordan (RP – WAS)
The 27-year-old has made 15 starts in the big leagues over the last three years. He offers a low strikeout rate (5.40 SO/9) and below-average control (1.46 WHIP). The Nationals have many starting pitching options with Joe Ross, A.J. Cole, Yusmeiro Petit, Bronson Arroyo and Tanner Roark vying for the two remaining slots in their Opening Day rotation. Of course, they have their star prospect Lucas Giolito waiting to make his debut. Jordan’s opportunities to start will be limited and when they do come, they are unlikely to be valuable except in the deepest leagues,
Dylan Bundy (RP – BAL)
The Orioles’ former top prospect is an intriguing pitcher to draft in 2016. He is RP-eligible in CBS and Yahoo leagues but only SP-eligible on ESPN. The 23-year-old still has No. 1 starter potential with an excellent mix of fastball, curve and cutter. Health has been the biggest problem for the right-hander. As he is now out-of-options, he will have to make the 25-man roster or start the season on the DL. The likelihood is that Bundy will work from the bullpen and when his strength is deemed sufficient, make the transition back to a starter towards the end of the season. The upside is too great to miss out, so make sure Bundy is high on your list of potential SPARPs.
Kyle Zimmer (RP – KC)
The first-round pick from the 2012 draft is RP-eligible on CBS and ESPN but only SP-eligible on Yahoo. Zimmer has always had the potential to be an ace but has struggled with elbow and shoulder issues, raising doubt about the future role of MLB.com’s No. 64 prospect. He has a plus fastball which can reach 97 mph and an excellent curveball. However, the Royals might prefer to protect his health by confining him to the bullpen. The right-hander pitched 64 innings in the minors last year with 72 strikeouts, 2.93 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. The top of the Royals’ rotation is set with Yordano Ventura, Edinson Volquez and Ian Kennedy but the fourth and fifth spots are up for grabs. Danny Duffy, Chris Young, Miguel Almonte, Dillon Gee, Kris Medlen and Kyle Zimmer will compete during Spring Training. A strong showing by Zimmer to claim a rotation spot could make him one of the season’s most valuable SPARPs.
Bryan Mitchell (RP – NYY)
The 24-year-old right-hander pitched 29 2/3 mediocre innings in the big leagues last year. He is expected to contend for a spot in the Yankees’ bullpen, but he does have an outside shot at making the rotation. The right-hander was a starter in the minors, throwing 176 2/3 innings between Double-A and Triple-A with just under a strikeout per inning. The Yankees’ rotation is set with Masahiro Tanaka, Luis Severino, C.C. Sabathia, Michael Pineda and Nathan Eovaldi but that does not look to be the most consistently healthy quintet. There will undoubtedly be starting opportunities for other Yankees’ pitchers with Mitchell offering sleeper potential.
Others to Consider
Ivan Nova (SP – NYY)
The 29-year-old will likely open the season in the bullpen but still has aspirations to start. He could gain RP-eligibility before the end of April. Nova was a good starter as recently as 2013, making 20 starts with a 3.17 ERA and 7.3 SO/9.
Gavin Floyd (RP – TOR)
The right-hander was usable in mixed leagues until 2012 but has struggled with injuries. He has a career 72-72 win-loss record and will likely get some starts for the Blue Jays.
Trevor Cahill (SP, RP – CHC) Travis Wood (SP, RP – CHC) Clayton Richard (SP, RP – CHC)
The Cubs are collecting starters-turned-relievers. These three have combined for 131 starts over the last three years with Wood being the best of the trio. The Cubs’ rotation has five solid starters and Adam Warren on standby so it will need an injury to create an opening for Cahill, Wood or Richard.
C.J. Edwards Jr (RP – CHC)
Yet another pitching option for the Cubs to consider. Chicago still views Edwards as a starter long-term, but he was fast-tracked to the majors as a reliever. He made five appearances in 2015 with a 3.35 FIP striking out at a rate of 7.71 SO/9.
Edwin Jackson (RP – MIA)
The 32-year-old is favorite to claim a rotation spot, although he has not been very good for a couple of years. He worked exclusively out of the bullpen last year and was a below-average starter in 2014. He will be an unfashionable pick but could provide value if he sticks in the rotation.
Cody Martin (RP – SEA)
Martin made two September starts after being traded from Atlanta to Oakland, going six innings in both although he did give up three home runs in his final start. There is no easy way to sugarcoat the stat line of 3.00 SO/9, 16.50 ERA (11.47 FIP) and 2.67 WHIP. The 26-year-old was claimed off waivers by the Mariners and is unlikely to offer much value to fantasy owners looking for RP-eligible starters.
Kyle Ryan (SP, RP – DET)
The 24-year-old made six starts in 2015 with a 0-3 win-loss record. He posted a 5.28 ERA and 1.30 WHIP with 4.7 SO/9. Primarily a starter in the minors, it looks like the left-hander is pegged for relief. The Tigers have many starting options to examine during Spring Training, including Daniel Norris, Mike Pelfrey, Buck Farmer, Matt Boyd, Shane Greene and top prospect Michael Fulmer. It is hard to see where Ryan will get more than the occasional spot start in 2016 although the groundball-inducer could find himself as the swing man. It is unlikely that he will offer any value except in the deepest formats.
Vance Worley (SP, RP – BAL)
As a starter, Vance Worley has a career 3.86 ERA with a 1.41 WHIP over 81 games. He made eight starts for the Pirates last year with a 2-4 win-loss record and a strikeout rate of 5.7 SO/9. He was better in the bullpen (2.83 ERA, 1.08 WHIP) and is likely to serve in long relief in 2016. The acquisition of Yovani Gallardo means there will be no Spring Training competition for the Orioles’ rotation. Expect the 28-year-old to provide steady but unexciting performances when he does get spot starts.
Christian Bergman (SP, RP – COL)
The 27-year-old made four starts in 2015 with a 0-1 win-loss record, 6.89 ERA (3.90 FIP) and 1.91 WHIP. He struck out eight over 15 2/3 innings (4.6 SO/9). The coupling of a 38.7% flyball rate with home games at Coors Field looks to be a worrying combination. Bergman will compete with Jon Gray, Tyler Chatwood, Eddie Butler, David Hale and Tyler Matzek for the two remaining rotation spots but he is most likely to serve in the bullpen. Treat any potential spot starts with extreme care.
Logan Verrett (SP, RP – NYM)
The Mets have an excellent rotation so barring injuries, it will only be occasional spot starts available for Logan Verrett. The 25-year-old made four starts in 2015, with a 1-1 win-loss record, 3.63 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 7.70 SO/9. Verrett went eight innings in his first start with eight strikeouts at Colorado. He has shown potential to be a valuable SPARP if the opportunity arises.
Vidal Nuno (SP, RP – SEA)
The 28-year-old made 10 starts in 2015 with a 1-4 win-loss record, 5.08 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 7.36 SO/9. He fared better as a reliever with a 1.09 WHIP and 9.30 SO/9. It is unlikely that the right-hander will win the battle for the final rotation spot against James Paxton, Joe Wieland and Nate Karns. Nuno will be useful in only the deepest of leagues if he gets any opportunities to start in 2016.
Yusmeiro Petit (RP – WAS)
Back in 2014, Yusmeiro Petit made 12 starts, striking out at a rate of 9.80 SO/9. The Giants preferred him working out of the bullpen so he was restricted to just one solitary start last year. The 31-year-old has an outside chance of making the Nationals’ rotation but the likelihood is that he will be the swingman in their bullpen. The Nationals have many more exciting starting pitching options, Joe Ross. A.J. Cole, Taylor Jordan, Bronson Arroyo and Tanner Roark, and not forgetting Lucas Giolito of course. Yusmeiro Petit’s opportunities will be limited but expect him to put up acceptable stats if he makes a handful of starts.
Brad Hand (SP, RP – MIA)
The 25-year-old made 12 starts in 2015 with a 4-6 win-loss record, 5.68 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 6.00 SO/9. The left-hander is out-of-options and almost guaranteed a spot on the 25-man roster. The rotation looks unstable behind Jose Fernandez and Wei-Yen Chen, with Jarred Cosart, Tom Koehler and Edwin Jackson tentatively penciled in to start. Hand and David Phelps are likely to work long relief from the bullpen with Adam Conley, Justin Nicolino and Jose Urena waiting for their opportunity in Triple-A. Even in the deepest leagues, the upside of pitcher with a 4.80 ERA and 5.90 SO/9 over the last two years is limited
Jerome Williams (SP, RP – FA)
The 34-year-old made 21 starts for the Phillies in 2015 with a 4-10 win-loss record, 6.13 ERA and 1.66 WHIP. The former first-round pick has 52 wins to his name but currently no job. If he is picked up, expect less than six innings of work per start with a strikeout rate below 6 SO/9 and ratio-killing ERA and WHIP stats.
Kyle Lohse (SP, RP – FA)
Back in 2012, Kyle Lohse threw 211 innings, winning 16 games and receiving Cy Young votes. In the following two years, he averaged 198 innings with a 3.45 ERA. The strikeout rate has never been impressive (5.80 SO/9) but he certainly has value in many league formats. The 37-year-old made 22 starts last year with a 5-13 win-loss record, 6.31 ERA (4.49 xFIP) and 1.47 WHIP, easily the worst season of his career. The Marlins and Tigers are rumored to be interested in signing the right-hander and there has also been speculation of a reunion with the Cardinals. The dismal stats in 2015 could signal the end of Kyle Lohse’s career or it could be a buy-low opportunity to grab an innings-eater.
Odrisamer Despaigne (SP, RP – BAL)
The Cuban made 18 starts for the Padres in 2015 with a 5-9 win-loss record, 5.44 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 5.17 SO/9. It was a disappointing second season in the big leagues having posted a 3.36 ERA over 16 starts in 2014. The 28-year-old was expected to compete for the final rotation spot with Mike Wright, Tyler Wilson and Vance Worley but the acquisition of Yovani Gallardo means there is no vacancy. Even if he begins the season in the minors, expect Despaigne to get opportunities to join the rotation at some stage of 2016. However, the upside of a career 5.40 SO/9 starter with erratic control is limited.
Matt Andriese (SP, RP – TB)
The former third-round pick made eight starts for the Rays in 2015 with a 2-2 win-loss record. He posted a 3.57 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 5.86 SO/9. The right-hander is expected to be the swingman in the Rays’ bullpen but he has options. Only one starter has thrown 200 innings for the Rays since 2012 so there are likely to be starting opportunities for those who do not make the Opening Day roster. Andriese has a four-pitch mix and could easily stick at the back of the Rays’ rotation while Alex Cobb recovers on the DL and Blake Snell develops in the minors.
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Gavin Tramps is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Gavin, check out his archive or find him @_tramps.