Let’s get right into it this week.
Here’s how I did last week, May 7-13. (May 14-16 will be included in next week’s article):
- Adrian Houser: W 1, L 0, QS 1, ER 2, K 10, BB 0
- Adam Wainwright: W 1, L 0, QS 1, ER 0, K 5, BB 3
- Nick Pivetta: W 1, L 0, QS 1, ER 2, K 2, BB 3
- Aaron Sanchez: N/A
- Adbert Alzolay: W 0, L 1, QS 1, ER 3, K 6, BB 0
- John Gant: W 0, L, 0, QS 0, ER 0, K 4, BB 3
- Merrill Kelly: W 0, L 1, QS 1, ER 3, K 4, BB 2
- Total: W 3, L 2, QS 5, ER 10, K 31, BB 11
That feels good after the weird week we had two weeks ago, as you can’t ask for more than five quality starts out of a possible six.
Let’s keep the good pace up.
As a reminder, we are looking for pitchers who are rostered in less than 30 percent of Yahoo leagues. Occasionally a recommendation will exceed that threshold if they are in a particularly favorable streaming situation.
Let’s get to it for Week 7.
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Monday, May 17
Adbert Alzolay (CHC) vs. WAS 22%
It’s puzzling why Alzolay’s rostership is so low. Among all qualified pitchers, Alzolay’s slider ranks as the fifth-best in the game. Don’t pay attention to his wins or ERA. If someone in your league is, see if you can acquire him. He’s pretty, pretty good.
Other option: Justin Dunn (SEA) vs. DET 3%
Tuesday, May 18
Spencer Turnbull (DET) at SEA 6%
Turnbull has been hit or miss so far this season, but boy was he a hit last time out against the Royals, striking out seven batters in six-plus innings while allowing just the one run. The bad news is, Turnbull has only had two quality starts this year, and both have come against the Royals. The good news is the Mariners’ offense isn’t good (ignoring Jarred Kelenic, of course).
Other option: Zach Davies (CHC) vs. WAS 25%
Wednesday, May 19
Johan Oviedo (STL) vs. PIT 2%
I don’t love anyone on this slate, really, which has been a trend with Wednesday and Thursday games so far this season. We’ll go with the player who has the best matchup in Oviedo. The hope is that he can go five innings. If he can, he’s in a good spot to put himself in position for a win.
Other option: Ross Stripling (TOR) vs. BOS 1%
Thursday, May 20
Griffin Canning (LAA) vs. MIN 12%
My true recommendation is don’t stream anyone today. I went through and ran my projections multiple times for each eligible starter, and no one came out as a worthy streamer. Since we have to go with one, let’s roll with Canning. He’s coming off two solid back-to-back starts against the Dodgers and Mariners (this is written before his start against the Red Sox).
Other option: Joe Ross (WAS) at CHC 11%
Friday, May 21
Luis Garcia (HOU) at TEX 15%
This one should have an asterisk next to it. We don’t know if Garcia is for sure going to stick in the rotation, but I have a hard time believing that José Urquidy won’t at least spend the 10-day minimum on the IL with his injured shoulder. If he does, this is a lock for streaming purposes.
Other option: Tyler Anderson (PIT) at ATL 29%
Saturday, May 22
Jon Lester (WAS) vs. BAL 7%
It feels ugly putting his name here, but Lester has been … fine since returning from the IL. It’s mainly come thanks to his ability to limit hard contact (61.2 Med% against) and the matchup is perfect.
Other option: Mitch Keller (PIT) at ATL 4%
Sunday, May 23
Zach Davies (CHC) at STL 25%
We’ve now seen two back-to-back solid starts from Davies against Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Hey, you have to start somewhere, right? He’s earned our trust as a streamer on his way back to being a top 75 pitcher.
Other option: None
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Michael Waterloo is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Michael, check out his archive and follow him @MichaelWaterloo.