Let’s get right into it this week.
Here’s how I did last week
- Kyle Muller: W 0, L 0, QS 0, ER 3, K 2, BB 3
- Vladimir Gutierrez: W 1, L 0, QS 1, ER 1, K 6, BB 1
- Zack Thompson: W 0, L 1, QS 0, ER 4, K 2, BB 4
- Ross Stripling: W 0, L 0, QS 0, ER 0, K 0, BB 1
- Joe Ross: W 0, L 0, QS 0, ER 4, K 2, BB 1
- J.T. Brubaker: W 0, L 0, QS 0, ER 5, K 4, BB 2
- Total: W 1 L 1, QS 0, ER 17, K 16, BB 12
There’s no way around it. Just a terrible, terrible week. We’ll look to get back into a good groove, starting with Week 20.
As a reminder, we are looking for pitchers 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 20.
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Monday, August 16
Luis Gil (NYY) vs. LAA 20%
We’ll see if Gil gets the call or not as the Yankees keep getting healthier, but as of now, he’s listed as the projected starter, so we’ll roll with it. He’s only thrown 11 innings this year, but he’s yet to allow an earned run, and he has 14 strikeouts in those 11 innings. Stream him if he does, indeed, start.
Other option: Touki Toussaint (ATL) at MIA 28% (stream if Gil isn’t called up)
Tuesday, August 17
Tyler Anderson (SEA) at TEX 18%
We used Anderson a few times earlier when he was with Pittsburgh, way before the spin rate crackdown. We’re going to revisit our old friend, who gets a rematch with the same Texas team that he held in check for five-plus innings in his last time out.
Other option: Vladimir Gutierrez (CIN) vs. CHC 32%
Wednesday, August 18
Adbert Alzolay (CHC) at CIN 25%
It was Alzolay or Ty Megill here, but I’d rather not stream against the best team in baseball. Alzolay has been up and down all season, but he’s shown really promising signs for the future.
Other option: Tylor Megill (NYM) at SF 30%
Thursday, August 19
Zach Thompson (MIA) at CIN 24%
I don’t really like any of the streaming options today, so Thompson is the default pick here. I’d avoid using him outside of 15-team leagues until he shows better control.
Other option: N/A
Friday, August 20
Eric Lauer (MIL) vs. WAS 12%
I’m more interested in the pure stuff that his opposing pitcher, Josiah Gray, has, but he’s over the threshold. There’s nothing sexy about Lauer, but the matchup is like the Yoán Moncada of matchups. Yeah, it’s that attractive. He won’t “wow” you, but he’ll give you a nice floor, which is critical at this time of year.
Other option: Bryse Wilson (PIT) at STL 2%
Saturday, August 21
Tristan McKenzie (CLE) vs. LAA 30%
McKenzie is in a stretch where he’s had three quality starts in his past four outings. The command has always been the issue for McKenzie, but I’m going to keep rolling him out while he’s on this nice ride. The talent is there.
Other option: Reid Detmers (LAA) vs. CLE 8%
Sunday, August 22
Touki Toussaint (ATL) at BAL 28%
I’m not breaking my repeat rule since Toussaint is technically listed as the backup streamer Monday, so let’s go with him today. I love the Baltimore matchup, and Toussaint finally looks like he’s putting it all together. Limiting the walks and increasing the whiffs is key for him to succeed, but the raw talent is there.
Other option: Carlos Hernández (KC) at CHC 12%
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Michael Waterloo is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Michael, check out his archive and follow him @MichaelWaterloo.