Just when we thought pitcher injuries were slowing down, another big name fell victim. It’s still early with Grayson Rodriguez and time will tell how serious it is but it’s a gut punch when top pitchers go on the injured list (IL). Picking streamers for some owners is the best way to put up a competitive pitching staff this season. Let’s see if we can choose correctly this week.

First, here are my results from April 22 – April 28th:

• Keaton Winn: 6 IP, 1 ER, 6 Ks, 1 BB
• Clarke Schmidt: 5.1 IP, 3 ER, 6 Ks, 2BB,
• Javier Assad: 5.1 IP, 1 ER, 5 Ks, 1 BB
• Michael Lorenzen: 6 IP, 5 ER, 3 Ks, 1 BB

Total Results: 28.2 IP, 11 ER, 25Ks, 6 BB, 3.51 ERA

Record: 3-1

Everything was ok until Michael Lorenzen’s start. The strikeouts were better than in past weeks. Wade Miley and DL Hall both went on the IL before their scheduled starts, so they didn’t factor into the final results.

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Streaming Pitchers: Week 7

(We used the average of ESPN, Yahoo and CBS for roster percentage)

Monday, May 6th

Tyler Anderson (LAA) at PIT | 47%

In four out of six starts for Tyler Anderson this season, he has gone at least six innings. Walks can be a concern with Anderson and the strikeout upside is lacking. Selecting him for this start, you are going for a win and a quality start. Pittsburgh has been cold since their hot start at the beginning of the season. They are hitting .227 and their hard-hit rate is towards the bottom of the league. It’s not a slam dunk start here for Anderson but seven innings and six strikeouts, plus a win is a good possibility.

Other Option: Jose Butto (NYM) at STL | 38%

Tuesday, May 7th

Quinn Priester (PIT) vs. LAA | 7%

Quinn Priester is a top pitching prospect in the Pirates organization. He’s started three games this year since being called up and has gone six innings in the last two. He does have a lot to pitch for in this start. If he performs badly, it could mean the end of his days in the rotation with top prospect Paul Skenes knocking at the door. The Angels are a middle-of-the-road team in the hitting categories. They are a little less dangerous with Mike Trout gone. I would gamble Priester can muster together a quality start here.

Other Option: Miles Mikolas (STL) vs. NYM | 29%

Wednesday, May 8th

Gavin Stone (LAD) vs. MIA | 44%

Gavin Stone is 2-1 this year and has pitched over six innings just twice. This is Miami, though, and they rank near the bottom in so many hitting categories. With a low hard-hit rate, ranking in the bottom five of home runs and owning the worst launch angle in the majors, I’ll take Stone in this one. He will have one of the best lineups supporting him. His control can be questionable with a 1.36 WHIP but remember the Marlins have the highest chase rate in the majors and the third-fewest walks of all major league teams. Oh, and the Marlins just traded Luis Arraez, one of their best hitters.

Other Option: Jose Soriano (LAA) at PIT | 6%

Thursday, May 9th

Ben Lively (CLE) at CHW | 11%

It’s Thursday, the day we love to hate when it comes to streaming pitchers. This day has seven games on the slate. Luckily, we have the White Sox playing and facing a pitcher available nearly everywhere. I’m writing this before Ben Lively makes his Saturday start against the Angels, but so far, he has only pitched over six innings once this season. However, he has only started three games this season. He is exhibiting good control with a WHIP below 1.00 and teams are only hitting .211 against him. The White Sox have the fewest hits in the majors and the worst slugging percentage. This looks like a solid Thursday streaming option.

Other Option: Slade Cecconi (ARI) at CIN | 17%

Friday, May 10th

Jameson Taillon (CHC) at PIT | 41%

Jameson Taillon is 2-0 this season in three starts. He finally pitched over six innings in his last start going seven innings against the Mets. Unfortunately, he only had one strikeout. This start is for the possibility of a win and not the strikeouts. As mentioned, the Pirates are falling lately, losing five straight games. The Cubs have a competitive lineup and should give Taillon the run support he needs. His WHIP is below 1.00 and teams have only hit .209 against him. It should be a good start for Taillon here.

Other Option: Casey Mize (DET) vs. HOU | 45%

Saturday, May 11th

Taijuan Walker (PHI) at MIA | 32%

Look at the Thursday matchup for why we are going against the Marlins. Taijuan Walker got knocked around his last start, but it was his first start back from the IL. He did get the win but gave up six earned runs. I’ll give Walker a pass on that start. Seems like most pitchers’ first starts coming off the IL tend to go poorly. Walker threw 90 pitches in his first start, so the Phillies won’t be holding him back. The Phillies have one of the best lineups and should give him more than enough run support to secure the win.

Other Option: Bailey Falter (PIT) vs. CHC 34%

Sunday, May 12th

Patrick Sandoval (LAA) vs. KC | 27 %

Kansas City has been playing better but they struggle against left-handers. They have the third-worst OPS and a slugging percentage below .340. Patrick Sandoval has struggled this year but has 38 strikeouts in 32 innings and has only allowed two home runs this year. The Royals are in the bottom 10 for launch angle. Perhaps Sandoval can find some old magic here against the Royals. He has never lost to the Royals. Yes, he has just one start, but he went seven innings and struck out six. Let’s make it two solid starts next Sunday!

Other Option: Jose Butto (NYM) vs. ATL | 38%

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