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We only have seven games on Monday, so the pitching player pool is shallow. The fantasy baseball season is getting shorter by the game and teams are starting to make a final push for the postseason. Keep checking in every week to get a head start on the competition, when it comes to the waiver wire claims.
This week, we have a mixed bag of streamers. There are veterans and first year starters in this edition of the streaming starters. Most importantly, almost every pitcher listed has favorable matchups in both of their contests this week.
Last week, Mike Fiers was the star of the show. He struck out eight batters in seven innings and allowed only one hit against the Rangers. Shane Bieber was the honorable mention from the article. He pitched 6.1 innings against the Red Sox and allowed only three earned runs, while striking out five batters. Vince Velasquez had a strong outing going for him in his first start last week, but a rain delay knocked him out of the game. He pitched four innings, allowed one earned run, and compiled three strikeouts.
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Pitcher Streamers - Under 50% Owned
Lance Lynn, NYY (46% owned)
Probable opponents: vs. CWS, vs. DET
I don’t understand why Lynn is still under 50 percent owned (in Yahoo leagues). Yes, he was roughed up in back-to-back starts, allowing five earned runs in each contest. However, prior to those performances, Lynn allowed one earned run combined in three consecutive appearances since joining the Yankees. As far as strikeouts are concerned, Lynn punched out at least five batters in five straight games. The White Sox are the first team on the docket this week. They lead the league with 1,239 strikeouts this season.
Junior Guerra, MIL (32% owned)
Probable opponents: @ CIN, @ WSH
The boom-or-bust trend continues for this streaming starter. Guerra has allowed three earned runs, or less, in four of the past six outings. Those other two performances? He’s allowed at least five earned runs. The Reds are the first team Guerra will face this week, and he’ll be starting against them for the fourth time this season. In the three previous performances, Guerra is 1-0 with a 3.18 ERA and tallied 19 strikeouts in 17 innings of work against Cincinnati.
Edwin Jackson, OAK (28% owned)
Probable opponents: @ HOU, vs. SEA
Minus a couple tough matchups against the Rangers, Jackson has been a serviceable streaming option in the fantasy baseball realm. He’s allowed two earned runs, or less, in four consecutive appearances (leaving out the Texas games). On the down side, Jackson’s strikeout numbers aren’t high. He’s punched out five batters, or more, in only two of the last six contests.
Pitcher Streamers - Under 25% Owned
Brian Johnson, BOS (6% owned)
Probable opponents: vs. MIA, @ CWS
When you can find a pitcher on the best team in baseball, you take it. Johnson’s stats aren’t horrible, either. He’s allowed three earned runs, or less, in three straight appearances. However, the strikeout numbers aren’t the best. He’s punched out a total of six batters in the past 11 innings of work. As for his opponents, Johnson will face the Marlins and White Sox this week. Both teams are in the bottom seven in runs scored and the top 12 in team strikeouts this season.
Sam Gaviglio, TOR (3% owned)
Probable opponents: @ BAL, @ MIA
Toronto has two favorable matchups this week, especially from a pitchers’ perspective. First the Orioles are on the docket. Baltimore is 28th in runs scored (493 runs in 128 games) and ninth in team strikeouts (1,119) this season. The Marlins are 12th in team whiffs and 29th in runs scored in 2018. Gaviglio has allowed three earned runs, or less, in four of the past six appearances and has punched out at least seven batters in three of the last four games.
Thomas Pannone, TOR (1% owned)
Probable opponents: @ BAL, @ MIA
With Marcus Stroman still battling an injury, Pannone could see two turns in the rotation this week. We already mentioned his opponents and how easy the Blue Jays should have it this week in Gaviglio’s writeup. So, let’s focus on Pannone’s performances as of late. Thus far, Pannone has four relief appearances and one start in 2018. During those 11.1 innings of work, Pannone has allowed only two earned runs. His lone start was his last outing, against the Orioles, and he dominated. Pannone pitched seven innings, struck out three batters, and allowed only one hit (zero earned runs).
