RADIO
Adam Meyer analyzes under-the-radar starting pitchers (SP) making two starts in Week 5 as possible streamers and waiver wire adds or targets for fantasy baseball.
We return to the three starting pitchers under 50 percent owned and three starting pitchers under 25 percent owned theme in this week’s streamer report. As you may expect, the options under 50 percent are solid, and potentially ownable, for the remainder of 2018. However, the choices under 25 percent are not. Beware that you should only add those players if you are desperate for strikeouts or are trying to snag the wins category, without worrying about your week’s ERA or WHIP.
The ownership percentages on this page are found via the Yahoo fantasy baseball site. Also, all matchups are listed as “probable” for a reason. Managers tweak rotations, injuries occur, and weather postpones games. All of which contribute to whether or not these pitchers play in one game or two in Week 5.
Without further ado, I give to you the starting pitcher streamers for Week 5 of the fantasy baseball season.
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Week 5 Streamers Under 50% Owned
Jordan Montgomery, NYY - 44% owned
Probable opponents: @ HOU, vs. CLE
If people want to avoid Montgomery because he pitches at Yankee Stadium, I understand. However, his 3.54 ERA in four home starts should help improve Montgomery’s ownership percentage by now. He’s allowed two earned runs, or less, in back-to-back starts and he’s struck out at least five batters in each of those contests, too. The matchup against Houston isn’t ideal. They’re eighth in team wOBA (.339) against southpaws this season, and the Astros are tied for fifth in runs scored (127), thus far. On the bright side, they’re also tied for fifth in team strikeouts (236). As for the Indians, they struggle against left-handed pitchers (.287 team wOBA is 26th in MLB) and are 26th in runs scored (81 runs in 23 games).
Eduardo Rodriguez, BOS - 42% owned
Probable opponents: vs. KC, @ TEX
I still can comprehend why Rodriguez’s ownership is so low in fantasy leagues. Sure, he started the season on the DL, but he’s more than bounced-back to action. He’s allowed no more than three earned runs in all four outings and Rodriguez has notched at least five strikeouts in three of the four performances. He also has some stellar matchups this week. Kansas City is dead last in runs scored (75 runs in 23 games). As for the Rangers, they’re 22nd in runs scored (94 runs in 26 games) and fifth in team strikeouts (236). Texas is also 24th in team ISO against right-handed pitchers (.131) this year.
Jake Faria, TB - 39% owned
Probable opponents: @ DET, vs. TOR
Examining the game logs are necessary when determining who you’re going to stream into your rotation. At first glance, Faria’s 6.33 ERA would seem unmanageable to your lineup. However, when you notice that one start was an implosion (eight earned runs, against Boston, in the second start of the season) the stat doesn’t seem so bad. Through Faria’s five appearances this season, he’s allowed only one earned run in three of them. He’s also tallied at least five strikeouts in three straight starts. Last year, Faria faced the Blue Jays twice. He was 1-1 with a 3.09 ERA and struck out 11 batters in 11.2 innings of work. He also dominated the Tigers in his lone start against them: 7 IP, 1 ER, and 9 K.
Under 25% Owned
Marco Estrada, TOR (22% owned)
Probable opponents: @ MIN, @ TB
Looking at his 6.00 ERA, I understand if Estrada doesn’t cause you to sprint to the waiver wire and pick him up. However, looking at his upcoming opponents, you might change your mind. Minnesota and Tampa Bay are on the horizon. The Twins are 28th in runs scored this season (79 runs in 20 games). As for the Rays, they are 25th in team ISO (.131) in 2018. Estrada has also tallied at least five strikeouts in three of the past four outings.
Chad Kuhl, PIT - 5% owned
Probable opponents: @ WSH, @ MIL
When you’re looking for a streaming option who is under 25% owned, clearly, there are risks involved. You must temper the risk with the reward to determine if the pitcher is worth the addition to your roster. Kuhl will put you in that spot. This week, he’s on the road against the Nationals and Brewers. While Kuhl hasn’t been great on the road this season (four earned runs in each start), he did put together a solid performance in his last outing of 2018: 6 IP, 3 ER, and 8 K against Detroit). Milwaukee has struck out the ninth-most times this season (227). The Brewers are also 26th in team ISO against right-handed pitchers (.131) this year.
Matt Koch, ARI - 4% owned
Probable opponents: vs. LAD, vs. HOU
The sample size is small, but Koch has delivered in back-to-back starts in 2018. He’s struck out four batters and allowed two runs, or fewer, in each matchup. Koch was able to throw 102 pitches in his last outing. Now, let’s see if Koch can combine a high pitch count, with a deeper stint into the ballgame. He’s completed six innings of action in each performance.
