Nick Pollack from Pitcher List here for a weekly segment at FantasyPros where I’ll be looking at the deeper options available in your leagues, highlighting my 10 favorite pitchers each week that could quickly return value despite hanging out on your waiver wire. We’ve set the threshold to under 15% owned according to ESPN, leaving a vast majority of leagues to take advantage of these arms that will cost you nothing and possibly return plenty.
Graduated since last week: Reynaldo Lopez, Jason Hammel.
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10. Brent Honeywell (TB): 4.4% owned
We’re still playing the waiting game for Honeywell, though as we creep closer to September, the higher the likelihood that we’ll see the pitcher brought up, at the very least as a September call-up. Remember, Honeywell has major strikeout upside with polish across a deep repertoire as he profiles to be a definite starter for those in 12-teamers and possibly 10-teamers as well. Keep your eye on him in the coming weeks.
9. A.J. Griffin (TEX): 6.4% owned
Griffin is far from an exciting name, but there’s no denying that he can surprise owners with fantastic outings as he’s allowed one or fewer ER in five of his 11 starts. Yes, his ERA is terrible at 5.07 this season, but a respectable 7.54 K/9 with a sub 3.00 BB/9 gives him a chance to help your team when he doesn’t have to pitch against the Astros or Indians.
8. Chad Kuhl (PIT): 10.9% owned
Kuhl’s Fastball velocity that hints at triple digits mixed with a Slider that misses bats over 20% of the time make Kuhl an intriguing upside play. The problem here is we don’t know when he’ll put it all together, which most likely will happen when he finds a proper third pitch to add to the mix. It could happen as soon as his next start against the Cardinals, it could be next year, it could be never. Still, when scraping the bottom of the barrel, I’d prefer to chase the ones that can provide value in the long run than mediocre options that are easily replaceable.
7. Sean Newcomb (ATL): 8.1% owned
This is a major roll of the dice as Newcomb holds an impressive 9.60 K/9 through his first 12 starts, though it comes paired with a dangerous 5.15 BB/9, the same mark he held through 11 minor league outings in Triple-A this year. The walks aren’t going to disappear as he doesn’t have a proper third pitch to help when batters resist his Curveball, but the strikeouts should remain as the hook will miss plenty of bats. Play the matchups in your favor and Newcomb could pay dividends.
6. Nick Pivetta (PHI): 3.2% owned
The strategy of owning Pivetta is transparent. Start Pivetta when he’s facing weak teams as he holds a 9.51 K/9, while benching him against strong offenses that can expose his 3.84 BB/9. With a solid schedule awaiting him in the final weeks – Marlins, Padres, Mets, Athletics, Braves to name a few – there’s plenty of production to get if you pick your spots wisely. Just don’t trust him against teams like the Dodgers and Nationals and you’ll find a boost in your numbers.
5. Edwin Jackson (WSH): 11.7% owned
One of the shocking tales of the fantasy season is how Jackson has come from nowhere to boast a 3.30 ERA and 7.50 K/9 with a low 2.10 BB/9 across five starts for the Nationals. His soft contact in that time is an astonishing 29.3% as he’s allowed just 8.1% line drives as well. These numbers could be a product of small sample size, but as a starter for the Nationals, he’ll have a great schedule ahead and can be a cheap option to steal a few wins along the way.
4. Adam Conley (MIA): 8.0% owned
Conley takes a step back this week after a disappointing outing against the Giants where he walked three batters and failed to earn single strikeout across 6.1 innings. What made him so tantilizing was an improved Fastball that he showed off for three straight starts, but it has eluded him recently. It’s possible he gets back into rhythm, but it’s a tougher bet than others on this list.
3. Garrett Richards (LAA): 5.9% owned
There’s no question that this is a move for your playoffs instead of the short term as Richards is still on the 60-day DL. However, he’s expected to enter his rehab assignment within the next week, leading to a possible return in the first week of September. Richards is a force to be reckoned with when he does return to form and can make a big splash in the final weeks of the season. If you’re looking for help on your pitching staff, being a little patient can pay big dividends.
2. Tyler Skaggs (LAA): 8.0% owned
If you need help now, Skaggs could be your best choice at the back end of your staff. He’s coming off two starts against a pair of strong offenses (Mariners and Nationals) where he’s allowed 2 ER in 11.1 innings striking out 11 and inducing over 50% groundballs. There is worry that he’s too dependent on his Fastball and Curveball – like Newcomb – but he has a little more polish that pushes him farther up the ranks.
1. Chris Stratton (SF): 1.6% owned
This ranking is conditional based on what the Giants decide to do with Stratton, but if he gets to stick in the Giants’ rotation, he can certainly help your squad plenty in the next month. Stratton just fanned 10 Nationals over the week featuring a Curveball that is sure to keep the strikeouts climbing. It’s too early to know if his Fastball command will stick around, but he’s an excellent gamble if he gets to face the Phillies, Brewers, Padres, and Cardinals in his next four starts.
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Nick Pollack is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Nick, find his work at PitcherList.com and follow him @ThePitcherList.
