Well, it’s been something, so far, hasn’t it? While 60 games is the target, we don’t know how many we’ll get after the outbreaks in Miami and Philadelphia.
But while the ride is happening, we are going to plan accordingly and help you in the sprint to win your league.
More than ever before, predicting a pitcher’s results — and whether they’ll actually start — is more difficult than ever. While this season will be fluid, we’ll do our best to keep you up-to-date with the latest available information.
Take note that we are looking for pitchers who are 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.
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Tuesday, July 28
Josh Lindblom (MIL) at PIT: 7%
Lindblom’s journey has been a long and rewarding one, as the 33-year-old returns to the MLB after pitching in Japan and the KBO. His last game, ironically enough, was for the Pirates in 2017. Now, he’s back, and he has a juicy matchup as he takes on the Pirates’ already weak offense a day after they went to extra innings. He’s not going to strike out a lot of hitters, but the matchup against Pittsburgh, along with support from the Brewers’ potent offense, makes him a safe bet for production. He’s a sinkerball pitcher who will mix in a fastball, slider, curve, and changeup.
Other options: Austin Voth (WAS) vs. TOR 7%, Kyle Gibson (TEX) vs. ARI 8%
Wednesday, July 29
Danny Duffy (KC) at DET: 8%
While Nate Pearson is the play here if he’s on your waiver wire, he’s rostered in more than 50 percent of leagues, so we’ll pivot to Duffy, who gets the Tigers in Comerica Park. He’ll oppose Matthew Boyd, who was anything but the breakout pitcher those in the industry were hoping to see in his first outing. Duffy held his own against Cleveland in 4.1 innings in his season debut, and the bullpen allowed the two hitters that Duffy allowed on base to score. It’s hard to trust the Statcast data so early in the season with the backend changes they made, but it looks like Duffy’s velocity has continued to go down. He’s a matchup-based play this year, and against the Tigers, he’s worth rolling out.
Other options: Johnny Cueto (SF) vs. SD 40%
Thursday, July 30
Brady Singer (KC) at DET: 26%
I’ll feature another Royals pitcher against the Tigers, which speaks not only to the Tigers’ lackluster offense but also to the uncertainty around who will pitch each game moving forward. Singer is far from an ace, but the former Florida Gator has nice SP3 upside, and he showed his ability by striking out seven in his first start of the season. He’s a two-pitch pitcher, so he’ll have to show a third pitch as he continues to develop, but for now, he’s a solid streamer in the right matchup. Like Duffy, the Tigers give him just that.
Other options: Marco Gonzales (SEA) at LAA 27%
Friday, July 31
Tyler Chatwood (CHC) vs. PIT: 12%
Remember when Chatwood was everyone’s favorite sleeper after going to the Cubs, and then he faded into oblivion? Well, he had a resurgence in his first start of the season against the Brewers, where he threw six innings and only allowed three hits and one run. He also struck out eight batters — including Christian Yelich three times. He gets the Pirates in this spot, and they’re far from the offensive force that the Brewers are. It’s not time to buy into Chatwood, but he’s the perfect matchup-based streamer.
Other options: Corbin Burnes (MIL) vs. STL 34%
Saturday, August 1
Alex Cobb (BAL) vs. TB: 5%
Disclaimer: We have no idea what the Orioles’ rotation will look like with the mess and cancelations in Miami, but Cobb is projected to start against Tampa Bay in Baltimore. Look, it’s a scary matchup, and trusting Cobb at all, let alone in Baltimore, takes guts to do. But he looked good against the Red Sox his first time out and showed signs of his former self in Tampa Bay. The Rays will get creative with their lineup, of course, but outside of the 14-run game that cost Mike Foltynewicz his job, Tampa is averaging just 4.5 runs per game.
Other options: Trent Thornton (TOR) vs. PHI 2%
Sunday, August 2
Dylan Cease (CHW) at KC 23%
It’s surprising that Cease’s rostership percentage is so low, as he was a popular breakout and post-hype pick by analysts this year. It could change depending on the results of his Tuesday outing, of course, but you can pick him up now for the two starts. Cease failed to deliver in his rookie season, he’s got a good strikeout rate and pedigree. He also has Yasmani Grandal behind the dish, and those factors combine to make him an intriguing streamer. Regardless of the outcome of his matchup against Cleveland, Cease should be streamed against the Royals.
Other options: Spencer Howard (PHI) at TOR 25%
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Michael Waterloo is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Michael, check out his archive and follow him @MichaelWaterloo.
