Let’s get right into it this week.
Here’s how I did last week:
- Zach Davies: W 0, L 0, QS 0, ER 0, K 3, BB 3
- Jon Lester: W 0, L 0, QS 0, ER 6, K 4, BB 3
- Spencer Turnbull: W 0, L, 0, QS 1, ER 3, K 3, BB 1
- Kyle Freeland: W 0, L 0, QS 0, ER 1, K 5, BB 3
- Johnny Cueto: W 0, L 0, QS 0, ER 5, K 5, BB 0
- Justus Sheffield: N/A
- Alek Manoah: W 1, L 0, QS 1, ER 0, K 7, BB 2
- Total: W 1, L 0, QS 2, ER 15, K 27, BB 12
A few too many walks and too few strikeouts, but when you get the debut that we got from Alek Manoah, you’ll take it. To be fair, I predicted he’d pitch this weekend, but the Jays debuted him Thursday instead.
Let’s keep the good pace up, but be warned – this week is not great for streaming options.
As a reminder, 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.
Oh, and a quick scheduling note – this column and the two-start pitching column will come next Saturday instead of Friday while I’m on vacation.
Cheers.
Let’s get to it for Week 9.
Import your team to My Playbook for custom advice all season 
Monday, May 31
James Kaprielian (OAK) at SEA 31%
There are exactly no recommended streamers this week that I feel really confident in, which is different from the past few weeks. We’ll start here with Kaprielian, who is viable in a daily league but not weekly. Last time out, he got the same Mariners, who he threw seven scoreless innings against with four strikeouts. The Mariners’ offense is terrible, and if he can strike out just a couple more hitters this time, he’s in line for an excellent outing.
Other option: Mike Minor (KC) vs. PIT 20%
Tuesday, June 1
Tyler Anderson (PIT) at KC 16%
We’re starting to see who the real Tyler Anderson is, as he’s cooled off in a major way after his red hot start to the season. He’s now allowed 17 runs (15 earned) over his last 15 innings. So why are we recommending him? Well, against lefties this year, the Royals are hitting .241 with a .287 wOBA and an 81 wRC+. They don’t strike out a lot against lefties, but the team struggles are enough for me to roll the dice with Anderson.
Other option: Luis Garcia (HOU) vs. BOS 29%
Wednesday, June 2
Spencer Howard (PHI) at CIN 5%
I’m not a fan of this slate at all. I ran the projections, and no eligible streamer came out as a positive. The closest was Howard, who has yet to throw more than four innings in either of his starts this year. We’re hoping for five innings with a few earned runs and five Ks to get us through the start. Recommended for deeper leagues (15-team) and up only.
Other option: None
Thursday, June 3
Cody Poteet (MIA) at PIT 24%
Poteet has been a nice surprise for the Marlins so far, as he has a 1.06 ERA and 2.71 FIP through three starts. The Marlins are a pitching factory, and while I question the long-term relevance that he’ll have this season and beyond, I’m comfortable using him against the Pirates this week.
Other option: J.A. Happ (MIN) at KC 14%
Friday, June 4
Logan Webb (SF) vs. CHC 11%
Right when Webb was getting hot, he went on the IL. He’s set to return this Saturday, which will be a nice warm-up outing for his home matchup against the Cubs next Friday. A continued increase in his slider usage should net positive results for him.
Other option: None
Saturday, June 5
Merrill Kelly (ARI) at MIL 9%
Kelly is another guy I cringe at when I consider using him, but he’s the best we have for Thursday. He gets a Milwaukee team ahead of only Colorado in wRC+ against righties (78) and dead last in wOBA (.282).
Other option: None
Sunday, June 6
Logan Gilbert (SEA) at LAA 21%
Since Mike Trout went on the IL, the Angels have the fifth-highest strikeout rate in baseball (27.6%) and a 7.6 walk rate. They’re playing above their heads right now, but it’s not a matchup you should be afraid of. Gilbert should do enough here to come away with a positive return.
Other option: None
Import your team to My Playbook for instant Lineup & Trade advice
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
If you want to dive deeper into fantasy baseball, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Baseball Tools as you navigate your season. From our Lineup Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant – that allows you to see which available players will improve your team quickly and by how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy baseball season.
Michael Waterloo is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Michael, check out his archive and follow him @MichaelWaterloo.
