Let’s get right into it this week.
Here’s how I did last week:
- Kolby Allard: W 0, L 1, QS 0, ER 2, K 9, BB 2
- Jon Gray: W 0, L 0, QS 1, ER 3, K 8, BB 3
- Luis Patiño: N/A
- J.A. Happ: W 1, L 0, QS 1, ER 3, K 8, BB 1
- Kyle Muller: N/A
- Chris Flexen: W 1, L 0, QS 1, ER 0, K 6, BB 2
- Patrick Sandoval: W 0, L 1, QS 1, ER 2, K 6, BB 2
- Total: W 2, L 2, QS 4, ER 10, K 37, BB 10
It was a great week heading into the break, as we had four quality starts in five total starts. Even Allard, who was the lone pitcher who didn’t get a quality start, struck out nine batters in his outing.
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.
Let’s get to it for a big and unpredictable Week 16.
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Saturday, July 17
Adbert Alzolay (CHC) at ARI 27%
So I was super high on Alzolay to start the season, but he’s been inconsistent of late. The Cubs are selling, and Alzolay is a big part of their future, so he’s going to continue to get the ball every fifth day until workload concerns pop up. The slider is key for him as far as success goes, and he gets a cake matchup against Arizona here. Start him.
Other option: Tylor Megill (NYM) at PIT 16%
Sunday, July 18
Patrick Sandoval (LAA) vs. SEA 26%
Sandoval was a recommended stream for Week 14, and he was outstanding over seven innings. He gets the same Mariners team again in a head-to-head matchup with Logan Gilbert that is sneakily must-watch TV.
Other option: N/A
Monday, July 19
Caleb Smith (ARI) vs. PIT 12%
So the Monday slate isn’t great, and the matchups from this point forward in the week below aren’t set in stone, but we are using what CBS is giving to us. Smith had a stretch of starts where he was usable, but he was absolutely smacked around his last two outings against the Dodgers and Giants. But the Pirates, despite having two position players start the All-Star Game, are not the Dodgers or Giants. He’s a risky gamble but should net positive value.
Other option: Tyler Anderson (PIT) at ARI 11%
Tuesday, July 20
José Suarez (LAA) at OAK 14%
Tuesday is another day without a ton of great options, so we’ll go with Suarez, who the Angels are building up to be a starter, it seems. He threw five scoreless innings against Seattle his last time out, so you can expect about the same usage out of him against Oakland Tuesday, too.
Other option: N/A
Wednesday, July 21
Tanner Houck (BOS) at TOR 10%
Let’s make this clear — don’t use Houck here. Just don’t. The Blue Jays offense in Buffalo is way too dangerous to stream against. But pick Houck up, as he has nice mixed-league potential for fantasy managers. My bold prediction was that he’d be the Red Sox best pitcher this year, and he could still be that going forward.
Other option: N/A
Thursday, July 22
Josh Fleming (TB) at CLE 18%
If you’re in a quality starts league, avoid Fleming and streaming for the day. But if you’re in a wins league, Fleming is very appealing in his role as a bulk pitcher following an opener.
Other option: N/A
Friday, July 23
Zach Davies (CHC) vs. ARI 30%
While Davies has struggled for most of the season, he gets the perfect matchup against Arizona this week. He should pitch at least six innings and give managers a quality start against the lowly Arizona offense.
Other option: David Price (LAD) vs. COL 30%
Saturday, July 24
Patrick Sandoval (LAA) at MIN 26%
I avoid using the same pitcher twice in the column, but we’ll make an exception since it’s an extended week. Sandoval stands out most from a skill and matchup level, so he’s the easy call this week.
Other option: N/A
Sunday, July 25
Logan Webb (SF) vs. PIT 23%
Webb looked outstanding in his return from injury, and the Giants optioned him over the break to get him built up more in the minors. He’ll be returning to the team and the rotation, and you love the matchup against the Pirates for him at home. The only question is how long he’ll pitch for, but if you can get five innings from him, he’ll net a nice return.
Other option: N/A
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Michael Waterloo is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Michael, check out his archive and follow him @MichaelWaterloo.
