Positional versatility is especially useful for hitters. However, in fantasy leagues that use starting pitcher and relief pitcher lineup spots, having a starter who can slot into a reliever role is a nifty bonus. RP-eligible starters are available throughout drafts, and this piece analyzes the most exciting choices. Below we take a deeper dive on Cristian Javier.
- Fitz’s Positional Primers
- Hitters to Avoid | Target
- Pitchers to Avoid | Target
- Latest Fantasy Baseball Mock Draft
RP-Eligible SPs to Target: Cristian Javier
Cristian Javier (SP/RP – HOU): 66.6 ADP & 70.5 ECR
Christian Javier’s 2022 season was a tale of the cream rising to the top. He began last year’s campaign in Houston’s bullpen, pitched well as a starter when called upon and never gave back his rotation spot.
According to FanGraphs, among pitchers who pitched at least 130 innings as a starter in 2022, Javier had the third-highest strikeout rate (32.6 K%) and 12th-lowest WHIP (0.97). The righty also spun a 2.68 ERA, 3.28 SIERA and 28.0 CSW%.
Javier’s numbers as a starter were fantastic. Furthermore, he has a rock-solid foundation for innings under his belt. Including the 2022 postseason in his totals, Javier tossed 161.1 innings in 2022. He should eclipse 170 innings this year if he stays healthy. Just 39 pitchers tossed more than 170 innings last year. Thus, Javier’s ADP and ECR are spot on.
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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.
