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In this piece, RotoBaller will highlight a selection of starting pitchers owned in less than 50% of both CBS and Yahoo leagues that have favorable matchups in the upcoming week. Whether you’re suffering from injuries, poor performance, or your league’s fantasy baseball waiver wire is barren, these undervalued pitchers could prove useful in the days ahead.
5/13: Hector Santiago (CHW) @ Minnesota Twins (Pedro Hernandez)
CBS Ownership: 46%, Yahoo Ownership: 13%
Pressed into the White Sox rotation following a rash of injuries to their starting pitchers, Santiago is making an early case for keeping his new job with the South Siders. Since converting from relief the lefty has made two starts, allowing just six hits and one run over 12.1 innings with a 14/4 K/BB ratio, and his last start was particularly brilliant, as he spun seven shutout innings with eight strikeouts versus the Mets. Santiago will be facing a mediocre Twins squad and the struggling Hernandez, who thus far has posted a 5.96 ERA and 1.68 WHIP in 2013; he’s a nice value play on Monday night.
5/16: Francisco Liriano (PIT) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (Hiram Burgos)
CBS Ownership: 37%, Yahoo Ownership: 12%
Finally recovered from a broken right (non-throwing) arm, Liriano made his Pirates debut on Saturday and partied like it was 2006, dominating the Mets in allowing just one run in 5.1 IP while striking out nine and walking two. Exhibiting good velocity and strong command, the former Twins and White Sox hurler showed he could very well be a waiver sleeper in the weeks ahead. Although facing a tougher opponent in the Brewers on Thursday, he’s nevertheless worth rolling out there against Burgos and his hideous 6.86 ERA.
5/17: Zach McAllister (CLE) vs. Seattle Mariners (Brandon Maurer)
CBS Ownership: 38%, Yahoo Ownership: 16%
It’s hard to believe McAllister is still available in so many fantasy leagues, as he’s quietly becoming one of the American League’s better young pitchers. Building off of a very solid 2012, the Indians right-hander has an exceptional 2.63 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 28/10 K/BB ratio in 37.2 IP and has not given up more than three earned runs in any of his starts. Current Seattle batters have hit just .213/.288/.340 in 52 career plate appearances versus McAllister, so there’s a good chance his breakout season continues on Friday night.
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For owners looking to stay current on pitchers to target, remember to check out our Ultimate Waiver Wire Watch List (updated daily) where you can find great updates and feedback on pitchers and position players from the staff here at RotoBaller.com.
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