RADIO
A wise fantasy baseball manager never rests. He is never satisfied with his team and is always on the hunt for the player that can help in both the present and future. For this article, we’ll focus on the present, as we present the top pitcher streamers who’ll be making two outings this week.
We do this every week, because deep down we all know those last two or three guys taken in drafts won’t be with us the whole way through. Mix and match is the name of the game and maximizing these players’ values is the goal. Here are the top five two-start pitching streamers for week 22. NOTE: these are expected starts.
Editor's Note: Purchase a full season NFL Premium Pass (including Draft Kit + DFS Premium), and also get MLB Premium + DFS for free through October. Premium DFS lineup picks, expert lineups, tools and more - seven days a week. You can see screenshots of our NFL Premium and MLB Premium and DFS tools. What are you waiting for?
Featured Promo: Want a free RotoBaller Premium Pass? Check out these sports betting promo offers from the top sportsbooks! All new sign-ups get a free bonus offer on their first deposit, and a free year of RotoBaller's Premium Pass for all sports ($450 value)! Sign Up Now!
Going Twice, Roll The Dice
Rich Hill, LAD
@ COL 8/29, vs SD 9/4
Owned In: 51% of Fleaflicker Leagues
The only reason 36-year-old Rich Hill’s ownership has plummeted to a manageable percentage was his lasting blister injury. The Boston native made his first start for the Dodgers this past week, over a month after his most recent outing. That performance came with the Oakland Athletics, who dealt him to the Dodgers just before the trade deadline. At the time of the trade, Hill was 9-3 with a 2.25 ERA and looking like a Cy Young contender. After his blister finally healed, however, he made his Dodgers debut and looked exactly like he did with Oakland, going six shutout innings against the Giants.
His victory proved a huge one, as the Dodgers battle it out with San Francisco for the NL West division. This week, he’ll make his first start at Coors Field, the dreaded ballpark that’s proven to be a pitcher’s nightmare. While the Rockies have largely struggled all season, this could be Hill’s most daunting task of the season. If he’s to succeed, his 10.21 K/9 ratio will play a major role, considering the Rockies rank fifth in the National League in strikeouts. His second start will come against the Padres, a much more manageable game. Expect a strong start against San Diego, with the start in Colorado presenting a strong but manageable challenge.
Dan Straily, CIN
@ LAA 8/29, vs STL 9/4
Owned In: 32% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Into his fifth campaign in the major leagues, Dan Straily is turning in the best season of his career. The 27-year-old has recorded 10 wins already, tying his personal best. Along with six losses, he’s pitched to a 3.57 ERA, another career best. While his strikeout rates and LOB% have been strong, they haven’t deviated from the usual. His greatest improvement has been in the walks department, posting a career low 3.15 BB/9 ratio.
Straily will begin his two-start week with an outing in Anaheim against the putrid Los Angeles Angels. While Straily has struggled on the road, he’s facing one of the worst teams in all of baseball. Having not surrendered more than three runs in a start in the past two months, expect the right-hander to continue his excellent form. His second start of the week will come at home, where he’s recorded a 2.94 ERA in 13 starts. Already with a quality start against the Cardinals under his belt, Straily should remain consistent in another start against them to close out the week.
Zach Davies, MIL
vs STL 8/29, @ PIT 9/4
Owned In: 21% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Washington native Zach Davies is making his second two-start streamer appearance this year, both coming this month. His first time out he recorded a quality start, but struggled largely hampered his second outing. Since then, Davies labored through the gargantuan task of facing the Cubs at Wrigley Field, but he's coming off a quality start against the Colorado Rockies. That start came at home, where Davies has posted a 7-4 record with a 3.70 ERA. Right at home is where the 23-year-old will make his first start of the upcoming week, taking on the St. Louis Cardinals.
While this may appear to be a tough matchup at first glance, Davies already has a masterful start under his belt against the Cardinals this season. Back in June, he tossed eight shutout innings against them, earning an impressive victory. While the Cardinals have been on a tear lately, look for Davies to follow up with another valuable performance. His second start of the week will come against the Pittsburgh Pirates, who continue to remain relevant as they chase down a postseason spot. With opposing starter Gerrit Cole being quite unreliable as of late, however, look for Davies to have a decent opportunity at a second victory.
James Paxton, SEA
@ TEX 8/30, vs LAA 9/4
Owned In: 15% of Fleaflicker Leagues
James Paxton spent 18 days between starts as he dealt with an elbow injury that originated from a line drive that struck him. The 27-year-old made one brief rehab start before returning to the Mariners this past Thursday. He took on the White Sox in his return and wasn’t exactly sharp, but didn’t get rocked either. In five innings of work, he surrendered seven hits and three runs, but five of those hits and all three runs came in the first inning. After that, he only gave up two hits and struck out four over his final four innings. Since making his season debut in June, Paxton’s recorded quality starts in more than half of his outings, showing flashes of brilliance. Prior to his injury, he’d gone 16 innings and given up one run overall over his two starts in August.
While one of those starts came against the lowly Angels, the other came against the formidable Boston Red Sox offense. This week, he’ll need to duplicate those performances as he takes on another tough offense in Texas against the Rangers. Paxton already has six shutout innings against the AL West division leaders this season and will need a similar start to succeed. His second start, meanwhile, will come against the aforementioned Angels. With two full starts under his belt following his injury, look for Paxton to be at 100 percent against the Halos, dominating them yet again.
Matt Boyd, DET
vs CHW 8/29, @ KC 9/4
Owned In: 14% of Fleaflicker Leagues
While fellow rookie Michael Fulmer is stealing all of the spotlight as he chases down the American League Cy Young Award, left-hander Matt Boyd isn’t far behind. The 25-year-old has been phenomenal these past two months, going 5-0 with a 2.39 ERA. Boyd has succeeded by cutting down on walks, keeping home runs at a minimum and stranding plenty of runners. This week he’ll need to continue the trend as he closes out August and begins September against a pair of division rivals.
First, he’ll take on the Chicago White Sox at home. With a 2.82 ERA in 36 innings at home, he’ll be more than comfortable with a great chance at victory. His second start will come on the road against the red-hot Kansas City Royals. The defending champions have gone on an impressive run to revive their playoff hopes. If Boyd is to succeed, keeping the walks at a bare minimum will be a necessity. The Royals currently rank dead last in the department, and with Boyd being such a polished pitcher, giving Kansas City zero free passes will be the key.
Live Expert Q&A Chats - Every Weekday @ 1 PM and 6 PM EST (DFS)
Fantasy Baseball Chat Room
[iflychat_embed id="c-55" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
