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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 nine. NOTE: these are expected starts.
Editor’s Note: RotoBaller’s fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups list is updated every single day. Our awesome writers bring you analysis on hot or emerging starting pitchers, and also all other fantasy positions. You can also download our waiver wire iPhone app for free, and easily stay updated.
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@ BAL 5/30, vs TOR 6/4
Owned In: 38% of Fleaflicker Leagues
31-year-old Steven Wright continues to be the gift that keeps on giving for the Boston Red Sox. Earning a spot on the team rotation during spring training, he’s arguably been the most effective starter on the club. Sure, David Price is paid like the ace and leads the team in wins, but there’s more than meets the eye here. Wright has surrendered 15 less hits and 20 less earned runs, holding a 2.52 ERA to Price’s 5.34. Outside of one bad start against Houston, he’s delivered eight quality starts, but poor run support has his record at 2-2. This week, Wright will challenge a couple of division rivals, first the Baltimore Orioles in a battle for first place in the AL East. While the O’s have gotten off to a strong start, their offense hasn’t been one of the league’s best. Wright has actually been better on the road as well, conceding three fewer runs despite pitching 12 more innings away from Fenway Park. In his second start of the week, he’ll face the Blue Jays back at home. Having started his season with a pair of quality starts against Toronto, have faith in Wright pitching well once again this coming week.
Tanner Roark, WSH
@ PHI 5/30, @ CIN 6/5
Owned In: 42% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Tanner Roark’s first two months of the 2016 campaign can be split in two categories: starts against the Marlins and starts against everyone else. In four starts against Miami this year, the 29-year-old right-hander has surrendered 17 runs in 21.1 innings, taking three losses and one victory. Outside of those starts, he’s been brilliant, recording quality starts each time out. One of his strongest starts of the season came against the Phillies, the team he’ll face first this week. Back on April 28, Roark tossed seven shutout innings, conceding just two hits but earning a no-decision. The Phillies have been improving on offense, but still rank as one of the 10 worst offensive teams in MLB. Roark’s second opponent of the week will be the Cincinnati Reds, whose .226 team BA ranks 29th in baseball. With the Miami Marlins nowhere in sight, you can rely on Roark having a solid week.
Matt Andriese, TB
@ KC 5/30, @ MIN 6/5
Owned In: 24% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Arriving on the scene just this month, 26-year-old Matt Andriese has been a strong addition to the Tampa Bay Rays’ rotation. Beginning his campaign by winning three straight decisions, he’s pitched to a 2.63 ERA and has already fired a complete game shutout. Outside of one start in Detroit, Andriese has recorded three quality starts, striking out 17 batters in 27 innings of work. This week he’ll get two road starts against the AL Central, one coming against a team on the ropes and another against a team that’s already down for the count. On Monday, Andriese will pitch against the champions at Kauffman Stadium. While the Royals have remained within striking distance of the division leaders, they were dealt a huge blow this past week with Mike Moustakas’ torn ACL injury, which will cost him the rest of the season. Moustakas is one of the team’s leaders, and with Alex Gordon, Chris Young and Kris Medlen already out, the team is well below 100%. They could be ripe for the taking, and Andriese may be running into the perfect situation. The second start of his week will be against the Minnesota Twins, who remain the worst team in the league. This week could push Andriese from streamer to waiver wire darling.
Lance McCullers, HOU
@ ARZ 5/31, vs OAK 6/5
Owned In: 34% of Fleaflicker Leagues
After a promising 2015 rookie campaign, 22-year-old Lance McCullers began this season on the sidelines with shoulder pain. Returning on May 13, he’s made three starts and has shown continued progression as he regains his form. After allowing five runs in his season debut, he allowed two runs in his second start and just one in his most recent outing. That performance against the Orioles on Thursday featured 10 strikeouts in five inning. Although he walked six batters, one home run was all the damage he took in the victory. McCullers is on the verge of exploding once again in the fantasy waiver wire department and his upcoming week as a two-start streamer will be a strong test. First, the right-hander will visit Chase Field for a matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks. While walks have been McCullers’ biggest issue so far, Arizona doesn’t take those very much, something the youngster must capitalize on if he’s to be successful. Matched with the D-backs’ continued struggles at home, this is one of the best-case scenarios for McCullers’ first road start since his season debut. Headed back home for his second start of the week, he’ll take on the Athletics. Oakland is a division-worst 15-23 against right-handed pitchers this year. With McCullers seemingly growing into form, expect a pair of solid starts this upcoming week.
Josh Tomlin, CLE
vs TEX 5/30, vs KC 6/4
Owned In: 33% of Fleaflicker Leagues
How many of us foresaw this kind of start to Josh Tomlin’s season? That’s right, probably nobody. The 31-year-old native of Tyler, Texas has stormed out to a 7-0 start, posting a 3.35 ERA and allowing 19 runs in 51 innings. Perhaps the biggest factor in his undefeated start has been run support, with his 5.88 runs of support per game ranking sixth in the American League. Still, Tomlin has recorded five quality starts this year and is coming off eight innings of two-run ball in Chicago, out-dueling Chris Sale on the road. This week, Tomlin will look to reach 9-0 with a couple of home starts. His first opponent will be the Texas Rangers, a team he’s beaten in both career starts against them. His second start of the week will be against the Royals, who are currently reeling as previously chronicled. With the Indians remaining one of the better offensive teams in baseball, expect more terrific run support for Tomlin, but also expect two worthy performances from the unbeaten right-hander.
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