Two-Start Starting Pitcher Streamers: 9/17-9/23

If you’re reading this then congratulations, you’re still alive in your fantasy baseball league (H2H or roto). This is the penultimate two-start streamer post for 2018 and we have some good names to add to your list when deciding which arms to choose with your allotted free agent signings.

From this group, we mainly have familiar names, with a sprinkle of new talent in the mix. Each call you make is magnified in the postseason, so we will try not to recommend players who boom-or-bust. The floors may be safer this week, but remember to leave no doubt against your opponent and don’t let your fantasy hopes land on a last-minute decision in the final days of your matchup.

Last week, most of the advice worked to perfection. Mike Minor (6 IP, 1 ER, and 3 K), Jose Urena (6.1 IP, 1 ER, and 5 K), and Sandy Alcantara (7 IP, 2 ER, and 6 K) led the way in our suggestions. Unfortunately, Alcantara’s start was postponed on Monday, so he didn’t pitch until Thursday, removing him from two-start land.

Pitcher Streamers - Under 50% Owned

Jake Odorizzi, MIN (38% owned)

Probable opponents: @ DET, @ OAK

The Yankees were on the docket the last time Odorizzi was on the hill. Surprisingly, for a streamer, he posted terrific numbers: 7.1 IP, 1 ER, and 5 K. Let’s hope that wave continues when Odorizzi travels to Detroit and Oakland this week. The Tigers are 29th in team wOBA (.293) against right-handed pitchers and 25th in runs scored (571 runs in 146 games) this season. Odorizzi also faced the A’s on August 24th. He pitched seven innings and allowed only one earned run while striking out seven batters.

Steven Matz, NYM (32% owned)

Probable opponents: @ PHI, @ WSH

Matz was fantasy gold in 2016. In that season, he struck out 129 batters in 132.1 innings while carrying a 3.40 ERA as a fantasy baseball free agent. An elbow injury obstructed his 2017 campaign. Now, Matz is returning to the form that made him relevant in the fantasy community. This year, he’s struck out 136 batters in 140 innings (4.18 ERA). Recently, Matz has allowed two earned runs, or less, in four of the last five performances. He’s also struck out at least seven batters in three of the last four starts. The Phillies and Nationals were both on Matz’s schedule during that run and he was pitched well against both of them. Now, they return to Matz’s docket this week, with hopefully the same results (or better).

Joe Musgrove, PIT (28% owned)

Probable opponents: vs. KC, vs. MIL

Are there negatives to choosing Musgrove? Sure. He’s allowed at least four earned runs in three of the past four games. However, on the bright side, he’s also punched out at least seven batters in four of the last five appearances. This week, the Royals and Brewers are on the menu. Kansas City has scored the 29th-most runs in 2018 (559 runs in 146 games). As for Milwaukee, they’ve struck out 1,325 times in 147 games (fifth-most in MLB).

Pitcher Streamers - Under 25% Owned

Wade Miley, MIL (22% owned)

Probable opponents: vs. CIN, @ PIT

I have a pitcher with a 2.23 ERA (4-2 record) and 1.19 WHIP in 68.2 innings of work. Interested? You should be. Miley isn’t a sexy name and he hasn’t posted a sub-4.90 ERA since 2015, but he’s doing well for the Brew Crew. He’s allowed two earned runs, or less, in nine of the last 10 appearances and struck out at least five batters in five of the last 10 starts. He faced the Reds on August 30th and did very well (7.1 IP, 1 ER, and 6 K). He last saw the Pirates on August 24th, and also had a decent outing (5 IP, 2 ER, and 4 K). He’ll face them both, again, this week.

Brad Keller, KC (15% owned)

Probable opponents: @ PIT, @ DET

For his recent history, Keller should be well over 25% owned. Instead, we see him at the 15% mark (on Yahoo fantasy leagues). In the past six starts, Keller has allowed two earned runs, or less. He’s also struck out at least five batters in four of the past five outings. The Tigers are on his schedule for this week. We already mentioned how much Detroit has struggled against righties this year, and overall (see Odorizzi’s post).

Andrew Suarez, SF (8% owned)

Probable opponents: @ SD, @ STL

I tried to avoid “boom-or-bust” pitchers, but the pickings are slim when you look below 25% ownership. Suarez has allowed at least five earned runs in three of the last 10 starts and shut out three teams during that same span. The choice to add Suarez is a little safer knowing that San Diego is one of the teams he’ll face this week. The Padres are 26th in team wOBA (.298) against lefties this year, 26th in runs scored (563 runs in 147 games), and second in team strikeouts (1,383) in 2018.

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