Aside from Brad Keller, we actually had a pretty nice streamers article last week. It’s not like we could have predicted Keller getting shut down either, as it was clear by his dip in velocity on Monday that he really didn’t have anything left in the tank. That’s something we need to consider at this time of the year, as many pitchers will be surpassing career-highs in terms of innings. It’s also an imperative week in H2H leagues, as many of you are in the playoffs. That’s why I’m going to offer up a ton of streamer recommendations, so you can pick and choose between them. With that in mind, all of the two-start streams are risky as risky as a Tinder date, so tread with caution!
Two-Start Streamers
Trevor Richards, TB (vs. BAL, vs. TOR)
This is super risky but there’s a ton of upside in using Richards. The best part about using him this week is his matchups, as he gets two home games against bad offenses. In fact, the Orioles currently rank 21st in K rate, 26th in runs scored, 25th in OBP, 27th in wOBA, 25th in OPS and 28th in xwOBA while the Blue Jays sit 22nd in K rate, 28th in OBP, 24th in OPS and 27th in wOBA. Those dreadful numbers are really scary in Tropicana Field, with that ballpark ranking Top-10 in park factor.
Richards has had some serious bright spots this season too, especially with the Rays. Over his last six appearances, T-Rich is pitching to a 1.84 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 11.0 K/9 rate. That’s really no surprise when you see that Richards attained a 3.31 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over his first 13 starts this season. While he’s not in the Streamonator because he’ll likely have an opener, I’d anticipate him bring about a $30 value with this sort of upside.
Mike Montgomery, KC (vs. DET, at MIA)
This too is an extremely risky stream but this is honestly the two-start streamer I’ve been waiting for all season. This is the first time someone’s gotten to face the Marlins and Tigers in the same week and that’s simply a gift from god. These two teams actually rank either 29th or dead-last in runs scored, OBP, OPS, wOBA and xwOBA. To put it simply, these are the two worst offenses in MLB by leaps and bounds. That pair perfectly with these ballparks, with Kauffman Stadium and Marlins Park ranked as two of the best pitching parks around.
It’s not like Montgomery is some joke either, as he’s shown flashes of brilliance throughout August. A 4.66 ERA and 1.57 WHIP for the season will scare some owners off but his 2.45 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 9.5 K/9 rate over his last seven starts is quite the impressive stretch. While the Streamonator doesn’t necessarily agree with this recommendation, it would be hard to imagine Montgomery blowing up your ERA and WHIP with two premium matchups like this.
Two-Start Streamers to Consider
Sandy Alcantara, MIA (at PIT, vs. KC): How often can you pick up an All-Star with two premium matchups? While that bid may have been underserving, he gets two starts in pitcher-heavy parks against two bad offenses. Streamonator Value: $-1.1
Tanner Roark, OAK (vs. LAA, vs. DET): Roark has been inconsistent all season long but getting two starts in Oakland could be huge for anyone. In fact, Oakland Coliseum ranks Top-5 in terms of park factor. Roark is pitching well right now too, allowing two runs or fewer in six of his last eight starts. Streamonator Value: $22.8
Vince Velasquez, PHI (at CIN, at NYM): Velasquez has been much better since the All-Star break. Facing a Reds club who ranks 23rd in runs scored and in 27th in xwOBA is a nice start, which is followed up beautifully by a start in Citi Field, the second-best pitcher’s park in the league. Streamonator Value: $-0.4
One-Start Streamers
Dinelson Lamet, SD (vs. COL)
If you’re looking for a streamer who could potentially pick up 10 Ks, this is probably your best bet. The main reason why is because of this matchup. As a Rockies fan, I can tell you that this is one of the worst offenses in the league right now. While Coors Field masks some of their numbers, the fact that they sit 29th in OBP and dead-last in OPS on the road tells you everything you need to know.
That’s particularly scary in a stadium like Petco Park, as Colorado also ranks 23rd in K rate. All of that is a perfect recipe for Lamet, with the Padres righty posting a 32 percent K rate this season and a 30 percent mark for his career. That’s backed up by a 3.72 xFIP and 1.27 WHIP, with Lamet recording at least 5 Ks in all 10 starts this season while never allowing more than four runs. The Streamonator agree,s projecting him for 7.8 Ks en route to $35.9 worth of value.
Jakob Junis, KC (vs. DET)
Junis is actually the second-highest projected streamer of the week according to the Streamonator, projecting him to provide $27.9 worth of value. That’s a monster number and it’s really no surprise when you consider this matchup. The Motor City Kitties currently rank dead-last in runs scored, OBP, K rate and xwOBA. That easily makes them the worst offense in baseball and definitely makes Junis one of the best streamers of the week. The Kansas City righty has been much better in the second half too, pitching to a 3.96 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 8.7 K/9 rate over his last 10 starts.
One-Start Streamers to Consider
Zac Plesac, CLE (vs. CWS): Plesac has done nothing but produce all season and he’s tough to fade anytime he gets a quality matchup. The Indians righty is currently pitching to a 3.40 ERA and 1.20 WHIP and faces a White Sox club who sits 28th in runs scored, 26th in K rate and 25th in both wOBA and xwOBA. Streamonator Value: $14
Pablo Lopez, MIA (vs. KC): Lopez’s 3.70 FIP and 23 percent K rate probably make him the best pitcher in this rotation and that’s huge against an offense who ranks 24th in wOBA, 27th in runs scored and 28th in OPS. Not to mention, this bad offense has to play without a DH in a spacious stadium like Marlins Park. Streamonator Value: $22.8
Homer Bailey, OAK (vs. DET): Bailey has a 1.93 ERA and 0.96 WHIP over his last three starts and gets to face the worst offense in the league in Oakland Coliseum. Streamonator Value: $11.9
Framber Valdez, HOU (vs. SEA): Valdez has struggled all season but facing a bad Mariners lineup as a –200 favorite is a good way to lower his ERA and WHIP. Streamonator Value: $27.9
If you’d like some advice, comment me here or reach me on Twitter @Bartilottajoel
