Down the stretch we come. Two weeks remaining of the MLB season and hopefully, this article finds you in the playoffs. I’ve tried to recommend relatively low-owned options all year long and that’s not changing at this point. This week the juggernaut offense of the Miami Marlins gets eight games over the next six days. I jest a little by calling them juggernauts, but over the last 14 days, the Marlins have posted a team wOBA of .334 – good for 11th in the league. Their opponents in this stretch are the Red Sox (3) and the Nationals (5). While they do face Max Scherzer and Patrick Corbin, none of the other starting pitchers is anything to be scared of. Shoot, even Scherzer and Corbin have combined for a 4.07 ERA this year. After the starters, the Marlins bats will face bullpens that have posted 5.00+ ERAs on the year. So, who can help us this week from the Marlins? Since Jon Berti hit the IL, Corey Dickerson (25.8% ESPN, 35% CBS) has been leading off against right-handed pitchers. Jesus Aguilar (20.1% ESPN, 45% CBS) has quietly had a really nice rebound season. He’s reduced his strikeout rate for the 4th consecutive year and can help you in every category other than stolen bases. Miguel Rojas (10.3% ESPN, 18% CBS) returned from an IL stint and has batted close to .400 and has chipped in a pair of steals over the last two weeks. If you’re desperate at catcher, Jorge Alfaro (7.1% ESPN, 31%) has posted a decent batting average and has chipped in a pair of stolen bases. Finally, Garrett Cooper (10.2% ESPN, 22% CBS) provides multi-positional eligibility and has mashed three homers over the last two weeks. If there’s a specific category you feel that your team is lacking, pick your favorite Marlin. Let’s take a look at some other options to help you out down the stretch.
Jose Urquidy, SP (22.2% ESPN, 62% CBS) – Clearly, this play is for ESPN leagues. Down the stretch, Jose Urquidy has one of the best-projected schedules. Tomorrow, he gets a matchup with the Rangers, who have posted a team wOBA of .298 and have stuck out at a 27.7% rate over the last two weeks. Then, on 9/20, he gets a matchup with the Diamondbacks. Over the last two weeks, the Diamondbacks are D.F.L. in team wOBA. Finally, on 9/25, Urquidy gets a repeat matchup with the lowly Rangers. With this schedule, Urquidy could end up being a league winner.
Brady Singer, SP (10.6% ESPN, 31% CBS) – If you’re looking for starting pitching help, Singer gets a matchup against the Tigers on Wednesday. Singer is coming off an excellent start against the Indians that saw him throw 8 shutout innings. He struck out eight batters and allowed just three base runners. Over the last 14 days, the Tigers have posted a team wOBA of .283, the second-worst rate in the league. Looking forward, Singer gets a repeat matchup against the Tigers on September 27th.
Rafael Dolis, RP (13.3% ESPN, 18% CBS) – If you’re desperate for saves, you can look to Rafael Dolis of the Blue Jays. Don’t look now, but the Blue Jays are in playoff contention. Dolis has saved three games for the Blue Jays since September 6th. During that time he hasn’t allowed any runs to cross the plate and has struck out 11 in 7.1 IP.
Matt Andriese, RP (.4% ESPN, 1% CBS) – Another cheap saves option, Andriese picked up two saves over the weekend. Not that the Angels are any good, but bad teams earn saves too. If HC Joe Maddon rides the hot hand, Andriese could be in line for a handful of saves down the stretch.
Shogo Akiyama, OF (12.8% ESPN, 15% CBS) – The Reds use a strict platoon when it comes to their outfield and Akiyama’s playing time – which can be a bit of a headache – but Akiyama leads off against right-handed pitching. Over the last two weeks, Akiyama swiped five bags. I don’t know about your leagues, but finding stolen bases has been a grind in my leagues this year. If you’re in a daily league, Akiyama’s a great candidate to stream when he’s facing a weak righty.
Jared Walsh, 1B (5.7% ESPN, 10% CBS) – If your offense needs a power surge, take a look at Jared Walsh. Over the last week, the Angels prospect has batted over .400 and has mashed four bombs. He’s been batting second against right-handed pitchers which should put him in place to help your team in every category except stolen bases. Like Akiyama, Walsh is a great stream in a daily moves league.
Good luck this week!
