Points Leagues: Pitcher Projections for the Final Push

We’re in the endgame of the fantasy season at this point so it’s time to get your roster dialed and ready. Let’s get down to business and check in on the pitcher projections for the rest of the season in points leagues. Points were calculated based on the criteria below and taken from the Steamer/Razzball Rest of season projections, same as in previous versions of this list.

Innings Pitched (IP)  3

Hits Allowed (H) -1

Earned Runs (ER) -2

Walks Issued (BB) -1

Strikeouts 1

Wins (W) 5

Losses (L)   -5

Saves (SV) 5

So what stands out from this list? In last week’s Top 100 Hitters most of them are at or near 100% rostered. With pitching, we have more guys available, especially once you get to the back part of the list. I still recommend streaming as much as possible to maximize your innings but obviously, it’s not practical to stream your entire pitching staff on a daily basis. Fortunately, there are some good options that should be widely available as you load up to make your run. Best of luck to everyone, but the work isn’t done so get out there and bring home that chip.

Gerrit Cole holds the top spot and has a significant lead compared to the separation between a lot of guys on this list. He has more risk than we’re used to seeing from him but when he’s dealing, he still has massive point potential.

Carlos Carrasco certainly could finish this high but based on his recent performance, this feels like a very optimistic finish for him.

Andrew Heaney should be on more rosters just based on his potential. He’s had some struggles with the long ball and health has always been a question mark for him but I still think he’s worth taking a chance on at this stage in the season.

Mike Minor won’t win you your league by himself but he does have a very favorable projection. Despite the lack of monster games, he has been a serviceable streaming option. He’s not flashy but he can be one of your back-end starters.

Zac Gallen brings strikeout upside to the table and that should hold through the end of the season. Unfortunately, he’s been plagued by the long ball and the D-Backs inability to hold a lead. If he can figure out how to keep the ball in the yard he can close out the season strong. We’ve seen him dominate hitters in the past so it’s certainly possible that he’ll begin to click.

Jake Odorizzi isn’t flashy but his projection looks good and will need to be on his game as his team fights for the playoffs.

Reid Detmers is basically free and coming off of a 22 point start after posting negative numbers in his first two turns. He likely wasn’t on your radar in redraft leagues but he is one of the Angels top prospects and now that he’s made it to the show could be a big pickup. He doesn’t project as a real-life star, more a mid-tier starter, but if he can eat some innings the rest of the way he could be a fantasy difference-maker.

Steven Matz is enjoying a strong August and is set up to continue that run the rest of the way. He’s out there in about half of leagues.

Caleb Smith was looking like he could be solid pick-up until his last time on the mound when he was tossed for a sticky substance violation. Assuming his upcoming suspension is not overturned on appeal he will miss 10 games which could cost him a couple of starts.

Brady Singer has been inconsistent so I would check the Streamonator before firing him up. He should be widely available for your streaming needs.

Eleser Hernandez has been solid in limited action which makes him a deep league target and a streaming candidate in shallower leagues. I’d like to see him go more than 5 innings a start but you can’t always get everything you want, especially this late in the season.

Dylan Bundy should have a rotation spot going forward which opens up the potential for him to rack up some serious points. Given his recent run, I’d be playing matchups with him.

Trevor Richards may not have the closer role but that hasn’t stopped him from being an effective points league pitcher. If you need to start RPs in your league don’t forget about him.

J.A. Happ hasn’t impressed with his numbers this season but he offers enough in terms of innings to be worth your consideration for the back end of your rotation.

Logan Gilbert certainly has the potential to beat this projection as a top prospect. Or he could crash and burn, finding himself well outside the top 100. That’s rookies for ya.

Drew Rasmussen has probably done enough to stay in the rotation at this point. Unfortunately, it’s the Marlins rotation so he’ll likely have his innings capped, severely limiting his upside.

Logan Webb barely squeaks onto this list but I think he is an excellent candidate to take it higher. Maybe I’m just a biased Giants fan but I believe.

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