After a brief absence, I have returned to issue the best streaming options I can find. I wanted to take a couple days off, partly because Monday matchups are terrible to find streaming options for, but also because I wanted to get prepped and start getting this article out a little earlier so everyone has a chance to add the pitchers I find to their rosters as they can. If you’re in a league like mine, you can make daily transactions, but you can’t use the player until the next day. That means if you pick up a pitcher on Tuesday, you won’t be able to use him until Wednesday. So I’ve revamped my article and gotten ahead of the curve (heh, pitching puns are so much fun), and now I’m hoping you’ll be a little more prepared, as I am, to take on the streaming possibilities. Now, on to tomorrow’s streaming pitchers!
Streaming Pitchers: 7/1/2015
Kyle Lohse RHP MIL (@ PHI)
Kyle Lohse has had a terrible run, but he’s not this bad of a pitcher. His ERA is inflated by a staggering 1.87 HR/9 rate that is held up by an unsustainable 16.2% HR/FB rate. Even in Miller Park, that’s an exaggerated rate that is sure to come down. His 6.48 K/9 and his 1.96 BB/9 are suitable in the right environment and against the right opponent. That right opponent is right over the horizon as the Brewers are going to the City of Brotherly Love to face the Phillies. This start goes in line with our “Always Start Righties Against the Phillies” rule (let’s call it the ASRAP Rule). The Phillies have been downright terrible against righties all year, with a 73 wRC+ against them. It doesn’t get much better when you look at their home numbers, as it all rounds up to a 79 wRC+ when at home. Lohse will be a bit of a sneaky play here, but I think he’ll certainly be worth it to try.
Brett Anderson LHP LAD (@ ARI)
Don’t look now, but Brett Anderson is a good pitcher again. I had to go back and make sure, because I thought he might be the first pitcher I have ever written about on these fine pages. He’s not, as that delegation goes to fellow Dodger Carlos Frias. Whoops! Even still, Mr. Anderson has his skills. His primary skill is the worm burner, as he’s put up an astounding 68.7% ground ball rate so far this year, first among qualified pitchers. And hey, he’s a qualified pitcher! For him, that’s an accomplishment in and of itself, as this is already the third highest innings pitched total he’s put up in seven-year career. In shorter terms, he is an incredibly good pitcher to use in fantasy even without the strikeouts. In fact, most fantasy owners will shy away from him because of that very lack of K’s, which is what makes him such a good streaming option. The matchup is a strong one, as the Diamondbacks struggle against left-handed pitching, hitting at a 92 wRC+ against them. Even at home, they’ve had their issues, with an 89 wRC+ at Chase Field. Sure, it’s a home run-friendly park, but Mr. Anderson will keep the ball in the park with those worm burners, making this an excellent opportunity to play him here.
Good luck and happy streaming!
