Watching Anthony DeSclafani pitch last night was kind of hard. Sure, he went seven innings. And he got the win! But giving up four earned runs to the Phillies last night wasn’t bad enough. He did it while issuing two walks and no strikeouts, as in none, zero, nada. I know he’s never going to be a big strikeout guy, but no strikeouts? Even if he gets a good matchup next time out, I’d avoid him if I were you. A pitcher that once looked like he was going to have some promise is starting to look like a potential disaster waiting to happen. On to the streaming pitchers!
Streaming Pitchers: 6/6/15
Ricky Nolasco RHP MIN (vs MIL)
I know, I know. Ricky Nolasco pitching is scary. For me, suggesting you stream with Ricky Nolasco is scary. When I saw his name pop up on the top of my list, I thought there was an error. But remember when I said before that the Phillies were a team you must start against? If there’s a number two option on that list, it’s the Brewers, especially outside of Miller Park. They’ve been terrible outside of Ryan Braun this year, and now they get to go to Target Field to face Nolasco’s Twins. On the road, they hit a 70 wRC+, and against righties, it’s a wRC+ of 81. Ouch. I’d say give it a try.
Jeff Locke LHP PIT (@ ATL)
There must be something in the water in Pittsburgh. The four mainstays of the Pittsburgh rotation have all produced ground ball rates over 50%. Jeff Locke is no different, with a 50.9% rate so far this year. Locke is also enjoying his best strikeout rate since 2012, with an 18.3% rate so far. His walk rate is up from last year (9.4% compared to 7.3%), but it’s about the same rate as his career numbers. He’s had a bit of bad luck so far this year, as his BABIP is at .333 (career rate of .290) and he’s only stranded 66.2% of runners on base (career LOB% is 72.6%). If he can have a little better luck, he has the matchup to make it work. The Braves are only hitting a 94 wRC+ at home and a miserable 65 wRC+ against lefties.
Jesse Chavez RHP OAK (@ BOS)
How is Jesse Chavez not owned in more leagues? He’s a good pitcher! I might as well start the Jesse Chavez Fan Club, as much as I write about him. I think this is the last time he’ll show up on my list as he’s going to have a really good start here. He gets to pitch against the slumping Red Sox offense, which has been downright offensive. By the way, I’ll have you all notice that I am picking AGAINST the Sox today, so I’m not a complete homer. Anyway, the Sox offense hits a 98 wRC+ at home and a 92 wRC+ against righties, so it doesn’t seem like a huge advantage, but their numbers have been waning since Hanley’s and Panda’s injuries and weren’t that great before that anyway. So as much as it pains me to say it, get Jesse for this start. And you might keep him around, or at least on your radar, for as long as Billy Beane keeps him in Oakland.