(Benny Sieu, USA TODAY Sports)
As always, the newest MLB season is out to a wild start, both in reality and fantasy. Fortunately, you have writings like this to help navigate through the craziness. Let’s start digging for diamonds in the rough to stream before they become known.
Last Week: N/A
Season: N/A
Each week throughout the season, Matt will be keeping track of his own performance based on how his recommended starting pitchers perform.
Chase Anderson, Milwaukee Brewers at St. Louis Cardinals
The chase might be on for Anderson’s services after spinning a gem in his Brewers debut Friday. He tossed five shutout innings opposite a tough Astros batting order, picking up five strikeouts and walking none.
Based on his previous two years since first being called up, this could signal a trend: Anderson has been considerably better in the first half of the season.
In fact, Anderson has a 3.52 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 24 career starts in the months of April, May and June, compared to a 4.73 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in 25 starts across July, August and September.
Whatever the reasoning, he also should be useful beyond this week.
Prediction: 6 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, BB, 4 K’s
Mat Latos, Chicago White Sox at Minnesota Twins
Coming off a nightmarish year, just about all fantasy owners were prepared to stay far away from Latos, but that sentiment might change after how the 28-year-old started off his 2016 campaign.
Latos made his season debut Thursday in Oakland and was terrific, yielding only one hit and one walk over six shutout innings. He also struck out two.
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Remember, he had success with the San Diego Padres in the beginning of his career. Prior to his woeful 2015, Latos was 33-16 with a 3.31 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in his three years pitching for the Cincinnati Reds. He also maintained a solid 7.68 K/9 rate.
The right-hander should warrant a roster spot should he find a groove early.
Prediction: 6 2/3 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K’s
Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies vs. San Diego Padres
It may not seem desirable to add a pitcher from a winless team, but owners should give Nola consideration for the long haul, regardless of how he performs against a hapless Padres squad.
The 2014 No. 7 overall draft pick was superb in his first start, registering seven dominant innings in Cincinnati in which he allowed just one run on four hits, while striking out eight versus zero walks.
Nola is considered one of the top prospects in baseball for several reasons, including his ability to rack up strikeouts. That was evident in his 2016 debut, and as a rookie last year, he logged 68 K’s in 77 2/3 total innings.
Owners would be wise to jump on his bandwagon before someone else does.
Prediction: 7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K’s
