Low-Ownership Starters for Friday (9/22)

I’ll be looking at starters owned in less than 30% of CBS leagues.

Miguel Gonzalez (26% Owned) at Athletics (Kendall Graveman)

With weak skills (5.49 SIERA) and lowly strikeout rate, I wouldn’t start Gonzalez against anyone, even a team as whiff happy as the Athletics are.

Bud Norris (24% Owned) at Astros (Justin Verlander)

After pitching in relief all season, suddenly Norris is back in the starting rotation, and he’s receive his second “start” against the Astros. I put start in quotes because the first “start” was really just him acting as the first pitcher in a bullpen game as he went just two innings. Even against a weak offense, he probably wouldn’t go long enough to qualify for a win, but here he’s taking on the top scoring team in baseball. No thanks.

Adam Conley (24% Owned) at Diamondbacks (Zack Greinke)

Conley’s skills have eroded this year and his strikeout rate has collapsed as his fastball velocity has dipped into the danger zone below 90 mph. Pitching in hitter friendly Chase Field against a Diamondbacks offense that ranks second in the NL in ISO is not my idea of a good matchup. He’s an obvious no go.

Erasmo Ramirez (16% Owned) vs Indians (Carlos Carrasco)

I’ve always liked Ramirez, but he’ll be facing a top tier Indians offense and a top tier pitcher, reducing his chances at a win. The Indians have clinched their division but still have something to play for. I think Ramirez is the best pitcher so far on this list, but this is not the matchup you want. Unless you have no ERA and WHIP category downside, better to sit him on your bench.

Sal Romano (11% Owned) vs Red Sox (Rick Porcello)

The rookie was ranked 15th among Reds prospects heading into the season after an unexciting minor league career that featured pedestrian strikeout rates. Strange, since his fastball averages 95 mph. His slider, which Baseball Info Solutions classifies as a curve, has actually been excellent at inducing whiffs, but that hasn’t been enough to get that strikeout rate to league average. I do like the ground ball rate though and acknowledge he’s an interesting guy for the future. For now though, against a good Red Sox offense, I would be far too scared to start him.

Ben Lively (11% Owned) at Braves (Sean Newcomb)

His 3.94 ERA looks respectable, but that 5.24 SIERA suggests it’s all smoke and mirrors. An extreme fly ball pitcher who doesn’t strike anyone out, it’s clear that 11% of CBS leaguers don’t look past ERA. The matchup is pretty good though, but there’s still no real upside to starting a pitcher who doesn’t strike anyone out and putting your faith in the Phillies defense.

Ubaldo Jimenez (4% Owned) vs Rays (Alex Cobb)

Sure, Jimenez’s skills have been poor for a while now, but a 6.57 ERA?! He’s not this bad. The Rays rank 27th in runs scored and own the second highest strikeout rate. If there was ever a good matchup for Jimenez as a stream, this is it. He’s still has the occasional strong strikeout game and the Rays rank in the middle of the pack in walk rate, Jimenez’s biggest weakness. So, surprise, surprise, this is the first start recommendation I’m making.

Jordan Lyles (0% Owned) vs Rockies (Jon Gray)

Uhhhh no. How does a guy with a career ERA of 5.36 remain in the Majors and even draw starts? I could do just as poorly!