Starting Pitchers: August 23rd

Two youngsters that found themselves back in their team’s rotations this coming week…

Travis Wood | Reds | 31% owned

I think the Reds may have surprised everyone with all of their young pitching this year, and Wood is a big reason why. The southpaw has put up some strong peripherals (7.22 K/9, 2.35 BB/9) in his nine starts with the Reds, but his .211 BABIP isn’t going last forever. That said, it wouldn’t be unheard of if that level of luck stayed true right through the end of the season. Whether or not you want to risk on it is your call, but Wood is certainly servicable with the right matchups. He starts tomorrow at the Giants, and Cincy’s schedule features a whole lotta games against the Pirates, Padres, and Astros next month.

Jordan Zimmermann | Nationals | 2%

One phenom goes on the disabled list, another comes off it. Zimmermann returns after missing most of the season due to Tommy John surgery, and will make his first start of 2010 this coming Thursday. The righthander was outstanding in 16 starts for the Nats last year, striking out a touch more than a man per inning while walking just under three per nine, but some bad BABIP (.339) and LOB% (67.5%) luck had his ERA at 4.63 (3.59 FIP, 3.39 xFIP). I wouldn’t expect the same level of dominance this year this close to surgery, but the strikeouts should be there. With September call-ups right around the corner and some luck from an essentially league average defense, his ERA could end up in the 3.00’s in September. That Thursday start comes at home against the Cardinals.

Quick Notes: The Yankees recalled Ivan Nova to make a few starts as they rest their regular rotation in advance of the stretch run, and he’ll start against either the White Sox or Athletics next weekend/early next week. With the Yanks offense and bullpen, it’s a decent opportunity to steal a win … both Nick Blackburn (minors) and Rich Harden (DL) are back in their respective rotations, but proceed at your own risk.

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