Streaming Starters: September 25th, 2019

Down the stretch, we’ll be covering the probable starters and highlighting our favorites to stream as you chase down your fantasy titles. The pitcher in question must be available in 50% or more of leagues according to FantasyPros.com which combines ESPN and Yahoo! roster rates (sometimes exceptions just over 50% will be mentioned if they are really good and should have a much higher roster rate).

I’m listing them in order of interest.

SCOOP ‘EM

Jordan Lyles (11-8, 4.17 ERA) at CIN | 40%: He’s only been good since shifting over to Milwaukee (2.35 ERA, 1.12 WHIP in 10 starts) so that probably explains the roster rate, but don’t sleep on him. The Cincy offense is a little chilly, too, toting a .291 wOBA against righties in September.

Jeff Samardzija (11-12, 3.64) v. COL | 43%: I’m surprised his roster rate is this low, but he should be on a roster in most competitive. Check your wire juuust in case.

Dinelson Lamet (3-5, 3.84) v. LAD | 21%: Like Shark, he should already be rostered in the most competitive leagues. He should definitely be picked up where available, though, even against an always-difficult Dodgers lineup.

Merrill Kelly (12-14, 4.31) v. STL| 30%: Kelly has been a total home/road play this year with the latter being where you start him. At Chase Field, he has a 3.22 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 89.3 innings with 86 strikeouts. The Cards sit 13th in wOBA at .314 with a 25% K rate against righties in September.

STRONG CONSIDERATION

Anibal Sanchez (10-8, 3.91) v. PHI | 37%: Sanchez has a palatable 4.18 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in the second half spanning 75.3 innings. He’ll drop the occasional dud so there is some risk, but you can do a lot worse. Even against a capable Philly team, this isn’t a bad bet for win-chasers.

Tyler Mahle (2-11, 4.93) v. MIL | 3%: Mahle is coming off a gem in Wrigley where he allowed just one hit in six innings, but he had just one quality start in his previous six before that so he’s definitely a risk.

Brett Anderson (12-9, 4.00) at LAA | 18%: Since allowed 5 ER to Texas back on July 25th, Anderson has settled in and posted a 3.88 ERA, but his 1.43 WHIP and just 26 strikeouts in 51 innings make him a risky play. If you’re just chasing wins, go for it, otherwise pass.

COINFLIPS

Robert Dugger (0-3, 4.45) at NYM | 4%: He’s been alright in six starts with a 4.45 ERA. His lone dud – 5 IP/6 ER – was against the Mets, but that was his MLB debut. Since then, he has a 3.29 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 27.3 innings. Be careful.

Kolby Allard (4-1, 4.25) v. BOS | 7%: Allard has offered some value down the stretch with a 4.25 ERA in 42.3 innings, but the 1.51 WHIP leaves me cautious. The Red Sox haven’t been great against lefties this month (.298 wOBA in September), but they are always a scary lineup to face, especially against someone who allows so many hits.

Andrew Heaney (4-6, 5.10) v. OAK | 45%: Heaney was riding high after a 1.82 August ERA including 24 strikeouts in his last two outings of the month, but it’s much rockier in September with a 9.31 ERA, allowing at least four earned in all four starts. I’m not sure I could put my championship hopes on Heandog.

HAIL MARY

Drew Smyly (3-2, 4.63) at WAS | 3%: Only four good starts in his 11 with Philly and a trip to Washington, who is fighting hard for homefield in the wildcard. That’s a no from me, but your situation may call for a bigger risk.

Mike Montgomery (2-7, 4.70) v. ATL | 10%: His last six starts by earned run: 5, 1, 1, 5, 2, 5… feeling lucky?

Kyle Gibson (13-7, 4.88) at DET | 39%: The matchup is great, but the pitcher is not. He has an 8.02 ERA and 2.08 WHIP over his last 33.7 innings.