Credit: Dinur

Alright, I have a few things to address in the introduction here.

First, there will be no recap of last week’s performances. We have bigger fish to fry and I’m hungry as hell. I’m sorry about the bad news – this introduction would’ve been stupid long. Reading is a lot of work for you too, so don’t act like I’m the only semi-lazy one here.

Next, a change is gonna come. That’s not just an excuse to promote Greta Van Fleet again, but it’s real and on the way. I’ve been neglecting the integrity of the top two tiers and what they stand for in the past month or so. Check out the Auto-Start and Auto-Stream sections for more information.

I’ve been pooping out articles left and right lately. Since I start a new job on Tuesday, the unemployed Tyler with crazy free time will be no more. If you are in a dynasty league, take a look at the scouting trips I took on Fernando Tatis Jr. and Yordan Alvarez in the Texas League (AA). Also, be on the lookout for a midseason starting pitcher rankings article and an amateur dynasty draft piece. Yes, I was going absolutely stir-crazy without work to do!

Finally, I watched Interstellar (2014) yesterday for the first time. I’m generally not a fan of Matthew McCoughaney, but holy shnikes that movie was fantastic. I’m always way behind on movies, so send me some movies or TV shows that bend my mind like that. Black Mirror, Ex Machina, whatever awesome science fiction you can throw at me!

Ramble, ramble, ramble – it’s time to RANK ‘EM UP!

2018 Fantasy Baseball Week 15 Pitching Planner

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Auto-Start

The Auto-Start tier strictly includes pitchers that should be started every week regardless of league size and matchup.

Name Team Opp1 Opp2 Clayton Kershaw Dodgers @SD LAA Max Scherzer Nationals @NYM Chris Sale Red Sox TEX Jacob deGrom Mets PHI Justin Verlander Astros OAK DET Corey Kluber Indians NYY Luis Severino Yankees @CLE Gerrit Cole Astros OAK DET

Promotions & Relegations

From now on, I’m going to combine the promotions and relegations to make one section. It’s not often that we even experience either of these in the SP1 tier anyway. That said, there will be changes to this tier after the All-Star Break. We’ve been due for a purge and this group needs rebranding.

Auto-Stream

This tier consists of pitchers who don’t quite reach the trust level of the Auto-Starts. However, due to matchup or recent performance, they are capable of having elite level production in a given week.

Name Team Opp1 Opp2 James Paxton Mariners @COL Aaron Nola Phillies @NYM @MIA Robbie Ray Diamondbacks @ATL Jose Berrios Twins KC TB Blake Snell Rays @MIN Zack Greinke Diamondbacks @ATL Carlos Carrasco Indians CIN Charlie Morton Astros OAK Trevor Bauer Indians CIN NYY Madison Bumgarner Giants OAK Patrick Corbin Diamondbacks @COL @ATL

Promotions & Relegations

I’m going to start doing ‘Promotions’ and ‘Relegations’ in this tier as well. I end up talking about the same guys on a biweekly basis and it gets mundane when we know that they are in the SP2 tier. Just as in the Auto-Start tier, there will be changes post-ASB. No one is safe.

Dream Stream

The Dream Stream group more closely reflects the pitchers that you are contemplating starting or sitting. These are all worthy starters in a typical 12-team mixed league.

Name Team Opp1 Opp2 Rich Hill Dodgers @SD LAA Kenta Maeda Dodgers @SD Ross Stripling Dodgers @SD Jose Quintana Cubs @SF Dallas Keuchel Astros DET Alex Wood Dodgers LAA Jonathan Loaisiga Yankees @BAL Lance McCullers Jr. Astros OAK Jon Lester Cubs @SD Kyle Hendricks Cubs @SF @SD Luke Weaver Cardinals @CWS Chris Archer Rays DET Jon Gray Rockies SEA Jameson Taillon Pirates MIL Jake Arrieta Phillies @BAL Miles Mikolas Cardinals @CWS Masahiro Tanaka Yankees @BAL @CLE Sonny Gray Yankees @BAL David Price Red Sox TOR J.A. Happ Blue Jays @BOS Nick Pivetta Phillies @NYM Gio Gonzalez Nationals @PIT Johnny Cueto Giants CHC Carlos Martinez Cardinals CIN Lance Lynn Twins KC Marcus Stroman Blue Jays @ATL Danny Duffy Royals @MIN @CWS Jack Flaherty Cardinals CIN Freddy Peralta Brewers @MIA Frankie Montas Athletics @SF Cole Hamels Rangers @BAL Nathan Eovaldi Rays @MIN Mike Foltynewicz Braves TOR Luis Castillo Reds @STL Rick Porcello Red Sox TOR Marco Gonzales Mariners @LAA Mike Clevinger Indians NYY Eduardo Rodriguez Red Sox TEX TOR Steven Matz Mets WSH Garrett Richards Angels SEA @LAD Zack Wheeler Mets PHI WSH Dylan Bundy Orioles NYY Carlos Rodon White Sox STL Kyle Gibson Twins TB Zach Eflin Phillies @NYM @MIA Andrew Suarez Giants CHC OAK Sean Newcomb Braves ARZ Kevin Gausman Orioles PHI Junior Guerra Brewers @PIT Tanner Roark Nationals @NYM Nick Kingham Pirates MIL Anibal Sanchez Braves ARZ Mike Montgomery Cubs @SF CC Sabathia Yankees @BAL @CLE

Notables

We have a confirmed return for Chris Archer to the Rays rotation. Archer was doing ‘Archer’ things before his injury, which isn’t meant to sound all that positive. If he gets traded to a contender that can tinker with his pitch mix, we could really be cooking.

to the Rays rotation. Archer was doing ‘Archer’ things before his injury, which isn’t meant to sound all that positive. If he gets traded to a contender that can tinker with his pitch mix, we could really be cooking. The Yankees have a busy schedule in the final week before the All-Star Break. Masahiro Tanaka is slated to start the Tuesday game and get a two-start week. However, we are still missing a starter for Game 1 of the Monday doubleheader. Don’t be surprised if Jonathan Loaisiga gets another chance to show off his electric stuff.

It’ll be Cueto-Dereck Rodriguez-Samardzija-Bumgarner against the Cardinals beginning Thursday. Bochy wouldn’t say who is second pitcher nudged from rotation, but it’s clearly in Chris Stratton’s best interest to have a good one tonight. Suarez tomorrow, too. — Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) July 3, 2018

In the most Giants‘ way possible, we have a rotation spot in question between a struggling veteran and a promising rookie. Chris Stratton shouldn’t have any business fighting for this spot with Andrew Suarez when comparing the numbers. However, this is Bruce Bochy and the Giants we are talking about. I have ranked both of them according to the start that they project to have. You see the disparity between the two though.

shouldn’t have any business fighting for this spot with when comparing the numbers. However, this is Bruce Bochy and the Giants we are talking about. I have ranked both of them according to the start that they project to have. You see the disparity between the two though. So, Jon Gray was sent down to Triple-A to ‘work on some things’ by an organization that doesn’t understand underlying metrics. Now, with Chad Bettis on the disabled list, they may be forced to call him back up. I’m not shying away from starting an angry Gray against a decent Mariners offense in DFS. The ranking system I use loves Gray, but I wouldn’t risk a start at Coors Field unless you’re desperate.

Buyer Beware

These pitchers are better left on your bench for the week if not the waiver wire. Guys closer to the top could be on the brink of being promoted in the right matchup or with a continued hot streak. If a player is not listed in any tiers, that should be the cue to drop the said player.

Name Team Opp1 Opp2 Mike Minor Rangers @BOS @BAL Jeff Samardzija Giants OAK Zack Godley Diamondbacks @COL Trevor Richards Marlins PHI Felix Hernandez Mariners @LAA Ivan Nova Pirates WSH MIL Domingo German Yankees @CLE Andrew Heaney Angels @LAD German Marquez Rockies ARZ Joey Lucchesi Padres LAD Michael Fulmer Tigers @HOU Shane Bieber Indians CIN NYY Jake Odorizzi Twins TB Wei-Yin Chen Marlins PHI Shelby Miller Diamondbacks @COL Wade LeBlanc Mariners @COL Tyler Chatwood Cubs @SD Trevor Oaks Royals @MIN Jhoulys Chacin Brewers @MIA @PIT Tyler Mahle Reds @CLE Tyler Anderson Rockies ARZ SEA Jakob Junis Royals @CWS Jose Urena Marlins MIL PHI Sean Manaea Athletics @HOU @SF Chase Anderson Brewers @MIA @PIT Mike Leake Mariners @LAA @COL Clayton Richard Padres CHC Jordan Zimmermann Tigers @TB Pablo Lopez Marlins MIL Aaron Wilkerson Brewers @PIT Antonio Senzatela Rockies SEA Jason Hammel Royals @MIN Jeremy Hellickson Nationals @PIT @NYM Marco Estrada Blue Jays @ATL @BOS Felix Pena Angels SEA Matt Boyd Tigers @TB Anthony DeSclafani Reds @CLE @STL Trevor Williams Pirates WSH Corey Oswalt Mets PHI WSH John Gant Cardinals CIN Chris Bassitt Athletics @HOU @SF Dan Straily Marlins MIL Julio Teheran Braves TOR ARZ Brad Keller Royals @CWS Matt Harvey Reds @STL Kyle Freeland Rockies ARZ Sal Romano Reds @CLE Alex Cobb Orioles TEX Chris Stratton Giants CHC OAK Sam Gaviglio Blue Jays @BOS Brian Johnson Red Sox TEX TOR Ryan Borucki Blue Jays @BOS Tyson Ross Padres LAD Dereck Rodriguez Giants CHC Jaime Barria Angels SEA

Notables

Good news: Shane Bieber has locked down a rotation spot in a perfect situation in Cleveland. Bad news: he gets a brutal two-start week in Week 15. The Yankees are obviously tough but don’t sleep on the Reds. Cincinnati has won 14 of their last 18 games (as of July 7th), averaging 6.5 runs per contest over that span. Cleveland moved some start around – Bieber Sunday/Clevinger Monday

has locked down a rotation spot in a perfect situation in Cleveland. Cleveland moved some start around – Bieber Sunday/Clevinger Monday If you are streaming Tyler Chatwood against the Padres, my thoughts and prayers are with you. He’s just the worst. I can’t wait until he gets moved to the bullpen. Whether it be by Yu Darvish taking his spot or the Cubs making a trade, I just can’t bear to watch Tyler Chat-walk pitch another game.

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Okay, Sean Manaea , it’s kinda hard to complain, but c’mon! A 17.1% K-rate isn’t going to cut it. That mark sits well below the strikeout rates of Trevor Williams and Ivan Nova. His SwStr% is 2% lower than his 2016-2017 conglomerate. However, his O-Contact% is about 6% higher than it was last year, which makes me wonder if the weak contact he is getting is just as valuable as getting swings and misses. Someone smarter please help me out!

, it’s kinda hard to complain, but c’mon! A 17.1% K-rate isn’t going to cut it. That mark sits well below the strikeout rates of Trevor Williams and Ivan Nova. His SwStr% is 2% lower than his 2016-2017 conglomerate. However, his O-Contact% is about 6% higher than it was last year, which makes me wonder if the weak contact he is getting is just as valuable as getting swings and misses. Someone smarter please help me out! We talked about Jon Gray getting sent down to the minors earlier. The biggest beneficiary of this move was Antonio Senzatela. The 23-year-old made his first start of the season on July 3rd, throwing seven shutout innings and allowing just three baserunners. As a starter last year, he was pretty terrible with a 5.00 FIP and 4.47 xFIP in 111 innings.

Arms Amending

This is usually where I put the players that are on the disabled list or making rehab appearances. Not only is it important to know where they are in their recovery, but knowing who will be replacing them is key as well.





Player Team Injury Throwing? Return Noah Syndergaard Mets Strained finger ligament Rehab start - Single-A (short) Soon! Walker Buehler Dodgers Rib microfracture Rehab start - High A Soon! Joe Musgrove Pirates Right index finger infection Soon! Stephen Strasburg Nationals Shoulder inflammation Simulated game Mid July Hyun-Jin Ryu Dodgers Groin strain Rehab start - AZ Summer League Late July Vince Velasquez Phillies Bruised forearm Late July Jake Faria Rays Left oblique strain Rehab start - High A Late July Trevor Cahill Athletics Strained right Achilles Simulated game Late July Drew Pomeranz Red Sox BIceps tendinitis Rehab start - Triple A Late July Brandon McCarthy Braves Knee tendinitis Late July Aaron Sanchez Blue Jays Index finger contusion Flat ground Late July Max Fried Braves Middle finger blister Late July Tyler Skaggs Angels Right adductor strain Early August Brent Suter Brewers Forearm tightness Early August Erick Fedde Nationals Shoulder inflammation Early August Yu Darvish Cubs Elbow impingement Mid August Shohei Ohtani Angels UCL sprain Late August Jimmy Nelson Brewers Shoulder surgery September Michael Wacha Cardinals Oblique strain September Mike Soroka Braves Shoulder tightness September

Notables

Despite trade rumors circling, Noah Syndergaard continues to work his harder in rehab. Thor will have a rehab start at short-season Single-A, then he could rejoin the Mets before the All-Star Break. Start him if he goes!

continues to work his harder in rehab. Thor will have a rehab start at short-season Single-A, then he could rejoin the Mets before the All-Star Break. Start him if he goes! It looks like Stephen Strasburg could be back soon. He will make a rehab start this week and possibly another one before the All-Star Break. I’d be expecting him to start on the Friday after the All-Star Break since I’m assuming Max Scherzer will throw an inning or two in the actual game.

Walker Buehler threw a full bullpen session today. Next step is a sim game, likely on Sunday. — Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) July 6, 2018

Walker Buehler could get a start this week against the Padres or Angels. If the Dodgers say he’s ready, I’m firing him up in my fantasy lineups!

could get a start this week against the Padres or Angels. If the Dodgers say he’s ready, I’m firing him up in my fantasy lineups! Yes, I realize that Shohei Ohtani is hitting and off the disabled list. Another cool thing about having a two-way player – having him in the ‘Arms Amending’ section while he’s still contributing to the offense.

is hitting and off the disabled list. Another cool thing about having a two-way player – having him in the ‘Arms Amending’ section while he’s still contributing to the offense. I used to not be a fan of Vince Velasquez , but that all changed. He made a ridiculously normal throw with his left arm after his right arm was struck by a line drive. It’s going to cost him a trip to the disabled list, but how incredible is that play!

, but that all changed. He made a ridiculously normal throw with his left arm after his right arm was struck by a line drive. It’s going to cost him a trip to the disabled list, but how incredible is that play! Joe Musgrove had a finger infection that was preventing him from executing his pitches. So, he got thrown on the disabled list. If any of your parents want to scare your kids out there, tell them this happens when they don’t wash their hands.

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