Credit: Keith Allison

In the latest pitching planner, we will talk Seattle starters in strong situations, review the rankings in our regular routine, and attempt to apply alliteration to the whole article.

Okay, I can’t possibly keep that up. The first part of that sentence was accidentally alliterated. Moving on.

First, let’s go back to the first half of Week 12 and note the outstanding performances. Allow me to take a deep breath because it was a stellar week for starters leaguewide. (Extended gasp…) Alright, I am ready to roll.

MONDAY

Tricky Trevor Williams – fooling Milwaukee hitters for a week and fantasy owners for a month. I don’t understand how his ERA sits at an even 4.00. What I do know is that I’m not rostering him unless I’m in like a 15-team league with a rotating streamer spot.

– fooling Milwaukee hitters for a week and fantasy owners for a month. I don’t understand how his ERA sits at an even 4.00. What I do know is that I’m not rostering him unless I’m in like a 15-team league with a rotating streamer spot. After three consecutive rough starts, I was worried that I should’ve sold high on Nick Pivetta in all of my leagues. After this start against the Cardinals, I’m feeling a lot better. He posted 13 punchouts to just one walk and two solo homers in a winning outing. He threw his highest curveball percentage of the year in this game and that gives me hope that we will start seeing a more complete repertoire from Pivetta moving into the second half of the season.

in all of my leagues. After this start against the Cardinals, I’m feeling a lot better. He posted 13 punchouts to just one walk and two solo homers in a winning outing. He threw his highest curveball percentage of the year in this game and that gives me hope that we will start seeing a more complete repertoire from Pivetta moving into the second half of the season. I mentioned him last week as a viable two-start streamer and he has delivered on the front end. Andrew Suarez is enjoying a week where the Giants face the Padres and Marlins at home. Don’t allow the fantasy momentum to carry over into Week 13 though because he’s very matchup-dependent for me. Stay tuned to see where he gets ranked.

is enjoying a week where the Giants face the Padres and Marlins at home. Don’t allow the fantasy momentum to carry over into Week 13 though because he’s very matchup-dependent for me. Stay tuned to see where he gets ranked. We got ho-hum performances from Trevor Bauer and Jacob deGrom. It would be the funniest thing for this Braves fan if the Mets somehow traded deGrom before August. I would cry out of laughter and joy.

TUESDAY

Alright, let’s get this out of the way – don’t believe what you saw from Eric Lauer or Sal Romano on Tuesday. You’re going to see them on the waiver wire with their ‘past seven days’ section looking all pretty. Just do yourself a favor and don’t do it.

or on Tuesday. You’re going to see them on the waiver wire with their ‘past seven days’ section looking all pretty. Just do yourself a favor and don’t do it. Look, you’re taking what you’re getting from Cole Hamels and running with it this year if you own him. Most recently, he shut down the hapless Royals with seven strikeouts in as many innings. If you don’t own him, don’t plan on owning him the rest of the way. Outside of the strikeout rate, Hamels is actually doing much worse than last year in almost every underlying statistic. Remember how erratic he was last year? Remember how everyone told you not to draft him? Yeah.

and running with it this year if you own him. Most recently, he shut down the hapless Royals with seven strikeouts in as many innings. If you don’t own him, don’t plan on owning him the rest of the way. Outside of the strikeout rate, Hamels is actually doing much worse than last year in almost every underlying statistic. Remember how erratic he was last year? Remember how everyone told you not to draft him? Yeah. You know, on my way up to Omaha last week for the College World Series, I passed by a city that made me laugh. Rich Hill. That’s the city name in Southwest Missouri. As I squinted my eyes at the welcome sign, the city slogan read: “The disabled list of Missouri!” Jokes aside, Hill had a beautiful six-inning start off the DL. It’s probably worth checking your waiver wire to see if he was dropped a month ago. (I know I dropped his sorry butt in one of my 12-teamers.)

#Brewers No. 9 prospect Freddy Peralta picked up his second @MLB win after a dominant performance against the #Pirates:

6 IP

2 H

0 ER

0 BB

7 K

More: https://t.co/ihTLUpIxrB pic.twitter.com/cjaoFCPn9J — MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) June 20, 2018

So, this is the major leagues, right? How can all of these dudes keep striking out on a Freddy Peralta fastball when they know it’s coming?! He’s throwing it 84% of the time in his short tenure in the big leagues and I suppose, if it’s working, you just keep going with it. When you play that video above, you’ll only see one strikeout on a breaking ball. That’s just crazy to me. I’m going to ride the hot hand here and throw him in the streamer mix, but there’s got to be a league-wide reaction at some point.

fastball when they know it’s coming?! He’s throwing it 84% of the time in his short tenure in the big leagues and I suppose, if it’s working, you just keep going with it. When you play that video above, you’ll only see one strikeout on a breaking ball. That’s just crazy to me. I’m going to ride the hot hand here and throw him in the streamer mix, but there’s got to be a league-wide reaction at some point. Mike Clevinger has been a nightmare for the White Sox in his last two starts, striking out 21 and walking just three. Clev will have to face teams other than the lite-Chicago, but it’s not like he’s been a slouch for the season. In fact, if he starts showing more consistency, he’s rather close to cracking the Auto-Stream tier.

has been a nightmare for the White Sox in his last two starts, striking out 21 and walking just three. Clev will have to face teams other than the lite-Chicago, but it’s not like he’s been a slouch for the season. In fact, if he starts showing more consistency, he’s rather close to cracking the Auto-Stream tier. Where are the Yankees getting all of these pitchers? Take Domingo German , who has filled in for guys like Jordan Montgomery and Masahiro Tanaka who can’t stay healthy. He’s more than proved his place, especially after providing starts like last week. He went seven innings of two-hit, no-walk ball with nine strikeouts. Mr. Quality Start (as I’ve deemed him) deserves a safe roster spot in 12-team leagues and maybe even 10-teamers.

, who has filled in for guys like Jordan Montgomery and Masahiro Tanaka who can’t stay healthy. He’s more than proved his place, especially after providing starts like last week. He went seven innings of two-hit, no-walk ball with nine strikeouts. Mr. Quality Start (as I’ve deemed him) deserves a safe roster spot in 12-team leagues and maybe even 10-teamers. I mean, do you need any more evidence that Tuesday was a cruise-day for starting pitchers? Justin Verlander, Chris Sale, and Jose Berrios also had big performances. I have no words to say about Auto-Start stalwarts Verlander and Sale. However, with his recent performance, I have some exciting news concerning Berrios later on…

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday was a pretty uneventful day for starting pitchers. Corey Kluber and Charlie Morton had nice outings, but everyone else was a hot pile of steamy garbage.

THURSDAY

Is the real Madison Bumgarner back? MadBum went eight innings and struck out seven while allowing five baserunners. Additionally, he had a sacrifice fly that helped lead his team to a 3-0 victory. I need to see a string of starts to feel comfortable saying that he’s fully back, but this is certainly a needle-mover.

back? MadBum went eight innings and struck out seven while allowing five baserunners. Additionally, he had a sacrifice fly that helped lead his team to a 3-0 victory. I need to see a string of starts to feel comfortable saying that he’s fully back, but this is certainly a needle-mover. Well, Max Scherzer had another dominant outing to add to his amazing 2018. However, this start did give us one for the blooper reel, which helps us remember that we are all human. Even MadMax.

Time to RANK ‘EM UP!

2018 Fantasy Baseball Week 13 Pitching Planner

Get customized Fantasy Baseball advice for your team using MyPlaybook from FantasyPros.

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 Max Scherzer Nationals @TB Clayton Kershaw Dodgers CHC Chris Sale Red Sox @NYY Jacob deGrom Mets @MIA Corey Kluber Indians @STL Luis Severino Yankees @PHI Justin Verlander Astros TOR @TB Gerrit Cole Astros @TB

Promoted

While there were no performance-related promotions, we do get Clayton Kershaw back from the disabled list. Woo!

Relegated

There have been no relegations this week. Nice work, gents!

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 @BAL KC Aaron Nola Phillies WSH Trevor Bauer Indians @OAK Lance McCullers Jr. Astros @TB Charlie Morton Astros TOR @TB Zack Greinke Diamondbacks SF Patrick Corbin Diamondbacks @MIA Madison Bumgarner Giants COL Jose Berrios Twins @CHC Blake Snell Rays HOU

Notables

The recent stretch from James Paxton is an unfortunate one due to schedule. He allowed nine earned runs to the Red Sox and Yankees, which is somewhat understandable for 95% of pitchers out there. However, the scheduling gods are on his side this week with a beautiful two-start week against the Orioles and Royals. Glorious!

is an unfortunate one due to schedule. He allowed nine earned runs to the Red Sox and Yankees, which is somewhat understandable for 95% of pitchers out there. However, the scheduling gods are on his side this week with a beautiful two-start week against the Orioles and Royals. Glorious! I feel like I do a monthly checkup on the pitch velocities of Patrick Corbin after everyone was worrying about it early in the season. Well, to update, the fastball velocity has been steady since early May. His breaking ball velocities have been the same all season. Additionally, his production has not dipped, so no worrying is necessary here.

Embed from Getty Images

Welcome to the Auto-Stream tier, Jose Berrios ! He had a long stretch in this group during the 2017 season before a mediocre second half. Now, he’s looking every bit like the elite prospect he came up as, which is a lesson to learn in itself for fantasy owners. You have to be patient with top pitching prospects in your dynasty leagues, people!

! He had a long stretch in this group during the 2017 season before a mediocre second half. Now, he’s looking every bit like the elite prospect he came up as, which is a lesson to learn in itself for fantasy owners. You have to be patient with top pitching prospects in your dynasty leagues, people! Well, Blake Snell gets the short straw this week. Facing the hottest team in baseball is not a fun venture for any pitcher at the moment. I would still start him based on what he’s done over the course of the season. Hence the placement in this tier. Why do I even talk sometimes?

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 Jameson Taillon Pirates @NYM @SD Tyler Skaggs Angels @BOS @BAL Joe Musgrove Pirates @SD Alex Wood Dodgers CHC Felix Hernandez Mariners @BAL KC Jon Gray Rockies @SF Nick Pivetta Phillies WSH Gio Gonzalez Nationals @TB @PHI Ross Stripling Dodgers CHC COL Jose Quintana Cubs @LAD Kenta Maeda Dodgers COL Rich Hill Dodgers CHC COL Dallas Keuchel Astros TOR Seth Lugo Mets PIT @MIA Vince Velasquez Phillies NYY WSH Mike Clevinger Indians @STL @OAK Luke Weaver Cardinals ATL Miles Mikolas Cardinals ATL Jonathan Loaisiga Yankees @PHI BOS Cole Hamels Rangers SD CWS Marcus Stroman Blue Jays DET Eduardo Rodriguez Red Sox @NYY Jake Arrieta Phillies NYY WSH Carlos Martinez Cardinals CLE Marco Gonzales Mariners KC Zack Godley Diamondbacks @MIA SF Mike Minor Rangers SD David Price Red Sox LAA @NYY Jon Lester Cubs @LAD MIN Brent Suter Brewers KC Michael Fulmer Tigers OAK @TOR Wade LeBlanc Mariners @BAL Luis Castillo Reds @ATL Jack Flaherty Cardinals CLE Zack Wheeler Mets PIT Steven Matz Mets PIT Caleb Smith Marlins NYM Kyle Gibson Twins @CWS Sonny Gray Yankees BOS J.A. Happ Blue Jays @HOU DET Ivan Nova Pirates @NYM Andrew Heaney Angels @BOS Joey Lucchesi Padres @TEX PIT Rick Porcello Red Sox LAA Shane Bieber Indians @STL Carlos Rodon White Sox @TEX Shelby Miller Diamondbacks @MIA SF Mike Foltynewicz Braves CIN @STL Erick Fedde Nationals @PHI Tanner Roark Nationals @PHI Lance Lynn Twins @CWS @CHC Domingo German Yankees BOS Kyle Hendricks Cubs @LAD Felix Pena Angels @KC @BAL Dylan Bundy Orioles SEA Mike Leake Mariners @BAL Freddy Peralta Brewers KC @CIN Sean Manaea Athletics @DET Sean Newcomb Braves CIN Chad Kuhl Pirates @NYM Fernando Romero Twins @CWS

Notables

You name that Seattle starter and he’s likely to be higher in the rankings than usual. The red-hot Mariners are facing the Orioles and Royals this week, so yeah. Honestly, Marco Gonzales is probably the one I want most from this section. Felix Hernandez gets the two-start week and is actually doing well lately. Although Wade LeBlanc got blown up on Friday, I wouldn’t mind rolling him out in 12-teamers.

is probably the one I want most from this section. gets the two-start week and is actually doing well lately. Although got blown up on Friday, I wouldn’t mind rolling him out in 12-teamers. Fear not, owners of Jon Gray. I traded him in my dynasty league after being patient with his K/BB ratios for too long. He immediately goes and has a beautiful outing consisting of 12 strikeouts in seven innings. Let’s settle down though – it was the Marlins. Next, he is projected to face the Giants twice in a row before matching up with the Diamondbacks and Mariners. Talk to me if he performs well in three of those starts.

After two straight seasons of 5.07 ERA, Kyle Gibson has turned things around in 2018. His changeup has always been a solid pitch for him, but he’s throwing the sinker more effectively this year by the numbers. Especially against lefties, he’s using that combination of pitches very well along with the fastball out of a similar tunnel. I don’t quite believe the 3.25 ERA, but I think he can stay under 4.00 for the season. In today’s world of streaming, you take that and run with it.

has turned things around in 2018. His changeup has always been a solid pitch for him, but he’s throwing the sinker more effectively this year by the numbers. Especially against lefties, he’s using that combination of pitches very well along with the fastball out of a similar tunnel. I don’t quite believe the 3.25 ERA, but I think he can stay under 4.00 for the season. In today’s world of streaming, you take that and run with it. The system I use was mistaken when it threw Felix Pena into the streaming tier. He’s an interesting arm at the least, but nowhere near trustworthy in Week 13. The Cubs were disappointed in his work as a starter in the minors and tried to groom him as a reliever. He was horrid last year in that role and ended up going out to Los Angeles. Now, the Angels are trying to convert the 28-year-old back to a starter. I don’t know – like I said, it’s at the least an interesting case.

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 Andrew Suarez Giants @ARZ Kevin Gausman Orioles SEA LAA Danny Duffy Royals @MIL Frankie Montas Athletics @DET CLE CC Sabathia Yankees @PHI Trevor Richards Marlins ARZ Jason Vargas Mets @MIA Anibal Sanchez Braves CIN Clayton Richard Padres @TEX Anthony DeSclafani Reds MIL Nathan Eovaldi Rays WSH HOU Trevor Williams Pirates @SD Tyson Ross Padres @TEX Tyler Mahle Reds @ATL MIL Jordan Lyles Padres PIT Tyler Chatwood Cubs MIN German Marquez Rockies @LAD Jake Odorizzi Twins @CHC Julio Teheran Braves @STL Zach Eflin Phillies NYY Eric Lauer Padres PIT Jaime Barria Angels @BAL Clay Buchholz Diamondbacks @MIA Wei-Yin Chen Marlins ARZ Jaime Garcia Blue Jays DET Tyler Anderson Rockies @LAD Mike Fiers Tigers OAK Jakob Junis Royals LAA @SEA Junior Guerra Brewers @CIN Matt Boyd Tigers OAK @TOR Alex Cobb Orioles SEA Ian Kennedy Royals @MIL Jason Hammel Royals @SEA Kyle Freeland Rockies @SF Chris Bassitt Athletics @DET Francisco Liriano Tigers OAK Dan Straily Marlins ARZ NYM John Gant Cardinals CLE ATL Chris Stratton Giants COL Steven Wright Red Sox LAA Jordan Zimmermann Tigers @TOR Mike Montgomery Cubs @LAD MIN Reynaldo Lopez White Sox MIN @TEX Jhoulys Chacin Brewers @CIN Marco Estrada Blue Jays @HOU Sal Romano Reds MIL Daniel Mengden Athletics CLE Aaron Sanchez Blue Jays @HOU Chase Anderson Brewers @CIN Matt Harvey Reds @ATL MIL Derek Holland Giants COL @ARZ Bartolo Colon Rangers CWS James Shields White Sox MIN Dereck Rodriguez Giants @ARZ Dylan Covey White Sox @TEX

Notables

I know it’s a two-start week and he’s been pitching better, but I’m straying from Kevin Gausman . It’s more about the Seattle start than anything. If you want to start him against the ice-cold Angels, go for it! Can we call them the ‘Snow Angels’ when they are on a cold streak? Or is that a reach? I think if I have to ask, then it’s a reach.

. It’s more about the Seattle start than anything. If you want to start him against the ice-cold Angels, go for it! Can we call them the ‘Snow Angels’ when they are on a cold streak? Or is that a reach? I think if I have to ask, then it’s a reach. Danny Duffy isn’t my favorite streamer this week, but I get it in DFS tournaments. The Brewers have been terrible against southpaws this season (78 wRC+). With Duffy’s ERA, FIP, and xFIP all above 5.00, I’m still staying far away.

Embed from Getty Images

Nathan Eovaldi is going to be remembered for giving up three consecutive homers to Houston hitters. I mean, how crazy was that?! However, it hasn’t been all bad for the TJS returner. He’s got a 7.00 K/BB and a 0.89 WHIP. The dude just needs to quit giving up the damn long ball. You can’t allow eight homers in your last four starts and expect to be a consistent streamer.

is going to be remembered for giving up three consecutive homers to Houston hitters. I mean, how crazy was that?! However, it hasn’t been all bad for the TJS returner. He’s got a 7.00 K/BB and a 0.89 WHIP. The dude just needs to quit giving up the damn long ball. You can’t allow eight homers in your last four starts and expect to be a consistent streamer. I have John Gant slated to take the rotation spot of Wacha, but he is uninspiring. The Cardinals always have an out-of-nowhere starter that becomes fantasy-relevant. Who will it be this year? Don’t ask me – he comes out of nowhere.

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 Robbie Ray Diamondbacks Oblique strain Rehab start - Triple A Soon! Jeff Samardzija Giants Shoulder tightness Rehab start - Triple A Soon! Carlos Carrasco Indians Elbow contusion Early July Yu Darvish Cubs Triceps tendinitis Rehab start - Single A Early July Johnny Cueto Giants Elbow inflammation Rehab start - Triple A Early July Garrett Richards Angels Strained hamstring Flat ground Early July Jeremy Hellickson Nationals Hamstring strain Rehab start - Single A Early July Noah Syndergaard Mets Strained finger ligament Flat ground Mid July Walker Buehler Dodgers Rib microfracture Bullpen work Mid July Chris Archer Rays Left abdominal strain Bullpen work Mid July Masahiro Tanaka Yankees Strained hamstrings Bullpen work Mid July Andrew Triggs Athletics Forearm discomfort Extended spring training Mid July Zach Davies Brewers Shoulder inflammation Rehab start - Triple A Mid July Stephen Strasburg Nationals Shoulder inflammation Flat ground Late July Jake Faria Rays Left oblique strain Flat ground Late July Mike Soroka Braves Shoulder tightness Late July Drew Pomeranz Red Sox BIceps tendinitis Bullpen work Late July Jose Urena Marlins Shoulder impingement Late July Ervin Santana Twins Finger surgery Live batting practice Late July Shohei Ohtani Angels UCL sprain August Hyun-Jin Ryu Dodgers Groin strain August Jimmy Nelson Brewers Shoulder surgery Flat ground August Trevor Cahill Athletics Strained right Achilles August Michael Wacha Cardinals Oblique strain September

Notables

Oh no, it’s the dreaded oblique strain for Michael Wacha . We’ve seen oblique issues knock guys like Robbie Ray for multiple weeks. That seems like the future for Wacha. If you are hurting for pitching and don’t have the DL space, I say drop him in your 12-teamers and less.

. We’ve seen oblique issues knock guys like Robbie Ray for multiple weeks. That seems like the future for Wacha. If you are hurting for pitching and don’t have the DL space, I say drop him in your 12-teamers and less. It seems like Carlos Carrasco is always unlucky with comebackers. He got smacked by a line drive off the elbow in his last start and got thrown on the disabled list last Monday. They’re saying he’ll miss two starts, but I’m thinking we don’t see him until after the All-Star Break. Cleveland knows it has to be patient with Cookie in order to be successful in the important months of the season.

Cueto will begin a rehab Saturday in Sacramento. Expected to throw 40 pitches. #SFgiants @RiverCats — Amy Gutierrez (@AmyGGiants) June 21, 2018

Johnny Cueto will throw his first rehab start with the Sacramento River Cats on Saturday. I expect him to throw three or four rehab starts before returning to the rotation, but this is a great sign. He could return before the All-Star Break, but with the Giants’ replacement starters performing well, they can be patient with Cueto. Stay tuned.

Check out the rest of our great 2018 Fantasy Baseball content.