Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
The waiver wire can be a goldmine for fantasy baseball players who are looking to boost their pitching stats. On most days, there is sure to be a starter (or three) just waiting to be scooped up who can help lead a fantasy team to glory. In today’s slice of fantasy advice, let’s take a look at some hurlers who should be in for a strong day on the hill on Aug. 11 and are quite possibly available on a waiver wire near you.
(Ownership percentages based off ESPN standard leagues)
Yovani Gallardo, Milwaukee Brewers (79.6 percent):
It’s been quite the roller coaster season for this right-hander. In 23 starts to this point, Gallardo has held opponents to two runs or fewer 12 times, but has also allowed four earned runs or more on eight occasions. Gallardo makes for a bit of a risky option considering these numbers, but he has posted strong numbers on the road this season, and that’s where he’ll be pitching today.
The Chicago Cubs will his opponent at historic Wrigley Field. The Cubs’ offense has unsurprisingly been underwhelming this year, as the team ranks just 21st in the league in runs per game. The Cubbies have especially struggled vs. RHP though as they rank 28th in baseball with a .230 team BA, and are striking out in 22.3 percent of their at-bats, the fourth-highest mark in the league.
Shelby Miller, St. Louis Cardinals (70.2 percent):
Since struggling through a pretty terrible five-game stretch, Miller seems to have righted the ship quite nicely. He’s now posted an excellent 2.34 ERA over his past four appearances, and has managed to keep his erratic control in check, having allowed just two walks during those 19.2 innings of work. He has a pretty nice matchup today, so perhaps he can keep the train rolling along smoothly.
The Cardinals will head to Florida to kick off a series with the Miami Marlins this evening. Though the Marlins stormed out of the All-Star break by winning nine of their first 12 games, the team has fallen on some hard times since. The fish are just 4-7 since that nice run of games, and have managed to score a measly 2.73 runs per contest over that span.
Look for plenty of strikeouts from Miller in this one as well, as Miami has fanned in 24.2 percent of their at bats vs. RHP, the highest mark in the league.
Tommy Milone, Minnesota Twins (6.0 percent):
This southpaw had his wish granted and was dealt by the Oakland Athletics just before the trade deadline. Milone had pitched quite well for the A’s prior to being demoted to the minors as he posted a strong 3.55 ERA, and had actually won six consecutive decisions. The odd man out in Oakland will now be one of the Twins’ top starting options, and he’ll get his first opportunity to shine with his new team tonight.
His first opponent will be the terrible Houston Astros, and that bodes well for a quality outing. The Astros own an awful 49-69 record on the season, good for the third-worst mark in baseball. The team has also managed to plate just 3.93 runs per game this year, ranking them just 19th in the league.
While Milone may not be a big strikeout guy, you have to like his chances at posting a few Ks tonight since the Astros have fanned the third-most times per game as a team this season (8.75).
Brian Davis is a fantasy writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @SportsGuyBrian, ”Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
