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2016 Fantasy Baseball: 5 Pitchers To Sell High After Week 1

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Finding a reliable starting rotation can be one of the most maddening aspects of fantasy baseball. There are youngsters who run out of gas after the All-Star break, while some veterans simply fail to live up to their expectations. So to help you deal some arms away before their value plummets, here are five starting pitchers to sell high after Week 1 of the fantasy baseball season.

5. Ian Kennedy, Kansas City Royals

Ian Kennedy, Kansas City Royals Getty Images
Kennedy is yet another veteran trying to revitalize his career in KC this season. In his first outing of the year, he threw 6.1 scoreless innings while allowing five hits, one walk and striking out seven. However, we all know what the 31-year-old can bring to the table. He is barely worth a roster spot nowadays, and if you can sell someone on his first start, don’t think twice about it.

Kennedy is yet another veteran trying to revitalize his career in KC this season. In his first outing of the year, he threw 6.1 scoreless innings while allowing five hits, one walk and striking out seven. However, we all know what the 31-year-old can bring to the table. He is barely worth a roster spot nowadays, and if you can sell someone on his first start, don’t think twice about it.

4. Bartolo Colon, New York Mets

Bartolo Colon, New York Mets Getty Images
Colon has been a rock for the Mets since moving to Flushing. He has gone over 190 innings in back-to-back seasons, while amassing 29 wins over that span. Unfortunately, with Zack Wheeler returning in the middle of the season, Colon may not have a job at the end of the year. This is the perfect time to move the aging arm.

Colon has been a rock for the Mets since moving to Flushing. He has gone over 190 innings in back-to-back seasons, while amassing 29 wins over that span. Unfortunately, with Zack Wheeler returning in the middle of the season, Colon may not have a job at the end of the year. This is the perfect time to move the aging arm.

3. Ross Stripling, Los Angeles Dodgers

Ross Stripling, Los Angeles Dodgers Getty Images
Stripling had a no-hitter through 7.1 innings last week, but the rookie was eventually pulled after 100 pitches. Regardless of the outcome, the righty was one of the top waiver wire additions this past week. Stripling is coming off a rather disappointing 2015 season (3-6, 3.66 ERA), and even worse, the Dodgers have a slew of starters just waiting to get a chance. If Stripling has one bad game, he could quickly end up back in Triple-A or the pen.

Stripling had a no-hitter through 7.1 innings last week, but the rookie was eventually pulled after 100 pitches. Regardless of the outcome, the righty was one of the top waiver wire additions this past week. Stripling is coming off a rather disappointing 2015 season (3-6, 3.66 ERA), and even worse, the Dodgers have a slew of starters just waiting to get a chance. If Stripling has one bad game, he could quickly end up back in Triple-A or the pen.

2. Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals

Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals Getty Images
Strasburg had a rather impressive debut last week by posting six innings of one-run work. However, his first start was against the hapless Braves, so fantasy fans shouldn't read too much into one performance. Strasburg has only eclipsed the 200-innings mark once in his illustrious six-year career, including a meager 127.1 innings of work last season. He will always be an injury risk, so don't hesitate to upgrade him if you can.

Strasburg had a rather impressive debut last week by posting six innings of one-run work. However, his first start was against the hapless Braves, so fantasy fans shouldn't read too much into one performance. Strasburg has only eclipsed the 200-innings mark once in his illustrious six-year career, including a meager 127.1 innings of work last season. He will always be an injury risk, so don't hesitate to upgrade him if you can.

1. Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners

Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners Getty Images
Hernandez has been lights out so far this fantasy season. He has a 0.69 ERA in his first two starts (13 IP) to go along with 16 strikeouts. However, the veteran has watched his fastball dip drastically in velocity in recent years. In his most recent start, for example, Hernandez averaged a meager 89.8 mph. Hernandez has suddenly become much more hittable and this could finally be the year that King Felix becomes a commoner.

Hernandez has been lights out so far this fantasy season. He has a 0.69 ERA in his first two starts (13 IP) to go along with 16 strikeouts. However, the veteran has watched his fastball dip drastically in velocity in recent years. In his most recent start, for example, Hernandez averaged a meager 89.8 mph. Hernandez has suddenly become much more hittable and this could finally be the year that King Felix becomes a commoner.

Adam McGill is a writer for RantSports.
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