It’s a short week with just one weekend series per team but that doesn’t mean we can’t find some great pitcher streaming picks to help out your pitching line for the week. With the extra rest, most teams are throwing their best guys first so this is a shortened list—but there are plenty a hidden gem to be found. Let’s take a look at who’s got the best chance of overachieving this week.
Scott Kazmir vs. MIN (7/19): Kazmir has been up and down this season but he has owned the Twins this season. In his first start against Minnesota on May 4, Kaz allowed just two runs, five hits, and one walk while striking out seven batters over six innings. In his second start on June 21, Kaz allowed just one run, five hits, no walks, and struck out seven over seven innings pitch. On Friday he’ll have the added bonus of going up against Mike Pelfrey, significantly increasing his chances of getting his third win against the Twins this season.
Felix Doubront vs. NYY (7/19): The promising Red Sox lefty has certainly settled in as the season has moved along, owning a 2.70 ERA over his last 11 starts. One of those starts came against the Yanks on June 1 when he allowed just one run despite giving up six hits and three walks and striking out six over six innings. One game isn’t much of a sample size but Doubront also owned a much better Yankee offense last season, giving up just seven runs over four starts (25 IP) and striking out 26.
Chad Gaudin vs. ARI (7/19): First, Gaudin has been a godsend for a wildly inconsistent and largely disappointing Giants rotation, putting up a 2.70 ERA, .215 BAA, and 27 K/9 BB over his first six starts. One of those starts came against the DBacks on June 9, a game in which Gaudin surrendered just two runs, five hits, one walk, and struck out seven over six innings. Out of all the guys on this list, Gaudin may actually be the one worth owning beyond just this week.
Kyle Kendrick vs. NYM (7/19): Kendrick last faced the Mets in April and the team has certainly evolved since then but in two first month starts against the division rivals he surrendered just two runs, 11 hits, three walks, and struck out 11 over 15 IP. Kendrick also made one start against the Mets last season, allowing just two runs, seven hits, and no walks while striking out six over 7.2 IP.
Nathan Eovaldi vs. MIL (7/20): Eovaldi hasn’t faced the Brewers this season but he did last season – when they were the third best offense in the league compared with 23rd this season. In two starts against the Brew Crew last season, Eovaldi allowed just four runs over 12 IP while striking out eight.
Jerome Williams vs. OAK (7/21): Williams has pitched nine innings against the A’s this year, six in an April 29 start and three in two relief appearances earlier that month. Over that nine innings he’s given up just one earned run while striking out four.
