Most of the players we’ve been featuring as value pitchers are of the young and inexperienced variety. That holds true for a couple of our players to consider tonight. But one pitcher on this list has been around for a while, and he is an intriguing option for tonight. So check out our list, and set your Draftstreet lineup accordingly.
Best Bet
Garrett Richards – $12,642
Richards is looking to build off what was a nice season debut. In his first start of the year on Friday, he made it through five innings, while allowing only three hits and one run while striking out seven. He did walk five, as well, but he largely kept those baserunners from doing too much damage. And by keeping opposing hitters off balance with a great curveball, he notched some strikeouts, but also escaped some jams. With a game against the Mariners, he should be a lock for some points. In two starts against them last year, Richards went at least seven innings each time.
Double Down
Roenis Elias – $11,226
We haven’t seen much from Elias yet, but what we have seen has been encouraging. In his Major League debut on Thursday in Oakland, he picked up the win, shutting down the A’s. Over five innings, he surrendered only two hits and a run. And that came after a very good spring training, too. In 22.2 innings in six appearances, he was 3-0 with a 2.38 ERA. He’ll need to bring his walk numbers down a little bit, though. He had 10 in the spring and had three on Thursday as he struggled with control. But with good off-speed stuff, it has been enough to get the job done. Elias probably won’t own a starting spot forever because Taijuan Walker and Hisashi Iwakuma will be coming back from injury. But until then, fans in Seattle and in daily fantasy lineups hope to see a little something come from the lefty.
Roll the Dice
Jason Hammel – $12,480
Hammel is a rare value play option who is a seasoned veteran. The 31-year-old should hit the 1,000 inning plateau for his career in this start. Hammel has a 4.78 ERA and has only had one season-long ERA of under 4.33 since 2006. So there is a reason his cost is this low. But, he brought some of his best stuff last week, and you might catch him as he continues his hot streak. And he’ll once again face off against the Pirates, whom he beat last week. In 6.2 innings, he gave up two hits, one run, and had five strikeouts. It was about all you could ask for if you happened to draft him to one of your daily league teams. Can he do it again, this time at home in Chicago?
