As the NBA and NHL playoffs roll on, the baseball season continues to pick up steam. Getting in on some action at Draftstreet helps keep things interesting. So join me there for today’s afternoon games, and try out these pitchers to help your lineup.
Best Bet
Jason Hammel – $13,249
The Hammel experiment is working out well in Chicago so far. He has turned in a quality start in each of the five times he’s been on the mound, and he was one out shy in his first start on the year to have thrown exactly seven innings each time out. He’s only given up eight total runs so far, and didn’t allow a single one in his last start a week ago. Overall, his 0.69 WHIP is tops in the Majors, and his 2.08 ERA puts him just outside the top 10. Today, against a St. Louis offense that still remains in the bottom few in the league, he should have a decent shot to improve to 5-1.
Double Down
Tyler Skaggs – $9,876
It’s tough to expect solid consistency from a 22-year-old, but Skaggs is getting it done. He has made five starts, and is averaging seven innings per outing. He owns a 3.34 ERA and 1.03 WHIP on the year, and batters hit just .213 against him. His Angels are also 5-0 when he does pitch, so he is a great win candidate to pick up a win, especially because the Rangers have an offense that is struggling. Their 25 runs scored in the last week were among the lowest in baseball. The young lefty is in a position to pitch a great game, and for a cost of less $10K.
Roll the Dice
Edinson Volquez – $10,518
It was bound to happen sooner or later that Volquez would be hit hard, and that came last week. He gave up six runs and couldn’t get out of the sixth inning. Leading up to that, though, Volquez has been great for Pittsburgh. He hadn’t allowed more than two runs in a start, while average more than six innings. As for his opponent tonight, the Blue Jays provide him a good chance to get back on track. Pittsburgh is looking for the sweep, and Toronto has lost four of five overall.
