On this Memorial Day, the MLB schedule is full as all 30 teams are in action, with many afternoon games on tap. If you’re trying to get a Draftstreet lineup put together before today’s 1:00 p.m. deadline, here are some pitchers who might be able to help your team
Best Bet
Tommy Milone – $12,789
After struggling through a rough April, Milone has settled in nicely over the last couple of weeks. In his last three starts, he has gone 19.2 innings and has given up just three runs. He has also picked up two wins and 14 strikeouts in that time. He was one out shy of having all three of those outings be quality starts. He has been a big part of why Oakland has had the best pitching staff in the American League this month. Today’s start against Detroit may not be as daunting as it may seem on the surface. The Tigers have lost six of their last seven games, and have scored the second-fewest number of runs against left-handed pitchers in the A.L. this year.
Double Down
Josh Tomlin – $10,695
Tomlin has appeared in just four games for the Indians this year, and they have all been very good. He has taken three turns in the rotation, and each was a quality start. He also added one relief appearance on May 21 against the Tigers, and allowed just one run in three innings. He also picked up six of the nine outs via strikeout in that game. Cumulatively, he is 3-1 with a 2.91 ERA in 21.2 innings. While in Triple-A, he was 2-1 with a 2.06 ERA, so he has pitched well at every stop this year. He’ll face a White Sox team that could be on the verge of a cold streak, today. Chicago has lost two in a row, and has scored only four runs in its last 19 innings.
Roll the Dice
Chase Whitley – $9,124
The Yankees’ youngster has just two Major League appearances under his belt, which contributes to his low salary. But in those starts, he’s pitched like someone who could cost more. In those games, he has not made it out of the fifth inning, but manager Joe Girardi made a change based on the situation. He hadn’t topped 75 pitches either time, so he could have gone longer. Even still, he has given up just one earned run over nine innings, while striking out seven. His minor league numbers during the season were also impressive, with a 3-2 record, 2.39 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. Opponents hit only .208 against him. So as he takes the mound against St. Louis today, there is enough reason for optimism that Whitley can turn in another good start.
