Every Monday, I will be releasing “The List” where I rank the current value of the Top 100 pitchers in fantasy baseball for the rest of the season. Use these rankings to help understand what to expect from pitchers for the rest of 2015, and as a tool to gauge trade value in your fantasy leagues.
Let’s see what has changed in the SP market since last week:
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Notes
– The unfortunate news of Jose Fernandez has disrupted the Top 15 as JoFer is out indefinitely with a bicep strain. It’s still unknown if he’ll return this season (most likely not given the Marlins’ lack of playoff hopes), and the chance alone keeps him on The List, albeit in the 80s. If you need the roster spot spot badly, feel free to drop him, but those in H2H leagues could benefit from a solid stash if he returns sometime in September.
– Cole Hamels has been less than spectacular in his opening starts for the Rangers, and dropped a few spots accordingly.
– The return of Stephen Strasburg was more promising than expected, allowing him to rise the ranks. He’ll be capped off around #20 this year given his trust issues, and it’ll be interesting to see if he keep performing at a high level.
– Now that the Nationals demoted Doug Fister to the bullpen, Joe Ross has entered the rotation for the long haul, skyrocketing his value even above his own brother. There’s still a chance he’s available in your league where you need to grab him ASAP.
– Since returning from a hamstring injury, Jason Hammel hasn’t been quite the same. A bounceback is in order, but confidence is dwindling for the Cub’s #3 starter.
– After an impressive debut for the Yankees, Luis Severino jumped up to the low 40s. Brian Cashman has stated that there are no limits for Severino this season, allowing you to roster him with confidence down the stretch.
– Over his last ten starts, Nathan Karns holds a 9.52 K/9 and a minute 2.34 BB/9 while backing it up with ERA/FIP/xFIP all below 3.30. It’s hard to deny him a Top 50 spot as the rookie continues to develop.
– In the same vein, Robbie Ray has quietly been productive with a 8.23 K/9 and 2.43 BB/9. His HR/FB should regress a bit given his 3.82 xFIP, but a 3.16 FIP exhibits excellent value for a waiver wire snag.
– Lance McCullers had an atrocious outing last week and was promptly sent to the minors. The Astros are trying to limit his innings in order to feature him constantly through September, and expect him back near the start of September.
– Leading the newcomers this week is Chris Bassitt who has put on a great performance filling in for both a previously ill Sonny Gray and a recently traded Scott Kazmir. While his 7.29 K/9 and unreal 2.48 ERA will diminish, his FIP still stands at 3.36 showing there is some value to be had.
– Ian Kennedy, Chase Anderson, and Matt Boyd round out the additions. Kennedy, while carrying a very low floor, has produced a great K/BB as of late, making him a decent Hail Mary pick up for those needing a high risk/high reward pitcher. Anderson, while not nearly the same strikeout pitcher he was last year, had an impressive return from the DL and could have a solid run in front of him. Meanwhile, the youngster Boyd has only walked two batters in his first four starts while displaying solid K upside. There is a poor floor beneath him, but monitor his starts as he makes his way on the Tigers.
– In a move that should surprise no one, Phil Hughes has dropped off the list for the first time all year. He’s been a major disappointment nearly across the board, giving owners little upside and massive risk every time out.
– Mike Foltynewicz has a starting job in Atlanta, but his stuff is still too raw and unpolished to be given any starts for your team in the near future.
– The final two omissions are Matt Cain and Zack Godley . Cain has been nothing like his former self, while Godley has been pushed out of his rotation spot by Chase Anderson.