SP Matchups & Streamer Rankings – 6/21 & 6/22

With the 2021 season, I’m changing how I’m doing my starting pitcher streamers and daily matchup rankings

Instead of being featured in the SP Roundup, I’ll be highlighting my SP streamer picks for today and tomorrow inside this article, while also introducing four tiers and adding notes to each table.

The four tiers are as follows:

 

Auto-Start – Just do it. Don’t overthink this, start the man.

Probably Start – I’m likely starting these arms, though I recognize there is more risk than we’d like there to be. Either it’s a tough matchup for a good pitcher or a weak lineup for a volatile arm.

Questionable Start – There are situations where I’d take the chance, either with strong enough upside on the ability side, or a poor offense that a pitcher could take advantage of.

Do Not Start – The reward is not worth the risk. Don’t do it.

 

Obviously, there will be circumstances where pitchers should move between teams for your situation specifically and these new tiers should act as a little more help than the straight table from last year.

Please keep in mind that streaming is far from a perfect play. In fact, if they work out over half the time, I’d consider it a success. These matchup rankings & streamer picks are going to be wildly different than the actual results through the year, so please, have sympathy before the scathing comments and tweets. I’m only trying to help!

Make sure to read the notes if you’re wondering why I’m favoring certain pitchers over others – I won’t get to everyone and hopefully I answer what questions you will have.

There is a second table for tomorrow’s starting pitcher matchups as well, helping everyone get a jump on their nightly pickups. Please note that these matchups are subject to change, though, and there will be times when I have the incorrect pitcher going. I thank you for your future understanding.

Finally, I have highlighted in Green my streaming pick of the day – Yellow if I wouldn’t actually want to stream them (I have to pick one every day!). These are defined as “rostered in 20% or fewer leagues,” which really emphasizes the point that I’d be happy if over 50% of these worked. I could do the whole sub 30/40% rostered, but there’s no fun in that. You can use the rankings to realize who would be those picks, instead.

 

2021 Streamer Record: 44-34

 

Today’s Starting Pitcher Rankings

 

• We have a short slate but who cares, Jacob deGrom should be starting a game of this doubleheader. Maybe he can actually go the full game this time around and let’s all cross our fingers he pitches without a hitch.
• Yu Darvish and Julio Urías have a duel ahead of them as the Padres and Dodgers lock horns once again. Darvish should recover from Coors, though the spin rate questions will linger. Urías is worth the start despite his hiccups and will help make this a fantastic matchup.

 

• In the second tier is Kyle Gibson, who makes a great argument for the first tier given the ridiculous run he’s on. I’ve labeled it a Vargas Rule, though, and it’s not quite as overwhelming as the ones above. Sitll start him, of course.
• The Astros are moving to a six-man rotation, meaning Jake Odorizzi no longer gets limited and can go 5-6 innings. With a date against the Orioles as a right-hander, he’s my clear streaming pick of the day.

 

• I’m excited to see Adbert Alzolay return to the rotation for the Cubs after enduring a blister. I’m concerned he’ll be limited and/or won’t have the same feel for his pitches, so let’s be cautious and lean toward “Still Ill” treatment.
• The backup streaming pick would be Merrill Kelly against the Brewers as he has expressed upside when he tosses 92/93 mph heaters. We don’t know what we’re going to get, though, so I’d rather play it safe and look elsewhere.

 

• In the final tier, Brett Anderson is also a decent play for a desperate stream – he seems to have random bouts of bliss more than most low-tier arms. Too much risk for standard leagues, though.
• J.A. Happ could have another four-seamer whiff-heavy start against the Reds, but the risk isn’t worth the reward against the powerful Reds offense.

 

Tomorrow’s Starting Pitcher Rankings

 

• It’s ace day as Gerrit Cole leads the way despite the concerns about his dropping spin rates. The man is still a fantastic pitcher and gets the Royals. Don’t overthink it.
• I think I speak for everyone when I say I can’t wait for Wheeler vs. Scherzer on Tuesday. Scherzer gets a small dip in the matchup, though, as he’s returning from an IL stint and may not have the same typical stamina in his return.

 

• Clayton Kershaw and Sandy Alcántara each have tough matchups, but are pitching well and deserve your trust regardless. Yes, this is the possible coronation day for Sandy. Let’s wish him well.
• At the bottom of the tier is Tarik Skubal and Kyle Hendricks, who face weak enough teams that they’ve been boosted to the top tier. If you roster them, you’re starting them.

 

• Kicking off the second tier is Anthony DeSclafani, who has proven himself a sturdy arm as long as he’s not facing the elite offenses. Sure, the Angels have flexed like one lately, but I think they’re still manageable enough for Tony Disco.
• Ross Stripling is the streaming pick of the day as he squares off against the Miami – I’d be picking up wherever I could as he’s getting a luscious schedule ahead and is pitching as well as we’ve seen him.

 

• I’m worried we may not see more than 75 pitches from Zac Gallen as he faces the Brewers, forcing him out of the top tier. He tossed just 58 in his return from the IL last week.
• Cole Irvin may be available in some leagues (25% rostership) and makes for a solid option against the Rangers.

 

• The third tier is a small one as Wade Miley gets the Twins. He’s been cruising but the Twins could put up a fight. It’s not as clear of a play as you’d like, especially when there’s potential for a Grave Mistake 
• Johan Oviedo turned heads with his seven-inning performance last week and now gets a lovely date with the Tigers. Don’t forget, he was a bit fortunate last week and this could go downhill quickly.

 

• It’s tough to see Blake Snell in the bottom tier, but fantasy managers will agree – he can’t be trusted against the Dodgers. Let’s hope he can find the zone with breakers and not lose at-bats with his fastball.
• With Brady Singer, keep in mind that the Royals are being cautious with his shoulder – he was limited last start because of it and could see limited time against the Yankees as well.

 

Photo by Tom Hagerty | Design by Quincey Dong (@threerundong on Twitter)