Week 15 Fantasy Pitching Planner
With no team playing more than four games in Fantasy Week 15 (July 11-17), every pitcher taking the mound during this scoring period will be a one-start pitcher.
There are 106 hurlers scheduled to make a start, but what is more notable for Fantasy owners are some of the names that are absent from this list. If you were looking forward to getting your first post-All-Star break start from Roy Halladay or Ryan Vogelsong, you will have to wait until Week 16 to get it. If you have Michael Pineda, Tim Stauffer, Jordan Zimmermann or Randy Wolf sitting on your active roster, you'll need to yank them off of it for the coming week.
Several of the pitchers taking a seat this week are ones who have become staples in many mixed leagues, including Brandon Beachy, Jeremy Hellickson, A.J. Burnett, Chad Billingsley, Scott Baker, Alexi Ogando, Josh Collmenter, Derek Lowe, Kyle Lohse, Jake Peavy, Mark Buehrle, Mike Leake, Rick Porcello, Dillon Gee, Charlie Morton and James McDonald. In addition to these pitchers, Jon Lester (lat), John Danks (oblique), and Erik Bedard (knee) will all spend the week on the disabled list, though each could potentially be ready to return by next week. Josh Beckett (knee) and David Price (toe) are both questionable to make their Week 15 starts, though both are currently expected to take their turns this week.
To see if a pitcher is slated to start this week, type his name into the search box in the interactive tool below, or scroll down the alphabetical list of scheduled starters. While the tool displays this week's starters in the usual way, the analysis portion of this week's Pitching Planner is a little different. With no "one-start" and "two-start" labels to help us to differentiate pitchers, I've ranked the top 70 starters for the week. The ranked list is just long enough to cover every starting pitcher who is good enough to be considered for an active roster spot in a standard 12-team mixed league (including those who are eligible to be used in an RP slot). For each pitcher, we have included their Fantasy stats from the last 28 days. Those who are on the bubble of standard mixed league viability -- from the 56th-ranked pitcher on down -- are analyzed with additional data to help you decide which options are best for the back of your Fantasy rotation.
Al's Top 70 pitchers for Week 15
Stats are from the last 28 days
1. Cole Hamels, Philadelphia (@NYM): 6 GS, 41.3 INN, 3-2, 1.74 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 30 K, 119.0 FPTS
2. Cliff Lee, Philadelphia (@NYM): 5 GS, 42.3 INN, 3-1, 1.49 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, 30 K, 133.0 FPTS
3. Justin Verlander, Detroit (CHW): 6 GS, 48.3 INN, 5-1, 0.56 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, 54 K, 179.0 FPTS
4. Clayton Kershaw, L.A. Dodgers (@ARI): 5 GS, 39.0 INN, 3-1, 2.08 ERA, 0., 0.89 WHIP, 28 K, 111.0 FPTS
5. James Shields, Tampa Bay (BOS): 6 GS, 48.0 INN, 3-3, 1.31 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, 44 K, 140.0 FPTS
6. Dan Haren, L.A. Angels (@OAK): 5 GS, 35.0 INN, 4-1, 2.83 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 28 K, 111.0 FPTS
7. Tim Lincecum, San Francisco (@SD): 5 GS, 31.0 INN, 2-2, 2.03 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 38 K, 83.0 FPTS
8. Jered Weaver, L.A. Angels (@OAK): 5 GS, 40.0 INN, 4-0, 0.90 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 30 K, 141.0 FPTS
9. Tommy Hanson, Atlanta (WAS): 3 GS, 20.0 INN, 2-0, 2.25 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 20 K, 69.0 FPTS
10. Felix Hernandez, Seattle (TEX): 5 GS, 37.7 INN, 1-2, 2.87 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 37K, 86.5 FPTS
11. CC Sabathia, N.Y. Yankees (@TOR): 6 GS, 45.7 INN, 6-0, 1.77 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 51 K, 162.5 FPTS
12. C.J. Wilson, Texas (@SEA): 5 GS, 36.0 INN, 2-0, 3.50 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 34 K, 87.0 FPTS
13. Ricky Romero, Toronto (NYY): 5 GS, 34.7 INN, 2-2, 2.86 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 26 K, 76.0 FPTS
14. David Price, Tampa Bay (BOS): 5 GS, 31.7 INN, 1-2, 4.26 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 36 K, 59.0 FPTS
15. Matt Cain, San Francisco (@SD): 6 GS, 40.7 INN, 3-1, 2.43 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 31 K, 114.5 FPTS
16. Jaime Garcia, St. Louis (@CIN): 6 GS, 35.7 INN, 3-1, 3.28 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 28 K, 85.0 FPTS
17. Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco (@SD): 5 GS, 26.7 INN, 2-1, 5.74 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 33 K, 59.5 FPTS
18. Tim Hudson, Atlanta (WAS): 5 GS, 31.3 INN, 3-1, 2.30 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 29 K, 91.5 FPTS
19. Ian Kennedy, Arizona (LAD): 5 GS, 33.7 INN, 2-1, 4.01 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 31 K, 75.5 FPTS
20. Jair Jurrjens, Atlanta (WAS): 5 GS, 31.7 INN, 4-1, 1.99 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 19 K, 90.5 FPTS
21. Daniel Hudson, Arizona (LAD): 5 GS, 33.0 INN, 2-0, 3.55 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 18 K, 79.0 FPTS
22. Matt Garza, Chicago Cubs (FLA): 5 GS, 29.3 INN, 2-1, 5.22 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 24 K, 63.0 FPTS
23. Yovani Gallardo, Milwaukee (@COL): 5 GS, 31.0 INN, 2-2, 3.19 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 30 K, 74.0 FPTS
24. Anibal Sanchez, Florida (@CHC): 5 GS, 27.7 INN, 0-1, 5.21 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 30 K, 41.0 FPTS
25. Wandy Rodriguez, Houston (PIT): 5 GS, 30.3 INN, 2-3, 4.45 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 24 K, 49.0 FPTS
26. Trevor Cahill, Oakland (LAA): 6 GS, 39.3 INN, 2-3, 2.98 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 24 K, 80.0 FPTS
27. Jhoulys Chacin, Colorado (MIL): 5 GS, 29.7 INN, 1-3, 3.94 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 27 K, 50.5 FPTS
28. Bud Norris, Houston (PIT): 5 GS, 31.0 INN, 1-2, 2.90 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 32 K, 69.0 FPTS
29. Ubaldo Jimenez, Colorado (MIL): 5 GS, 32.3 INN, 3-1, 3.06 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 33 K, 89.5 FPTS
30. Bartolo Colon, N.Y. Yankees (@TOR): 2 GS, 11.7 INN, 1-1, 3.86 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 7 K, 19.5 FPTS
31. Gio Gonzalez, Oakland (LAA): 5 GS, 32.0 INN, 3-1, 1.97 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 39 K, 102.5 FPTS
32. Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati (STL): 5 GS, 36.0 INN, 2-1, 2.00 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 19 K, 98.5 FPTS
33. Mat Latos, San Diego (SF): 5 GS, 30.3 INN, 1-3, 4.45 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 27 K, 44.5 FPTS
34. Ryan Dempster, Chicago Cubs (FLA): 4 GS, 24.3 INN, 1-1, 3.33 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 20 K, 45.0 FPTS
35. Justin Masterson, Cleveland (@BAL): 5 GS, 35.0 INN, 2-2, 1.29 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 26 K, 91.0 FPTS
36. Shaun Marcum, Milwaukee (@COL): 5 GS, 21.0 INN, 0-1, 6.43 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, 18 K, 21.0 FPTS
37. Ervin Santana, L.A. Angels (@OAK): 5 GS, 34.3 INN, 1-2, 2.62 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 32 K, 80.0 FPTS
38. Josh Beckett, Boston (@TB): 4 GS, 28.0 INN, 3-1, 2.89 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, 21 K, 85.5 FPTS
39. Francisco Liriano, Minnesota (KC): 4 GS, 22.0 INN, 1-1, 6.14 ERA, 1.64 WHIP, 22 K, 31.0 FPTS
40. Jonathon Niese, N.Y. Mets (PHI): 5 GS, 29.3 INN, 3-2, 4.91 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 27 K, 64.5 FPTS
41. R.A. Dickey, N.Y. Mets (PHI): 5 GS, 31.0 INN, 1-0, 3.19 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 26 K, 74.0 FPTS
42. Brandon Morrow, Toronto (NYY): 5 GS, 33.7 INN, 3-0, 2.94 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 38 K, 108.0 FPTS
43. Brandon McCarthy, Oakland (LAA): 2 GS, 12.7 INN, 0-1, 4.97 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 9 K, 18.5 FPTS
44. Cory Luebke, San Diego (SF): 3 GS, 22.0 INN, 1-2, 1.64 ERA, 0.68 WHIP, 28 K, 64.0 FPTS
45. Colby Lewis, Texas (@SEA): 5 GS, 33.3 INN, 3-0, 2.97 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 37 K, 104.5 FPTS
46. Matt Harrison, Texas (@SEA): 5 GS, 33.0 INN, 2-1, 2.45 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 24 K, 83.0 FPTS
47. Aaron Harang, San Diego (SF): 1 GS, 6.0 INN, 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.50 WHIP, 6 K, 21.0 FPTS
48. Zack Greinke, Milwaukee (@COL): 5 GS, 26.3 INN, 1-2, 6.84 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 39 K, 41.5 FPTS
49. Hiroki Kuroda, L.A. Dodgers (@ARI): 4 GS, 25.0 INN, 1-2, 2.16 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 14 K, 55.0 FPTS
50. Philip Humber, Chicago White Sox (@DET): 4 GS, 25.0 IP, 2-2, 3.60 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 15 K, 49.5 FTPS
51. Jason Vargas, Seattle (TEX): 4 GS, 32.0 INN, 2-2, 1.69 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 23 K, 87.5 FPTS
52. Homer Bailey, Cincinnati (STL): 3 GS, 18.0 INN, 0-3, 6.00 ERA, 1.66 WHIP, 13 K, 6.5 FPTS
53. Ricky Nolasco, Florida (@CHC): 5 GS, 37.0 INN, 2-3, 2.43 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 19 K, 83.5 FPTS
54. Carlos Zambrano, Chicago Cubs (FLA): 4 GS, 22.0 INN, 1-1, 4.09 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, 14 K, 36.0 FPTS
55. Vance Worley, Philadelphia (@NYM): 4 GS, 25.0 INN, 2-0, 0.72 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 18 K, 82.0 FPTS
56. Carlos Carrasco, Cleveland (@BAL): 5 GS, 28.3 INN, 2-3, 4.77 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 22 K, 50.0 FPTS
Carrasco may not be as high-end as he appeared to be during his recent hot streak, but there are no serious warning signs from his last two starts. He did allow 11 earned runs in seven innings over those two appearances, along with three home runs, but he may also have experienced some bad luck on balls in play. He is safe to start in Week 15.
57. Chris Carpenter, St. Louis (@CIN): 5 GS, 38.0 INN, 3-1, 2.37 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 25 K, 96.5 FPTS
On the surface, Carpenter appears to be back on track, but a deeper look shows that more trouble could lie ahead. He continues to give up fewer grounders than normal, as batters are squaring up and hitting line drives on nearly one hit ball out of every four. He's probably been very lucky to have limited hitters to a .243 batting average since the beginning of June.
58. Joel Pineiro, L.A. Angels (@OAK): 5 GS, 32.0 INN, 3-0, 3.66 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 17 K, 74.5 FPTS
| | ||
| | ||
| Player | % increase | |
| 1. | Bobby Parnell, RP, Mets | 18 |
| 2. | Barry Zito, SP, Giants | 16 |
| 3. | Paul Maholm, SP, Pirates | 15 |
| 4. | Jeff Karstens, SP, Pirates | 14 |
| 5. | Cory Luebke, SP, Padres | 14 |
| 6. | Vance Worley, SP, Phillies | 12 |
| 7. | Aaron Harang, SP, Padres | 10 |
| 8. | Javier Vazquez, SP, Marlins | 10 |
| 9. | Jason Vargas, SP, Mariners | 9 |
| 10. | Joe Saunders, SP, D-Backs | 8 |
Pineiro needs pinpoint control and a high ground ball rate to succeed, and he's been improving of late, at least on the control front. He has issued only six walks in 25 2/3 innings over his last four starts. After having worked his way into standard mixed league irrelevance, he can be trusted again as a back-end rotation option, especially with a matchup against Oakland.
59. Ted Lilly, L.A. Dodgers (@ARI): 5 GS, 25.7 INN, 1-4, 7.36 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 22 K, 16.0 FPTS
Lilly seems to have put his elbow woes behind him, as he has pitched better in his last two starts. His borderline ranking has more to do with his matchup, as Lilly's extreme flyball ways are a poor fit for Chase Field and a powerful Arizona lineup.
60. Max Scherzer, Detroit (CHW): 5 GS, 27.3 INN, 2-2, 5.60 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 20 K, 44.0 FPTS
Still inconsistent, Scherzer has been good enough lately that he is worth considering for this week. He was one out shy of having posted a fourth quality start over his last six outings. He is capable of much better, but for now, Scherzer is a viable choice as a No. 5 starter in standard mixed leagues.
61. Kevin Correia, Pittsburgh (@HOU): 5 GS, 27.3 INN, 3-2, 4.94 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 18 K, 51.0 FPTS
Correia hasn't been all that effective in recent weeks, but he has still managed to rack up 16 Ks and only four walks over 21 2/3 innings in his last four starts. His penchant for strong control and efficiency will continue to give him some value in Head-to-Head formats.
62. Doug Fister, Seattle (TEX): 5 GS, 38.0 INN, 0-3, 2.37 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 20 K, 72.0 FPTS
Fister's rate stats are better than Jair Jurrjens' practically across the board, but unfortunately for him and his Fantasy owners, he possesses the lowest level of run support in the majors. Because you can't count on the M's offense to deliver wins for him, Fister is still a borderline option, even in this short week.
63. Gavin Floyd, Chicago White Sox (@DET): 5 GS, 30.7 INN, 0-4, 6.46 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, 20 K, 16.0 FPTS
Floyd is a little too prone to meltdowns, having given up at least five earned runs on five different occasions this year. Standard mixed league owners should opt for a more reliable arm if at all possible. If you're stuck with Floyd, there is one encouraging sign: he has allowed only three homers over his last six starts.
64. Phil Hughes, N.Y. Yankees (@TOR): 1 GS, 5.0 INN, 0-1, 3.60 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, 2 K, -1.0 FPTS
In his first start back from the disabled list, Hughes induced only two swinging strikes -- and none on his 40 fastballs -- but he was fairly effective nonetheless. His velocity was back, but especially with a tricky matchup at Toronto, it's best to keep Hughes stashed this week, if possible.
65. Felipe Paulino, Kansas City (@MIN): 4 GS, 27.0 INN, 1-2, 5.00 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 29 K, 37.5 FPTS
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With improved ground ball and walk rates, Paulino has been a better pitcher this year, but his ERA is still on the wrong side of 4.00. Paulino is giving up too many ground ball base hits, as opposing hitters are batting .374 on grounders. This is not that far off his norm, but it can only be a matter of time before that mark moves towards the major league average of .233. That's all that stands between the version of Paulino we've seen so far and a version that can be used in standard mixed leagues.
66. Josh Tomlin, Cleveland (@BAL): 5 GS, 33.0 INN, 3-0, 3.00 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 19 K, 104.5 FPTS
Tomlin is back in a good groove, but as long as he remains prone to home runs, owners need to be cautious with him in good power-hitting environments. Camden Yards is one of those potential trouble spots, and Tomlin will visit there this week.
67. Carl Pavano, Minnesota (KC): 5 GS, 37.7 INN, 3-1, 3.11 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 20 K, 94.0 FPTS
Pavano is second only to Brad Penny for the lowest K/9 rate among qualifying starters, but it's hard to ignore his recent run of success. He has gone at least six innings in 10 straight starts, and he has made it at least seven innings in nine of those outings. Especially in Head-to-Head leagues, Pavano's efficiency makes him worth a look.
68. Brian Duensing, Minnesota (KC): 5 GS, 33.7 INN, 3-1, 2.41 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 22 K, 90.0 FPTS
Duensing is still having occasional struggles with command, but quietly, he is starting to show the form that made him a standard mixed league option last season. If Duensing can add to his recent string of successes this week, it may be time to think of him as more than a fringe option
69. Freddy Garcia, N.Y. Yankees (@TOR): 4 GS, 27.0 INN, 2-1, 2.00 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 9 K, 73.5 FPTS
Setting the flyball-prone Garcia up with regular starts in Yankee Stadium looked like a disaster waiting to happen. After yielding nine long balls over the span of 57 1/3 innings in his first 10 starts this year (seven of which were at home), it looked like there was reason for concern. In five starts since then, Garcia has not allowed a single homer, even though four of those games were played in good power hitters' parks. It could just be a fluke, but there's enough that owners can count on -- a low walk rate, a high level of run support -- that Garcia deserves some consideration in standard mixed leagues.
70. John Lannan, Washington (@ATL): 5 GS, 28.7 INN, 1-1, 3.77 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 13 K, 54.5 FPTS
Lannan normally doesn't have the best control, but he owes his recent success to a 2.2 BB/9 rate over his last 10 starts. While it may still be too early to say so, the 26-year-old could be taking some real strides forward. The improvement for Lannan has occurred over a long enough stretch that he can no longer be dismissed as a standard mixed league option.
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