Streaming Starters (2016): August 29 – September 4: Sticking With Musgrove, Weaver Worthy & More

by Eric Stashin (aka The Rotoprofessor)

Are you someone who looks to stream pitchers every week?  It can be a high risk, high reward strategy and you have to be willing and ready to swing and miss from time to time.  With that in mind let’s take a look at some of the recommended streaming options for the coming week, though that doesn’t mean that they are “safe” or guarantees to produce (please note all stats are through Saturday, unless otherwise noted):

Monday, August 29
Joe Musgrove – Houston Astros – vs. Oakland
Musgrove has been miserable as of late, but this certainly represents an opportunity for him to get back on track.  Oakland has been one of the worst offenses in August, slashing .241/.297/.385 while scoring a league worst 85 runs.  He also brings strikeouts and control, so as long as he keeps the ball in the ballpark there shouldn’t be an issue.

Tuesday, August 30
Seth Lugo – New York Mets – vs. Miami
This may be a bit of a reach, though the matchup with the Marlins is an enticing one (tied for second lowest SLG in August, at .369) and he has looked good when given an opportunity to start.  There is also more upside in the strikeout rate then he’s shown thus far (7.53 K/9, 10.1% SwStr%).  The biggest risk is home runs, but the matchup and pitching at home should help to offset that.

Wednesday, August 31
Luke Weaver – St. Louis Cardinals – at Milwaukee
He’s coming off his best start yet (1 ER, 7 K over 6.0 IP against the A’s) and this represents another opportunity to shine.  The Brewers lead the league in strikeouts in August (237), hitting just .243 in the process.  Considering his 10.29 K/9 at Double-A (which may have been slightly inflated), there’s reason to be optimistic.

Thursday, September 1
Jared Cosart – San Diego Padres – at Atlanta
There’s obviously risk, but Cosart has allowed 1 ER in each of his past three starts and draws an Atlanta offense that simply isn’t going to strike fear into anyone.

Friday, September 2
Mike Folynewicz – Atlanta Braves – at Philadelphia
He has 6+ K in each of his past three starts, something that should easily continue with this outing.  Couple that with the solid control he’s shown all year long (2.54 BB/9) and an improving groundball rate (48.1% in August), and suddenly you are looking at a potentially solid option moving forward regardless of matchup.  Taking on Philadelphia, look for things to continue rolling in the right direction.

Saturday, September 3
Julio Urias – Los Angeles Dodgers – vs. San Diego
He’s been tremendous of late, while taking on significantly better offenses than the Padres.  The only reason he’d be considered a streamer, and not a must own, is due to the potential for a shutdown.  With that not happening as of yet, he’s a must grab/play for this one.

Sunday, September 4
No Recommended Option