There is no such thing as mercy during the fantasy baseball season.
When Garrett Richards (13-4, 2.61 ERA, 164 strikeouts, 1.04 WHIP) suffered a torn left patellar tendon earlier this week, it was your job as fantasy owner to act fast to find a replacement … or prevent your adversaries from getting help by picking the best pitcher available yourself. If you’re in the playoff hunt, you must have a kill or be killed attitude.
As the wise sensei John Kreese once said: “We do not train to be merciful here. Mercy is for the weak. Here, in the streets, in competition: A man confronts you, he is the enemy. An enemy deserves no mercy. … What is the problem, Mr. Lawrence?” Sorry, got a little caught up in “The Karate Kid” flashback.
If Richards’ owner is in the playoff hunt, your best move would be to pick up Michael Pineda, who’s still available in 39 percent of ESPN leagues. If you’re judging the 25-year-old by his injury-riddled past or his double-dip in the pine tar pool, you might think he would be no help (or a very risky pickup) over the season’s final weeks. If that’s your thought process, it’s time to make your team logo a white flag and surrender.
Since returning from the disabled list, Pineda has a 2.45 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP, and has held opponents to a .162 batting average and a .396 OPS. He has pitched well enough to win (just as he did in his first four starts of the season), and that is what you will need to win the title.
In May, Roto Files said Pineda will need to earn fantasy owners’ trust in order to warrant a roster spot. Well, he’s back on the mound and pitching well, and waiting is not an option. It’s time to sweep the leg, folks. It’s time to deliver the fatal crane kicks to your opponents’ face and win the All-Valley Tournament (sorry, it’s such a good movie).
Here’s a look at other widely available pitchers who can help show the Cobra Kai you can defend yourself against their constant attacks:
- Mike Fiers, Brewers: Get him while he’s hot! Fiers (25 percent available) is 3-0 with a 0.86 ERA and 25 strikeouts, and has held opponents to a .116 batting average and .341 OPS over his last three starts.
- Brandon McCarthy, Yankees: After going 4-2 with a 2.06 ERA, 39 strikeouts and a .240 opponents batting average in his last six starts, McCarthy (41 percent available) is worth more than sport starts.
- Kyle Hendricks, Cubs: Hendricks (36 percent available) will put his perfect record for the month (4-0, 0.92 ERA, .175 opponent batting average) on the line on Saturday.
- Phil Hughes, Twins: Hughes (35 percent available) may have fallen off your radar for a bit, but he’s 4-2 with 39 strikeouts and a 2.23 ERA over his last six starts. He’s available in 35 percent of ESPN leagues.
Quick Hits
Chris Carter may be a lifetime .223 hitter, but you wouldn’t know it by watching him this month. Heading into Friday night’s games, Carter was hitting .311 with nine homers, 23 RBIs and a 1.036 OPS. … If making the playoffs is your goal, it’s time to cut ties with Alfredo Simon. He may have been one of the biggest surprises in the first half, but he has been surprising no one since making the All-Star team.After going 12-3 with a 2.70 ERA in the first half, Simon (58.2 percent owned) is 0-5 with a 5.40 ERA and a .322 opponents’ batting average since the Midsummer Classic. … When was the last time Zack Wheeler (96.6 percent owned) lost a game? June 25. What has he done in his last 10 starts? He has gone 6-0 with a 2.12 ERA and 57 strikeouts. Wheeler has also held opponents to a .215 batting average, which is crazy since he’s not pitching to the Mets’ hitters.
Fantasy Team Name of the Week: Light My Fiers (submitted by Doug J.)