We are nearing the end of the 2021 fantasy baseball season and while a lot of players/positions are locked in with the playoffs underway, there are players to consider especially at pitcher.
Waiver Wire/Streamers
Adrian Houser — Milwaukee Brewers
Yahoo: 40%, ESPN: 37%
Houser followed his complete-game shutout with an adventurous six-inning, five-walk win at Cleveland on Friday. That was the second time in his past five starts he allowed five walks, but only allowed runs in two of those five starts.
Houser is competing with Eric Lauer for the role as the potential fourth starter for the Brewers in the playoffs, so he has added motivation to pitch well this week against the Cubs.
Eric Lauer — Milwaukee Brewers
Yahoo: 36%, ESPN: 26%
Lauer can put himself in the driver’s seat for that fourth starter spot with two starts this week. He gets the Tigers in Detroit and the Cubs at home. The veteran has two consecutive quality starts, allowing three earned runs in a start once since the end of June.
Cole Irvin — Oakland Athletics
Yahoo: 36%, ESPN: 37%
Irvin put together his best start in one month Saturday against the Rangers, going seven innings and allowing two runs while striking out eight. His only start this week is against the Angels.
Michael Pineda — Minnesota Twins
Yahoo: 34%, ESPN: 36%
Two wins last week is enough to consider Pineda. He piggybacked a win in Cleveland before going five strong in Kansas City. He can reprise his outing against Cleveland at home against them this week. The only question is whether Pineda can go long enough to qualify for a win.
Injuries
Chris Archer landed on the 10-day IL with left hip discomfort.
Danny Duffysuffered a setback during a bullpen session. He hasn't pitched for the Dodgers since being acquired prior to the trade deadline.
Zack Greinke is expected to return this week after test positive for COVID-19 at the end of August.
Alex Cobb could return this week from right wrist inflammation.
Mike Fiers has a chance to pitch again this season for Oakland. He's set to go on a rehab start this week.
The same piece also mentioned that Chris Bassitt had a clean bullpen session Saturday and has a chance to pitch again after his horrific injury in a game against the White Sox in August.
Matthew Boyd was placed on the 10-day IL with a left elbow sprain.
Shane McClanahan landed on the 10-day IL with back tightness.
Lefty Steven Brault was pulled from his most recent start because of tightness in his throwing arm.
Chris Saletested positive for COVID-19 and will miss his Monday start against the White Sox.
Matt Harvey was placed on the 10-day IL with inflammation in his right knee.
Two-Start Pitchers
This is a projected list. Starts are subject to change and not all starters have been named.
John Gant (MIN) — at NYY, at TOR
Sandy Alcantara (MIA) — at WSH, vs PIT
Adam Wainwright (STL) — at NYM, vs SD
Rich Hill (NYM) — vs STL, vs PHI
Jake Odorizzi and Zack Greinke (HOU) — at TEX, vs ARI
Wade Miley (CIN) — at PIT, vs LAD
Dillon Peters (PIT) — vs CIN, at MIA
Kyle Gibson (PHI) — vs CHC, at NYM
Packy Naughton (LAA) — at CHW, vs OAK
