Fantasy Baseball Starting Pitcher Report (Week 21): Waiver Wire Pickups, Streamers, Injury Updates & More

I am okay admitting that the Detroit Tigers have something to be excited about, especially in terms of pitching.

At their worst August 14, Wily Peralta lasted four-plus inning and struck out four while allowing three earned runs. Each reliever after him pitched a minimum one inning in a Tigers win. Detroit has exciting young pitchers, and a few more who could change the rotation and bullpen when healthy.

The Tigers are tied for second in the A.L. Central with Cleveland, and manager A.J. Hinch is as worthy of the league’s Manager of the Year as any other candidate.

Waiver Wire/Streamers 

Austin Gomber – Colorado Rockies 

Yahoo: 49%, ESPN: 52%

His start August 13 was his second negative start in his last three, but expecting any starter to be automatic every start is like expecting to hit the lottery every time you play it.

Prior to Gomber’s three-walk effort Friday, he had not allowed three or more walks since April 26, and his nine earned runs over his last three starts were his most over a similar stretch since April 26-May 7.

Chris Flexen – Seattle Mariners 

Yahoo: 43%, ESPN: 51%

Flexen pitches well in Seattle. He has a 2.70 home ERA compared to 5.44 on the road. His next start is at home against the Texas Rangers.

Jon Gray – Colorado Rockies 

Yahoo: 47%, ESPN: 46%

His lone start this week is against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Denver. His 3.27 home ERA is 1.29 runs better than on the road. As much as it makes sense to give road teams some credit for games at Coors Field, the Diamondbacks have a 63 wRC+ on the road against right-handed pitching, 29th in baseball.

Patrick Sandoval – Los Angeles Angels 

Yahoo: 50%, ESPN: 45%

Sandoval gets Detroit in the Motor City this week. The Tigers are okay at home despite an 89 wRC+ at Comerica Park. Sandoval has a 3.26 road ERA and has allowed a slash line of .210/.280/.308 away from home.

Injuries 

Michael Pineda was placed on the 10-day IL with an oblique strain.

Julio Urias was placed on the 10-day IL with a left calf contusion.

Luis Severino suffered another setback during his rehab assignment from Tommy John surgery.

Adbert Alzolay was placed on the 10-day IL with a left hamstring strain.

Yu Darvish left his August 12 start with lower back tightness. 

Shane Bieber was expected to throw a bullpen session August 13 or 14 while with the team in Detroit.

Dinelson Lamet will miss more time after having a hip infection cleaned out.

Wade LeBlanc left his August 12 start with left elbow pain.

Jacob deGrom will be shut down for at least two more weeks.

Two-Start Pitchers 

This is a projected list. Starts are subject to change and not all starters are named.

Jose Suarez (LAA) — at DET, at CLE

Wade Miley and Vladimir Gutierrez (CIN) — vs CHC, vs MIA

Touki Toussaint (ATL) — at MIA, at BAL

Frankie Montas and Chris Bassitt (OAK) — at CHW, vs SF

Dallas Keuchel and Reynaldo Lopez (CHW) — vs OAK, at TB

Kyle Gibson (PHI) — at ARI, at SD

Casey Mize (DET) — vs LAA, at TOR