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Fantasy Baseball: Waiver Wire Starting Pitcher Pickups-August 1, 2014

By Zachary Thompson

Jul 26, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (58) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 26, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (58) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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In case you found yourself yesterday immersed in the trade deadline and neglected your fantasy baseball team, here is a quick look at some starting pitchers to consider picking up from your league’s waiver wire if you need a spot starter or a streaming starter headed into the weekend.

They’re ranked in the general order I would pick them up but make sure you understand your fantasy baseball team needs and how much risk tolerance you have before making any move.

1. player. 11. Chen dominated the Mariners in Seattle in his last start going eight scoreless innings allowing five hits and one walk while striking out three.  It was his best start in the last couple of months and he was able to pick up his fourth straight win.  He’s had a week off since that start and makes a good pickup as he faces Seattle again on Friday this time at home. Despite his recent success, Chen is only owned in less than a third of ESPN standard leagues.. 11-3, 3.92 ERA. vs Seattle Mariners. Wei-Yin Chen

21. Hellickson is still available in over 95% of ESPN leagues as he continues to work his way back after a long layoff due to elbow surgery.  He’s looked good in his two starts against the Royals and Red Sox allowing just one run in nine total innings while striking out seven.  He won’t pile up innings just yet, but the way the Rays are rolling he has a good shot at a win and has long-term upside for the rest of teh season if he can return to his pre-injury form.. 0-0, 1.00 ERA. vs Los Angeles Angels. Jeremy Hellickson. 2. player

Collin McHugh. 3. player. 135. McHugh is worth a look if what you need from your Friday starter is strikeouts. He has 102 strikeouts in 88.2 innings this season and has at least eight K’s in three of his last four starts.  The downside with McHugh is that he has picked up the loss in six straight starts partly due to lack of run support and partly due to some rough outings. Know what you need, and if it’s K’s go Collin. . 4-9, 3.45 ERA. vs Toronto Blue Jays

82. Cosart is the only pitcher moved at the deadline expected to toe the rubber tonight.  His July numbers were unimpressive, but pitching at Marlins Park with a better offense should set him up for success. I also like him as a longer term pickup as he moved from the AL to the NL.  Cosart’s ownership has sunk below 3% in ESPN leagues, but I think he’s set up to finish the season strong.. 9-7, 4.41 ERA. vs Cincinnati Reds. Jarred Cosart. 4. player

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