Fantasy Baseball: Waiver Wire Pitching Pickups, 4/25/13

If you’re looking for starting pitching help on the waiver wire, take a look at these five options including Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jorge De La Rosa. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Even though on Thursday Major League Baseball only has 12 games, there are some nice options available on the waiver wire to get you through any mid-week lulls you’ve had in you staff. Although there’s only 24 scheduled starters, there’s five that are available in over half of ESPN leagues that are worth considering depending on your situation. Here’s a quick look at the available options and how my picks have done over the past week.

Possible Pickups

Apr 14, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Kevin Slowey (45) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Slowey-Miami Marlins: (1.3% owned) Slowey has been solid in four starts for the hitting-starved Marlins. He’s allowed one run in each of hist last two starts and only gave up more than that when he allowed two to Atlanta. He’s put up a 1.90 ERA and struck out 15 in his 23 2/3 innings. He may be able to get his first win of the year Thursday as he and the Fish take on the visiting Cubs who are 3-8 on the road and send Edwin Jackson to the mound with an 0-3 record and a 4.84 ERA. The Marlins may not be able to get him the runs, but he should have a solid start if he can continue his success.

Jorge De La Rosa-Colorado Rockies: (7.5%) De La Rosa has put up back-to-back scoreless outings lasting six innings in each while allowing just two hits. Last time out he dominated the D-Backs who he faces again Thursday, this time in Arizona. De La Rosa’s 2.82 ERA and 1.03 WHIP won’t stay that low all season, but he appears to be in the groove right now and will look to keep rolling against Arizona.

Garrett Richards-Los Angeles Angels: (2.4%) Richards was steller in his last outing going seven strong innings against the Detroit Tigers striking out eight and allowing just two hits. He’s had some good outings in the past when given the chance to start but hasn’t been consistent enough to secure a full-time spot until the injury to Jered Weaver. Thursday, Weaver faces the Mariners at pitcher-friendly Safeco as he takes on Brandon Maurer who has struggled in his rookie year. Richards is a nice pickup if you need a fill-in in this matchup.

April 15, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher James McDonald delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

James McDonald-Pittsburgh Pirates: (8.7%) Never a boring option, McDonald can be volatile and is high-risk as usual as he and Pittsburgh visit the Phillies. The Pirates righty reminded us of his upside the last time out going six innings allowing only one run to the red-hot Braves on two hits. He added nine strikeouts and improved to 2-2 and would seem to have a good matchup against the still-struggling Phillies offense. He’s never a sure thing but he could pay off on Thursday like he did last week.

Nick Tepesch-Texas Rangers: (2.6%) Tepesch was knocked from his last start by a line drive off his wrist so he should have plenty of gas as the Rangers take on the Twins in Minnesota. He’s matched up again Vance Worley who has been a disappointment for the Twins with a ERA over seven and an 0-2 record. The Rangers bats should be able to provide enough run support to make Tepesch an option if you’re fishing for elusive W’s on the waiver wire.

Past Performance

Here’s my results for the last week. There’s a few ugly ones that are driving my ERA up, but overall my picks have been fairly solid.