Fantasy Baseball: Waiver Wire Pitching Pickups, 4/30/13

There are seveeral starting pitching options for Tuesday on the waiver wire including Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana shown here as he delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during the third inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Every MLB team is back in action on Tuesday which means plenty of options if you’re sifting through the waiver wire for starting pitching help. Here’s the options I like who are available in more than half of ESPN leagues:

Possible Pickups

Jose Quintana-Chicago White Sox: (35.2 % owned) Quintana didn’t have his best stuff in his last outing allowing two runs to Cleveland but did pick up his second win in a row. In his last three outings he’s allowed just those two runs in 18 2/3 innings while walking four and totaling 17 strikeouts. He’s not in the best matchup as he and the White Sox take on the Rangers in Texas who counter with Yu Darvish who is off to a great start to the season. However, it’s not so hot in Arlington that the balls are carrying yet, and Quintana did beat Texas in his only career appearance against them. Asking him to outduel Darvish and get a win might be a tall task, but he should be able to help in WHIP, ERA, and K’s making him a solid option for Tuesday. Quintana is also scheduled for a second start later this week in Kansas City if you’re looking to keep a pitcher for his two-start week.

Jorge De La Rosa-Colorado Rockies: (15.6%) De La Rosa took the loss his last time out leveling his record at 2-2. He still  has a decent 2.86 ERA and 1.16 WHIP on the year as he prepares to take on the Dodgers in LA on Tuesday. He’ll be matched up with Hyun-Jin Ryu in pitcher-friendly Dodger Stadium and should be able to put together a solid outing even if a win over Ryu falls out of his reach. He hasn’t put up big strikeout totals (18 in 28 1/3 innings), but he can help in WHIP and ERA if you’re searching for solid contributions from the wire.

Apr 20, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Garrett Richards (43) pitches against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at the Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Garrett Richards-Los Angeles Angels: (7.0%) If it’s a win your after, Richards may be your best bet although there’s added risk in ERA and WHIP. Richards has started three games for the Angels this year and has gone at least into the seventh in each. He allowed five runs to Seattle his last time out in seven innings but was dominant against the Tigers pitching seven scoreless the start before. Tonight he takes the ball for LA against the A’s in Oakland. He and the Angels talented but underachieving lineup will face Jarrod Parker (0-4, 8.10 ERA) so a win should be possible if he gets another decent start in. Barring rainout or other rotation adjustment, he’d be scheduled to start again on Sunday against Baltimore.

Brandon Maurer-Seattle Mariners: (0.4%) If the above options aren’t available or you don’t like them, there are two high risk options who could pay off as well. Maurer has bounced back nicely after a pair of horrible starts at the beginning of the season. He gave up six runs in just 2/3 of an inning to Houston in his second start of the year, but since then has had three starts lasting at least six innings each and allowing two earned runs or less in each. His last time out he held the Angels scoreless for 6 1/3 while striking out six. Tuesday he starts at home against Baltimore and Jason Hammel. He could pay off like he has his last three, but there is the risk to be sure since Baltimore has been hitting well and Maurer’s ERA is still 5.61.

Apr 24, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Edinson Volquez (37) throws during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Edinson Volquez-San Diego Padres: (1.3%) The other high-risk option is Volquez who has had a couple of solid starts his last two times out. He picked up his first win of the season in his last start throwing seven shutout innings against the Brewers. His strikeout totals habe been low, just 15 in 25 1/3 innings, but he has a nice matchup against the Cubs in Wrigley. Chicago will start Edwin Jackson (0-3 4.76 ERA) so if Volquez can pitch well again he should be able to get another win. He’s known for being streaky and appears to be getting on a hot streak, but realize there’s risk since he did get knocked around by the Rockies and MEts earlier this season.

Past Performance

Here’s how my picks have paid off over the past week: