June 15, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Chad Gaudin (57) pitches in the second inning against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Thursday’s can be a little tricky with teams on travel days, but this week the MLB has a fairly robust schedule with just six teams getting a breather and the other 24 in 12 games throughout the day. There’s just four day games with the other eight taking place in the evening. Here’s my suggestions if your looking for a boost from the fantasy baseball waiver wire in your starting pitching department. As always, picks are owned in less than 50% of ESPN leagues.
Possible Pickups
Chad Gaudin-San Francisco Giants: (2.5%) Gaudin has been solid in his three starts going 2-1 while allowing eight total runs in 17 innings. He’s struck out 12 while walking just two in those three outings. Thursday he faces the offensively-challenged Marlins and faced off with Tom Koehler who has been shelled his last few times out and comes in 0-5 to this start. Gaudin isn’t a great long-term option but as a one start plug-and-play option has serious value.
June 15, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Jason Marquis (21) throws during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Jason Marquis-San Diego Padres: (20.6%) I still am not totally sold on Marquis but it’s impossible not to notice his numbers. He doesn’t pile up K’s or dominate the game, but he’s consistently solid and has picked up wins in eight of his last 10 starts. He leads the league in walks and can be frustrating to watch in action, but his 3.63 ERA on the season and 6-1 record at home make in a good option as he and the Padres host the Dodgers. It will be Marquis’s fourth start against them already this season and he’s gone 2-0 with a 2.37 ERA in his 19 innings pitched against them. I can’t explain it and don’t really trust him fully, but he’s a solid option if he can continue his success.
Jose Alvarez-Detroit Tigers: (1.6%) Alvarez faces the Red Sox Thursday as the two teams start a four-game set in Detroit. He only allowed three hits in six innings in his MLB debut against the Indians while striking out seven. Boston has been tough on rookies but does tend to strike out a lot, so he may be worth the risk on Thursday.
Roy Oswalt-Colorado Rockies: (0.2%) Oswalt gets his first start of the year for his new team the Rockies as they take on the Nats in Washington. Since he hasn’t pitched since October 2, he’s a huge risk, but he’s had success in the past and could be worth a pickup. I’d pass in all but deep NL-only leagues at this point, but be aware of his comeback in case he shows he can be effective.