Cliff Lee’s return to Philadelphia’s rotation sure didn’t last long. Two starts and 2.2 innings to be exact. Lee was then removed from his start at Washington after that short amount of time with a left elbow injury. As it turns out, it was the same flexor strain that caused him to miss two months earlier this year.
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Lee himself admitted that he probably will not pitch again this season, and with the Phillies out of contention, why push him?
That could leave a big hole in your fantasy rotation. Lee was 4-5 with a 3.65 ERA this year, which are rather pedestrian numbers for where he was drafted. That also means that his production should be readily available on waivers in your leagues. Here is where to look.
The standard league replacements are available in 15-50 percent of leagues. The moderates are available in 51-90 percent of leagues. The deep league replacements are available in 90 percent of more of leagues.
Marcus Stroman is enjoying a nice rookie campaign, and can help your team. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Standard Leagues:
Jose Quintana, White Sox: Like Lee, he has a losing record(6-7). Also like Lee, he does not deserve it. Quintana has been outstanding for the Pale Hose this year, posting a 3.04 ERA and 1.23 WHIP. Not to mention 125 strikeouts in 143 innings. He is more than a suitable replacement for Lee this year.
Yovani Gallardo, Brewers: After a bit of a rough patch in early and mid July, Gallardo has righted the ship, posting scoreless outings in his last two starts. That moves his season total to 6-5 with a 3.38 ERA. Numbers that are better than Lee, interestingly enough.
Marcus Stroman, Blue Jays: After a lackluster debut, the rookie has been impressive. He has racked up a 7-3 record with a 3.48 ERA with 68 strikeouts in 77 innings. And he plays for a team that scores runs. He may do you better than Lee did.
Duffy has dazzled since being moved to the rotation. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Moderate Leagues:
Chris Tillman, Orioles: Tillman has certainly had his ups and downs this year, but he has not allowed more than three earned runs in his last 11 starts. Unearned? Well, let’s just say that the Oriole defense has not been kind to Tillman. Still, he has compiled an 8-5 record with a 3.78 ERA. Those numbers are very similar to Lee’s
Danny Duffy, Royals: The 5-10 record is appalling, but it is not his fault. His 2.42 ERA and 1.12 WHIP prove that. If only the Royals could score runs for him….
Wei-Yin Chen, Orioles: Chen has also had some ugly outings, but his overall numbers (12-3, 3.76 ERA) are very good. He can help you rack up some wins, though not as many strikeouts as Lee.
James Paxton, Mariners: Don’t sleep on this guy. Even after an average start in his return from the DL on Saturday, he still owns a 2-0 record with a 2.76 ERA and 0.92 WHIP. Oh, and he has 18 strikeouts in 16.1 innings. He is returning at the right time for a team trying to make a stretch run, and he is still available in 85 percent of leagues. Pounce before someone else does.
Jon Niese has quietly enjoyed a nice season in New York. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Deep Leagues:
Jon Niese, Mets: Wins can be hard to come by, but he has still managed to keep his ERA at 3.24 despite the 5-7 record. You can do worse. Much worse.
Kyle Gibson, Twins: Like all young pitchers, he is still prone to blow-ups now and then, but the overall numbers speak for themselves. Gibson has ten wins on an average team, and the 3.93 ERA is near the league average.
Kevin Gausman, Orioles: Yes, another Oriole starter makes the list. Gausman has looked pretty good lately, and his overall numbers of 6-3 with a 3.77 ERA are good enough for a lot of leagues, especially deep ones.