Fantasy Baseball 2015: Baltimore Orioles Starting Rotation Preview

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Sep 1, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (39) pitches during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Kevin Gausman

2014 Stats: 20 games started, 9 quality starts. 7-7, 3.57 ERA, 1.31 WHIP.
113.1 IP, 139 K, 6.99 K/9, 2.32 SO/BB ratio.

2015 Fantasy Outlook: Gausman is the youngest arm in the O’s projected rotation and has plenty of upside after getting the call mid-year last year to take over for an ineffective Ubaldo Jimenez.

Gausman has been one of the best prospects in the Orioles system for a few seasons and looks ready to make the jump to a full-time MLB roster. He was especially good last season in September averaging over a strikeout-per-inning while compiling a 2.87 ERA.

He’ll have to earn his spot in the rotation this Spring Training as he battles with the over-paid Jimenez to get into the top five when camp breaks. There is a real possibility he starts the season in Triple-A, so watch his progress this spring and see how he fares and if any injuries open opportunities for him in Baltimore.

Whenever he does get a chance, he’s worth watching for streaming and daily league purposes based on his huge potential when he settles in at the MLB level. Gausman has the widest variability of any of the Baltimore starters since he could either spend most of the year in the minors, or be a breakout candidate if he earns the job in camp.

At this point, Gausman is a “watch closely” not someone you need to draft in standard-sized mixed leagues, but do be ready to grab him off the waiver wire when his time comes for the Orioles.

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