Streaming Pitcher for April 8: Miguel Gonzalez
By Bill Pivetz
Mar 16, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Miguel Gonzalez (50) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
While I missed on my streaming option for yesterday (thanks a lot Wei-Yin Chen), I’m back with a player who will give you a nice outing. Baltimore Orioles No. 3 starter Miguel Gonzalez is widely available and should be used as a streaming option for April 8.
Gonzalez was a question mark to even make the Orioles’ rotation during Spring Training. However, he was able to beat out Ubaldo Jimenez and Kevin Gausman for a spot, but also surpassed Bud Norris for the No. 3 spot.
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His spring was a little rocky. He allowed 11 runs in 18 1/3 innings, but struck out 16 and walked just one batter. Gonzalez made 26 starts last season and pitched pretty well. Despite having an ERA over 4.00 at the end of June, he had a string of 10 quality starts in the second half. He finished 10-9 with a 3.23 ERA, 1.296 WHIP and 111 strikeouts.
Gonzalez will take the mound against a questionable Tampa Bay Rays offense. Even though there have only been two games, the Rays are 16th in batting average (.203) and tied for second in strikeouts (19). The team does have three home runs and seven RBI in those two games. Again, it’s way too early into the season to question if a team is good or bad, but why not take advantage of a good matchup when you have the chance?
He is owned in just 1.3 percent of ESPN leagues. If you play in a standard league, there may be better pitchers available who are starting today. However, with multiple pitchers already sidelined on the DL, the pool of starting pitchers will become shallow.
I would take the risk of streaming Gonzalez on a day where not many aces are taking the mound. He doesn’t strike out a lot of batters, 6.3 K/9 last season, but also doesn’t allow a lot of walks, 2.9 BB/9. Gonzalez should pitch 6 1/3 innings without allowing too much damage at the plate.