3 Streaming Pitchers for the Weekend Games

Apr 20, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Alfredo Simon (31) pitches the ball during the third inning against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Friday begins the final weekend of April. It’s been an exciting first month of the season. Some pitchers have disappointed (looking at you Madison Bumgarner) while others excelled (thanks Chris Archer). There have also been some pitchers who have up-and-down seasons so far. If you are looking to combat those down outings, here are three pitchers to use as streaming options over the weekend.

Chris Heston – Friday at Colorado

The San Francisco Giants No. 2 starter has been dominant so far in 2015. He has the best ERA and WHIP among starters. In 20 2/3 innings, he is 2-1 (three quality starts) with a 0.87 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 16 strikeouts. His next start will be on Friday against the Colorado Rockies. The last time Matzek faced the Rockies, he went 7.0 innings, allowing one earned run and struck out five with a 1.29 WHIP.

He is currently ranked 5.19 on ESPN’s Player Rater, ninth among starting pitchers. He is available in over 60 percent of ESPN leagues. If you need to start the weekend strong, pick up Heston as your first streaming option.

Alfredo Simon – Saturday vs. Cleveland

Regardless of your trust for Simon, he’s done everything he should to be a reliable starter this season. In 20 2/3 innings, he is 3-0 (two quality starts) with a 1.74 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 12 strikeouts. His fourth start will be against the lowly Cleveland Indians. The offense is ranked 22nd in home runs, 28th in RBI and 27th in on-base percentage. Ryan Raburn leads the team with a .364 average, but played in just 10 games so far.

Simon is being picked up quickly, so act now if you want him for Saturday. His ownership percentage has increased by 54.3 percent over the last week. He is a strikeout guy, so if you are down in Ks (or K/9), stream Simon.

Tyler Matzek – Sunday vs. San Francisco

Matzek is the deepest streaming option I’ve picked all season. His ownership percentage is at just 0.2 percent in ESPN.com leagues. He hasn’t been a bad pitcher, but nothing truly stands out. He has pitched in 15 innings with a 1-0 record (one quality start), 2.40 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 10 strikeouts. Matzek has had command problems this season, six walks in his last start.

Matzek and the Rockies take on the Giants in a weekend series. Matzek faced the Giants on April 15. He earned his only win of the season as he pitched in six innings, gave up five hits one earned run and one walk with three strikeouts. The Giants offense rank in the bottom half among most of the offensive categories. Streaming Matzek could win you the week, especially in deeper leagues.