Mat Latos: Winning Back Fantasy Owners

May 5, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Mat Latos (35) pitches during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Overreactions, just like everything else, is a big part of fantasy baseball. Fantasy owners take the opening week far too seriously. It’s the first two games of the season. Even if players play in Spring Training, they don’t play enough. They are still warming up during the first two weeks of the season. That is why you should not panic after Week 1. Mat Latos was the highest dropped player, but has turned his season around since then.

Latos was a late-round draft pick in most leagues. The move to the NL East was to be helpful for a pitcher who has faced some of the most dangerous offenses in the NL Central. However, things didn’t go as smoothly as hoped in his first start. Latos could not get out of the first inning, 0.2 IP, six hits, two walks and seven earned runs.

As a result, owners reacted and dropped Latos. While dealing with a 94.50 ERA after one start isn’t the best, his numbers can only go up from here. His most recent start against the San Francisco Giants was his best of the season. He went seven innings, allowing seven hits and one earned run while striking out five. He was clearly in line for the win, but the bullpen blew the lead.

He did not walk a batter for the first time this season. Latos will look to continue this hot streak against the Atlanta Braves on May 16. The Braves rank in the top half in average and on-base percentage, but bottom half in home runs and slugging percentage.

Owners have been noticing Latos’ improved numbers. He was owned in 46.6 percent of ESPN.com leagues last week. Now, he is at 64.8 percent, 10th most-added pitcher over the last week. Latos has pitched his ERA and WHIP down to 4.72 and 1.49, respectively.

If you are in need of the back-end starting pitcher, grab Latos. He may not get you wins or strikeouts, but he’s doing a better job at keeping opponents from scoring.