Fantasy Baseball Starting Pitchers: Studs, Duds, and Sleepers-May 13, 2015

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Apr 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona (17) removes starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) from the game during the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

3 Starting Pitcher Stay-Aways

1. James Shields-San Diego Padres: As good as Liriano’s head-to-head numbers are against the Phillies, Shield numbers are just as horrible against the Mariners. In fact, three M’s batters made it into my top ten batter vs pitcher matchups for today. Yes, Shields is 4-0 with his new team, but he has allowed five earned runs in each of his last two starts and comes into this start with a 4.25 ERA and a .245 batting average against him.

2. Corey Kluber-Cleveland Indians: Last year’s surprise Cy Young Award winner has struggled to start this season dropping his first five decisions and allowing four earned runs or more in each of his last four starts to see his ERA swell to 5.04. I do think Kluber will turn it around, but I’d rather be a start too late than run him out as part of my lineup a start too early and take the pounding he’s been allowing this season. Opponents are hitting a robust .290 against him and he has allowed 38 hits over his last four starts.

3. Yordano Ventura-Kansas City Royals: Another breakout performer from last season off to a slow start, Ventura has allowed four runs or more in three of his last four starts and watched his ERA grow to over 5.00. Tonight, he’ll take the mound in Texas as he looks to turn things around, but I’d wait until he does before putting him in my daily lineup. For both Kluber and Ventura, I’d hold them in season-long leagues since I do see them being valuable later in the season, but I’d consider sitting them on the bench for their starts until they get things headed the right direction.

Next: 3 Starting Pitcher Sleepers

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