Diamondbacks: Zack Godley is a premier streaming option

By Bill Pivetz | May 20, 2017

May 10, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Godley (52) pitches against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

The Diamondbacks starting rotation is pitching well this season. One pitcher with recent success is Zack Godley. Is he worth an add for his Sunday matchup?

The Arizona Diamondbacks are riding the success of their starting rotation to second place in the National League West. Zack Greinke looks to be back to his all-star performance. Yet, he’s already owned in almost all leagues. However, there is another Zack on the Diamondbacks roster worth picking up.

Zack Godley has pitched two great games in his last two starts. He pitched seven innings of one-run ball against the Detroit Tigers. Godley allowed four hits and one walk while striking out six. His next start was almost as good.

Godley went 6.2 innings, allowing one run on one hit and five walks while striking out seven. He left with a no-decision but earned a quality start. The five walks are a bit concerning but considering he has a 1.93 ERA and 0.960 WHIP, I wouldn’t worry too much.

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His first start was an indicator of what to expect. Godley went five innings with two earned runs, four hits, three walks and six strikeouts.

Godley has had the benefit (or luck) of facing two bad offenses in his first three starts, the San Diego Padres and New York Mets. He faces the Padres again in his next start, which is why he is a streaming option.

I wrote about the Padres offense and how they shouldn’t be streamed against back on April 5. That may have been a little short-sighted because the offense has since shut down. In 17 games this month, the Padres have a .213 average (29th), .289 on-base percentage (29th), 50 runs scored (last) and 142 strikeouts (12th).

This game will be in San Diego. According to ESPN Park Factors, Petco Park ranks toward the bottom in the three major hitting statistics.

This bodes well for Godley because he has a 73.2 ground ball rate and 14.6 fly ball rate. Opposing batters are making good contact against him, 54.5 medium and 29.5 hard hit rates but they aren’t getting much lift on the ball.

Shelby Miller‘s injury opened up a spot in the Diamondbacks rotation. With Godley’s recent performance and no one else stepping up, he should remain as the No. 5 starter.

Next: Justin Turner lands on 10-day DL

Godley is owned in just 28.8 percent of ESPN leagues. That went up 26.4 percent over the last week. If you need to finish your week strong or looking for a streaming option in Roto leagues, Godley is someone to target in deeper leagues.

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