Royals Jake Junis: Two-start pitcher to pick up this week
By Gavin Tramps
There are lots of low ownership two-start pitchers available for week two (starting April 9), but maybe Kansas City Royals Jakob Junis is the best option.
Starting pitcher Jakob Junis could be on the verge of a breakout. Grab him now for his two-start week, and maybe you will keep him for the rest of the season.
Last year, Junis made 16 starts with a 4.60 ERA and 7.32 SO/9, but there were significant improvements as the season progressed, with the ERA in his final eight starts about one and a half runs lower than his first eight starts.
The right-handed maintained his stretch of good form by throwing 14.1 innings in Spring Training with an impressive 1.88 ERA and an even more impressive 20 strikeouts to just one walk.
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The rebuilding Royals are unlikely to offer much run support for their pitchers but Junis has already picked up one win after firing seven scoreless innings against the Tigers, while striking out six.
One of the most encouraging signs from the outing was the 12 swinging strikes. He has demonstrated excellent control with the lack of walks he issues, so utilizing his five-pitch mix to generate more strikeouts will accelerate his transition from waiver wire fodder to a must-start piece in your fantasy baseball rotation.
The 25-year-old faces Marco Gonzales and the injury-hampered Mariners in the first of his two starts next week, with the second against the Angels.
Junis is embarrassingly under-owned, being available in half of CBS leagues, 68% of Yahoo leagues and 78% of ESPN leagues. Make sure he does not remain unowned in yours.
Next: Yankees put CC Sabathia and Brandon Drury on the DL
Another low-ownership two-start pitcher to consider is the Angels’ Tyler Skaggs who faces the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals. Skaggs has bundles of potential and at times looks like a world beater. He has made two starts this season with 1.64 ERA and 0.91 WHIP.