Fantasy Baseball 2018: 3 pitchers worth adding in week 4

The fantasy baseball season is three weeks in. If you need help with starting pitching, here are three deep options worth a look.

The fantasy baseball season is finishing its third week. Now is a good time to analyze what your team’s strengths and weaknesses are. If you need starting pitching help, all hope is not lost. There are plenty of options on the waiver wire but not all are worth a roster add.

I have three pitchers that not only have performed well recently but have favorable matchups going forward that you want to take advantage of as well as a fantasy owner. Whether it’s low ratio stats, strikeouts or a quality start (or win if you’re in the Stone Ages), these pitchers can help you in your next head-to-head matchup or move up a few points in roto.

The three pitchers listed all have ownership percentages under 35 percent in ESPN leagues and 70 percent in CBS Sports leagues. I’ve noticed fantasy baseball owners in CBS leagues tend to pick up the emerging players sooner than ESPN league owners. If you’re in an ESPN league, you probably have some time before your sleeper player is picked up from under you.

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Tyson Ross (SD)

Tyson Ross had a rough first two outings of the season, combined 7 ER/11 H/3 BB/9 K in 12.0 innings. He went 1-1 in those games with a quality start. His next two outings, however, have been complete opposites in terms of performance.

Ross pitched a combined 13.2 innings with one earned run, eight hits, four walks and 15 strikeouts. He picked up another win and two quality starts. He pitched against the Giants and Diamondbacks in those games.

Ross is one of a few Padres players we’ve recommended to pick up recently. Despite the team’s record, there are individuals worth adding. Ross’ next start comes on Wednesday against Colorado on the road. That may be a tough matchup but add him for the one after that. He’s owned in 10.3 percent of ESPN and 36 percent in CBS leagues.

Eduardo Rodriguez (BOS)

Eduardo Rodriguez missed the first week of the season and was limited in his first start, just 3.2 innings. After that, though, he has two straight wins and quality starts. Rodriguez has a total of 20 strikeouts and just seven walks in 15.2 innings.

The Red Sox are on fire right now. They are provided a lot of run support for their pitchers. In the two games Rodriguez won, the offense put up seven and eight runs, respectively. That’s more than enough to secure the win when you’re pitching like Rodriguez is.

His next start is scheduled to be Wednesday on the road against Toronto. They look to be heating up as well but are hitting .239 with 187 strikeouts. This is a matchup Rodriguez could win. He’s owned in 33.2 percent of ESPN and 70 percent in CBS leagues.

Junior Guerra (MIL)

Junior Guerra is the lowest-owned starting pitcher of the three. At just 7.3 percent and 26 percent respectively, the hype around Guerra is picking up.

He is 1-0 with a 0.82 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, five walks and 11 strikeouts in 11.0 innings. The ratios look great but he doesn’t pitch deep into games to earn a quality start. He was one out away in his last start but his pitch count was up to 93 at the time.

With Christian Yelich back in the lineup and Eric Thames hitting well, he’ll be given run support to earn a few more wins. Guerra has the most favorable matchup of these three pitchers, facing the Marlins at home on Sunday. He may not get a QS but he’ll strike out a few on his way to keeping his ratio stats low. Miller Park ranks in the middle for home runs according to Park Factors.

Next: Looking at Mike Foltynewicz for your team?

There are plenty of pitchers available. It depends on your team needs and what you’re looking for in a replacement. The three pitchers I listed all provide something different. Even if you don’t like their next matchup, don’t hesitate because someone else may add them as a result.