Fantasy Baseball 2018: 3 Pitchers to add in Week 7

There are plenty of starting pitchers on the waiver wire. Here are three worth adding to fill a roster spot.

There have been a large number of starting pitchers land on the DL, including some of the top names. In order to reach a starts minimum, compete in your head-to-head matchup or gain some points in roto, you need to add someone in their place.

Unfortunately, the pitchers on the waiver wire cannot reach the level of production those top names can on a weekly basis. You are just looking for a decent pitcher with manageable ratios and strikeout potential, maybe even a win or quality start.

Some fantasy owners just pick up a pitcher for the one start and then drop him, a strategy known as streaming. However, these pitchers are worth adding for more than their next start. With their ownership percentages so low, you have a good shot at adding these three starters.

Matt Koch (ARI)

Matt Koch found himself in the Arizona Diamondbacks rotation after Taijuan Walker landed on the DL. Koch had his best start of the season, pitching eight innings with three earn runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out three.

He’s posted three quality starts. Koch hasn’t pitched less than five innings in any of his starts. For the season, he is 2-1 with a 2.43 ERA and 0.99 WHIP. The only negative to Koch’s game is the limited number of strikeouts. He hasn’t struck out four in a single game.

He will make his next start on May 16 against the Milwaukee Brewers. They have some dangerous hitters in the lineup, but Koch doesn’t give up many fly balls, 35.4 percent. He does give up some hard hit, 45.0 percent, but it doesn’t result in many home runs, 14.3 percent HR/FB rate.

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With Chase Field becoming more of a pitcher’s park, Koch will have a few good matchups while he’s still in the rotation. He’s owned in just 13.0 percent of ESPN leagues.

Chad Kuhl (PIT)

Chad Kuhl has posted four quality starts in his last five games. He is 4-2 with a 4.17 ERA and 1.35 WHIP on the season. The ratios won’t help many fantasy owners but if you need an increase in strikeouts, Kuhl is someone to target.

Kuhl has a 42:16 K:BB ratio this season. Most of the damage to his WHIP has come from the number of hits allowed. He’s allowed even batted ball stats this year, 26.4 line drive, 35.7 ground ball and 38.0 fly ball rates.

The home runs have been a concern, too, with his 18.4 HR/FB rate. If you don’t want to keep Kuhl rostered for the year, add him just for his next start. Kuhl will make his next start on May 17 at home against the San Diego Padres. The Padres don’t have the best overall offense.

Kuhl is owned in just 16.8 percent of ESPN leagues. He has the tools to be successful for the season but he is a must-add for his next start.

Zach Eflin (PIT)

Zach Eflin was supposed to pitch Saturday against the Mets but the game was postponed. The Phillies opted to pitch Aaron Nola on normal rest instead of pitching Eflin in the next game. They haven’t announced when Eflin’s next start will be. It could come in his next turn in the rotation or in the Phillies’ next game on Tuesday.

Regardless, Eflin is worth stashing on your roster. He’s made just two starts this season but has looked good in both. He’s pitched a combined 12.2 innings with a 0.71 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 13 strikeouts and three walks with a 1-0 record.

Eflin was able to stifle the offenses of the Marlins and Giants, two struggling teams. If he pitches on May 15, it will be against the Baltimore Orioles. The team isn’t competing but with Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop crushing balls, there is something to watch for.

The Phillies are starting to heat up now that Carlos Santana is hitting and Eflin could benefit from that. He’s owned in just 22.3 percent of ESPN leagues. I’m not a fan of wins but Eflin should be able to rack up a few more before the All-Star break.

Next: Jays place Stroman on DL

These three pitchers have posted a good string of starts recently. It’s important to pick up the hot hand before it’s too late. These pitchers won’t last long on the waiver wire. Good pitching is hard to come by, especially this late in the season. Don’t hesitate.

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