Fantasy baseball enthusiasts, Week 19 is upon us, and with it comes the challenge of navigating potential trade deadline shakeups. As teams adjust and matchups realign, finding reliable pitching streamers can be tricky. However, fear not! This article highlights the top 10 sleeper pitchers who could give your fantasy team the edge you need. From under-the-radar gems to potential breakout stars, we’ll delve into each player’s recent performance, matchups, and rostered percentage to help you make informed decisions. Among the featured pitchers is Joe Boyle, a name gaining traction in fantasy circles. Let’s explore why Boyle and others could be valuable additions to your roster.
Edward Cabrera: Miami Marlins
Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins is an intriguing option for Week 19. Despite a recent elbow scare that briefly suppressed his roster rate, Cabrera has shown resilience and strong performance. In his last start against the Padres, he bounced back impressively, alleviating concerns about his health and ability to contribute. While his matchups against the Yankees and Cardinals might seem daunting on paper, Cabrera’s recent form suggests he can overcome these challenges. Over his past 10 starts, he has posted a stellar 2.18 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and an impressive 9.9 K/9. These numbers indicate a pitcher who is not only keeping runs off the board but also racking up strikeouts, a valuable asset in fantasy baseball.
Cabrera’s success isn’t solely dependent on favorable matchups; he’s demonstrating the ability to dominate regardless of the opponent. His improved command and pitch mix have made him a more consistent and reliable option for fantasy managers. Given his current rostered percentage of 66% in CBS Sports leagues, Cabrera is still available in many leagues, making him a priority add for those needing pitching depth.
Slade Cecconi: Cleveland Guardians
Slade Cecconi of the Cleveland Guardians has emerged as a surprisingly steady performer, making him an attractive streaming option for Week 19. Currently rostered in 54% of CBS Sports leagues, Cecconi is likely available in many formats and could provide significant value, especially given his favorable matchup against the Colorado Rockies. One of the primary reasons to consider Cecconi is his impressive whiff rates on his slider and curveball. These pitches suggest that he possesses even more strikeout potential than he has currently displayed. If Cecconi can harness this potential and continue to refine his command, he could become a consistent contributor to fantasy rosters.
Fantasy managers should take note of Cecconi’s ability to induce weak contact and generate swings and misses. His upcoming start against the Rockies, a team known for its struggles on the road, presents an excellent opportunity for Cecconi to showcase his skills and deliver a strong performance. While he initially appeared to be a two-start pitcher for the week, even with just the Rockies matchup, Cecconi is a worthy streamer due to his upside and potential for strikeouts.
Jose Soriano: Los Angeles Angels
Jose Soriano of the Los Angeles Angels is a somewhat volatile option, but his potential makes him worth considering for Week 19. Soriano’s performance has been a mixed bag recently, but his elite ground-ball rate provides a solid foundation for success. Currently, he is rostered in 75% of CBS Sports leagues, indicating that many fantasy managers recognize his upside, even with the inherent risks. The key to Soriano’s success lies in his ability to throw strikes consistently. When he can command his pitches and avoid self-inflicted wounds, he has the potential to dominate opposing lineups.
Soriano is scheduled to face the Texas Rangers, a team against whom he has struggled in two previous starts this season. However, those struggles were largely due to his own mistakes, rather than the strength of the Rangers’ lineup. The Rangers rank in the bottom third of the league in runs scored, suggesting that they are a favorable matchup for a pitcher with Soriano’s ground-ball tendencies. Fantasy managers willing to gamble on Soriano’s ability to limit walks and keep the ball on the ground could be rewarded with a valuable performance in Week 19.
Eric Lauer: Toronto Blue Jays
Eric Lauer of the Toronto Blue Jays has been a pleasant surprise since joining the team’s rotation in mid-June, making him an intriguing streaming option for Week 19. Lauer is rostered in 46% of CBS Sports leagues, meaning he is likely available in many formats and could provide immediate value. Lauer is coming off an impressive eight-inning gem against the Tigers, showcasing his ability to pitch deep into games and maintain a high level of performance. Since becoming a permanent fixture in the Blue Jays’ rotation, he has posted a solid 2.93 ERA, demonstrating his effectiveness at keeping runs off the board.
Lauer’s upcoming matchup against the Baltimore Orioles is particularly favorable, as the Orioles’ offense has been inconsistent. However, fantasy managers should be aware of some long-term concerns regarding Lauer. His combination of high exit velocities and an extreme ground-ball rate could lead to trouble down the road. Nevertheless, for Week 19, Lauer’s recent success and favorable matchup make him a worthwhile streaming option.
Max Scherzer: Toronto Blue Jays
Max Scherzer, also of the Toronto Blue Jays, is a seasoned veteran who remains a valuable asset in fantasy baseball. Scherzer is currently rostered in 72% of CBS Sports leagues, indicating that most fantasy managers recognize his potential despite his age. Coming off his best outing in six starts since returning from a thumb injury, Scherzer has shown signs of regaining his old form. He has been reaching his usual velocities and striking out more than a batter per inning, signaling that he is ready to contribute at a high level. Scherzer is slated to face the Kansas City Royals, a team that ranks second-to-last in runs scored. This matchup presents an excellent opportunity for Scherzer to deliver his best results yet.
Fantasy managers should feel confident in Scherzer’s ability to exploit the Royals’ struggling offense and rack up strikeouts. His experience and track record make him a reliable option, even in challenging situations. Scherzer’s presence on the Blue Jays’ roster adds another layer of intrigue, as he could benefit from their strong offense and defense. For Week 19, Scherzer is a must-start in most fantasy leagues.
Joe Boyle: Tampa Bay Rays
Joe Boyle of the Tampa Bay Rays is an intriguing addition to the list of sleeper pitchers for Week 19, primarily due to his newfound role in the rotation. With Taj Bradley demoted, Boyle is now confirmed to take his place, setting him up for two starts in the upcoming week. Currently, Boyle is rostered in just 42% of CBS Sports leagues, meaning he is widely available and could be a valuable pickup for fantasy managers seeking pitching depth. However, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges that Boyle faces in Week 19. He is scheduled to pitch against the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers, two of the best lineups in baseball. These matchups are far from ideal and present significant risk for fantasy managers.
Despite the difficult opponents, Boyle’s strikeout upside is enticing. His ability to generate swings and misses could help him navigate these tough matchups and provide value in fantasy leagues that reward strikeouts. Fantasy managers should carefully weigh the risks and rewards before adding Boyle to their roster, but his potential for high strikeout numbers makes him a worthwhile consideration.
Patrick Corbin: Texas Rangers
Patrick Corbin of the Texas Rangers has been a surprisingly steady performer this season, making him a potential streaming option for Week 19. Corbin is rostered in 35% of CBS Sports leagues, meaning he is likely available in many formats and could provide value, particularly in points leagues. While many have been inclined to dismiss Corbin’s success as a fluke, there is evidence to suggest that his improved cutter is to credit for his improved performance. This pitch has helped him to neutralize right-handed batters, making him a more effective pitcher overall.
Corbin is scheduled for a double-dip against the Angels and Mariners, both of which are favorable matchups for a pitcher with his skillset. Fantasy managers should consider Corbin as a viable streaming option, especially in leagues that reward quality starts and limit the impact of earned runs.
Brady Singer: Cincinnati Reds
Brady Singer of the Cincinnati Reds is an intriguing option for Week 19, particularly given the current state of the Atlanta Braves’ lineup. Singer is rostered in 71% of CBS Sports leagues, indicating that many fantasy managers recognize his potential value. The Braves’ lineup, which has been in a malaise for much of the season, appears particularly dejected right now, making them a favorable matchup for opposing pitchers. Singer, with his ability to work deep into games as long as he limits damage, is well-positioned to take advantage of this situation.
Despite having just one quality start in his past five turns, Singer has the potential to add another one against the Braves. Fantasy managers should consider him as a streaming option, particularly in leagues that reward quality starts and innings pitched.
Andre Pallante: St. Louis Cardinals
Andre Pallante of the St. Louis Cardinals is a ground-ball specialist who could provide value in Week 19, despite his lack of strikeouts. Pallante is rostered in 34% of CBS Sports leagues, making him a widely available option for fantasy managers. While he has had a couple of rough outings recently, Pallante’s elite ground-ball skills make him a threat for a quality start every time out. This is particularly valuable in leagues that reward quality starts and minimize the impact of earned runs.
Pallante is scheduled to face the Marlins and Padres, both of which are favorable matchups for a ground-ball pitcher. Fantasy managers can trust him to secure at least one quality start, if not two, given these advantageous matchups.
Aaron Civale: Chicago White Sox
Aaron Civale of the Chicago White Sox is a deep sleeper option for Week 19, suitable only for the most desperate fantasy managers. Civale is rostered in just 11% of CBS Sports leagues, making him widely available, but his upside is limited. However, Civale has put together back-to-back scoreless outings, most recently against the Cubs, suggesting that he may be turning a corner.
Civale is set to face the Los Angeles Angels, who are the most strikeout-prone team in baseball. This matchup could provide him with an opportunity to rack up strikeouts and deliver a valuable performance for fantasy managers willing to take a gamble.
As Week 19 of the fantasy baseball season approaches, identifying the right streaming pitchers can be the key to securing victories and climbing the standings. This preview has highlighted ten potential sleeper options, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses. From the strikeout upside of Joe Boyle to the ground-ball dominance of Andre Pallante, these pitchers offer a range of possibilities for fantasy managers. While the trade deadline may introduce some uncertainty, these recommendations provide a solid foundation for making informed decisions. Remember to consider each player’s matchups, recent performance, and rostered percentage when making your choices. With careful evaluation and a bit of risk-taking, you can uncover hidden gems that propel your fantasy team to success. Good luck, and may your streams be fruitful!
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