- Nick Lodolo (11%) has been somewhat inconsistent in his two starts since returning from the injured list, but his eye-popping strikeout potential (12.2 K/9) and unfortunate batted-ball luck (.406 BABIP) suggest better results moving forward. With better command, there's real upside here. On Saturday, Lodolo is a quality streamer option against a St. Louis Cardinals offense that has been below average so far in July (92 wRC+). The 24-year-old will also get to pitch in a significantly more pitcher-friendly environment, as he trades in Great American Ballpark for Busch Stadium.
- On a day without many quality streaming pitcher options, Michael Pineda (3%) and his 3.58 ERA might look like an appealing target. Caution is warranted, however. That 3.58 ERA comes with a 6.47 xERA, which tells us the veteran right-hander deserves results much, much worse than what he's gotten so far. Perhaps Pineda can squeak by a Cleveland Guardians club that hasn't hit much over the last month (90 wRC+), but keep in mind the risk involved.
- Since Joe Barlow was removed from the closer role late last week (and placed on the injured list shortly after), Brett Martin (6%) has staked his claim to the ninth inning, converting three saves in his last four appearances. As a lefty with a career 7.3 K/9 rate, Martin doesn't fit the profile of a typical closer, so he may not necessarily be the long-term answer in Texas. For now, though, he's getting grounders, limiting hard contact, and, most importantly, getting save chances. Go ahead and grab Martin if you're in the market for saves.
- Fantasy managers have been frustrated at the lack of consistent playing time for Edward Olivares (1%), but the 26-year-old should be guaranteed multiple starts this weekend with the rest of the Royals' starting outfielders on the reserved list for the team's series against the Blue Jays in Toronto. Olivares possesses both power and speed, and he's also a candidate to bat leadoff on Saturday with so much of the roster missing in action, making him an appealing pickup.
- Lefty Tyler Gilbert is taking the hill for the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, and that presents an enticing matchup for the San Diego Padres. Not only has Gilbert been hammered by right-handed hitters this season (.386 wOBA), but he's had real trouble keeping the ball in the park (2.5 HR/9). There are multiple righty Padres hitters to consider here, including Luke Voit(31%), Ha-Seong Kim (9%) Jorge Alfaro(6%) and Esteury Ruiz (7%), who swiped 60 bags in 77 games between Double- and Triple-A prior to his promotion this week.
- Although an official announcement has not yet been made, the Miami Marlins are expected to call up right-hander Max Meyer(3%) on Saturday to start against the Philadelphia Phillies. One of the top pitching prospects in baseball, Meyer posted a 3.72 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 10.1 K/9 in 12 Triple-A starts, though his numbers would look much more impressive (1.88 ERA) if you removed the two blowup outings he suffered prior to landing on the injured list back in May. A matchup against the Phillies is a tough landing spot for the rookie, but he's worth an immediate pick-up given the upside.
What you need to know for Saturday's MLB Games
- Thread starter biggins
- Start date
