- Thursday's matchup between the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates -- two teams that are a combined 29 games below .500 -- may not be the most exciting game on the slate, but it does provide some potential one-off value for Justin Steele (4% rostered in ESPN leagues). Since throwing a clunker against the Cincinnati Reds in late May (7 ER in 2 IP), Steele has posted a 2.63 ERA over his last four starts, including two seven-inning outings against the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals. While the 4.4 BB/9 and 66.4 LOB% suggest that some caution is warranted, this streaming recommendation is more about the matchup against the Pirates. Not only does Pittsburgh have a bottom-three wOBA against left-handed pitching (.285), but they're fanning at a bloated 25.3% clip in June.
- The 36-year-old Johnny Cueto (12% rostered) just keeps on chugging along. He's put up a 2.95 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP over seven games (six starts), and he's coming off his best start of the season in which he fired seven shutout frames against the Houston Astros. While Cueto isn't missing many bats (7.0 K/9), he's showing great control (2.3 BB/9) and is consistently pitching deep into games, as he's gone at least six innings in all six of his starts. The veteran should keep on rolling on Thursday against a Baltimore Orioles team that's well below average against right-handed pitching, putting him in position to be one of the day's better streaming options.
- Andrew Vaughn (53%) is finally starting to fulfill his promise as a No. 3 overall pick, hitting .330/.381/.505 with seven homers and 31 RBI in 48 games. He's also solidified himself as Chicago's No. 2 hitter and hits in one of the game's most HR-friendly parks. Somehow, he's still barely rostered in 50% of ESPN leagues. Scoop him up for Thursday's bout against Baltimore's Dean Kremer, who has allowed a career .376 wOBA to right-handed swingers.
- Despite holding a 3.52 ERA across seven starts this season, Devin Smeltzer could have some trouble looming ahead. His 5.37 FIP and 5.01 xFIP suggest he's been the beneficiary of some good fortune, and his dismal 4.5 K/9 leaves virtually zero margin for error. The lefty is also having trouble keeping the ball in the park, having surrendered seven homers over his last three outings. This looks like a good time to attack Smeltzer with some Guardians bats. Amed Rosario (50%), who is hitting .333/.338/.478 in June, and Oscar Gonzalez(4%) are two names to consider who will both have the platoon advantage on Thursday.
What you need to know for Thursday's MLB Games
- Thread starter biggins
- Start date
