Let’s take a look at some of the potential pitch and ditch options in today’s games and determine if they are worth using or no.:
Dillon Gee – New York Mets
He is not going to be able to replicate the success he showed in his Major League debut (one ER over 7.0 IP) every time he takes the mound. All you need to do is look at his 4.96 ERA at Triple-A this season (and not in the Pacific Coast League) for proof.
Even against the Pirates, 29th in the league in runs scored, he’s too big of a risk to count on. He got beat by home runs (23) and the Pirates do have a few guys that can hit the ball a long way. Do you really want to put your fantasy season in the hands of a 24-year-old rookie with a near 5.00 minor league ERA? I know I surely don’t.
Verdict – Ditch
Chad Luebke – San Diego Padres
He was great in the minor leagues, splitting time between Double and Triple-A (2.68 ERA over 114.0 innings). Of course he also benefited from BABIP of .244 at Double-A and .226 at Triple-A. Couple that with a start against a red hot Colorado Rockies team, in Colorado (where the Rockies are 48-22), and do you think he’s worth the risk?
Verdict – Ditch
Yunesky Maya – Washington Nationals
As much as we all want to believe the Cuban defector is going to excel, he certainly didn’t get off to a great start (four ER over 5.0 IP) against a Mets team that has struggled to produce runs all year long. While he may have potential to produce in 2009, this isn’t the time to bank on it, especially against a Braves team fighting for their playoff life.
Verdict – Ditch
James McDonald – Pittsburgh Pirates
I’ve talked about him a lot ever since the trade, and he has shown flashes of brilliance mixed in with some ugly performances. Since arriving in Pittsburgh he’s made seven starts, going 3-4 with a 4.17 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 41.0 innings. He’s suffered from some bad luck, with a .340 BABIP (with the Pirates) and for the year has allowed a rather inflated line drive rate of 23.2 percent. Are those two trends that will continue against a Mets team that is 23rd in the league in runs?
With his strikeout potential (8.8 K/9 with the Pirates) he’s probably worth rolling the dice on, especially when you consider his chance to get a win over Dillon Gee.
Verdict – Pitch
Chris Narveson – Milwaukee Brewers
When you look at his overall numbers (5.20 ERA, 1.40 WHIP), you instantly turn away and say that he’s not worth using. However, looks can be deceiving. He’s been pitching well of late, going 2-0 while allowing five ER over 20.1 innings in his last three starts. That’s not to mention 23 strikeouts vs. six walks.
He draws the Astros, who are among the lowest scoring offenses in the league (27th). A win is no guarantee, as he draws the Astros ace, Brett Myers, but outside of that he would appear worth gambling on.
Verdict – Pitch
What are your thoughts on these pitchers? Who would you use? Who would you pass on?
For more help with your starting pitcher decisions, make sure to check out our look at the week’s two-start options by clicking here.
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