Raise your hand if you’ve had constant headaches in the pitching department this season. If your hand is up (you know it is) then hopefully my daily starting pitcher rankings can help set things right.
While pitching is always a bit of a minefield to navigate, 2023 has felt particularly trying. Constant injuries, openers, DFAs, innings rest in the minors, blisters, addiction struggles, role changes…if you could think of a way to disrupt a fantasy staff, it’s probably already happened. Fantasy ILs are at max capacity right now.
This leads us to the unenviable position of streaming. To stream or not to stream is an age-old fantasy dilemma. However, that question is one for the beginning of the season not for when your squad is clawing and scratching to get into the playoffs. This is the time when risk and reward are at their maximum, some dreams may be realized while others are certain to be crushed. It’s a bumpy road that’s filled with potholes and booby traps and one that is not for the faint of heart, but with some courage and know-how and not an insignificant amount of good luck, you can come out on the other side with some wins in your pocket and a smile on your face.
In an effort to aid your quest, we’ve put together some daily starting pitcher ranks. Good luck on those waiver wires!
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Daily Starting Pitcher Rankings for August 10
The Closest to Sure Things Available
Aaron Nola has had his share of ups and downs this season but he’s the best pitcher going today. Maybe there should be some concern that after being no-hit last night, the Nats bats will want to wake up. Still rolling with Nola here.
Maeda has quietly been stellar since coming back from injury in late June, posting an 11.9 K/9, 2.47 ERA, and a 3.06 FIP. Start him with confidence against the Tigers.
The Dice Rolls
Paxton is far from a lock but we’ll take our chances against the Royals, even in Fenway.
Hunter Brown and Dean Kremer face off in Camden Yards with the series already decided in Houston’s favor. Pretty much a toss-up between the two but we’ll give the slight nod to Kremer as the ‘Stros may roll out the get-away-day lineup.
Hard to know what to make of Zack Littell. He started the year as an opener and now finds himself squarely in the Rays rotation. The Cards are a mess but that offense can still be a lot to deal with. Proceed with caution here.
The Only If You Musts
Reese Olson has cooled off significantly after his hot, hot start but the Twins’ offense also runs hot and cold and Comerica is as forgiving off a park one could ask for.
Bryce Elder shares a similar season arc to Olson, albeit one with a much larger data set. He’s really struggled as of late. Wouldn’t fault you for starting him based on his team context alone.
Bailey Falter against the Braves feels awfully unfair, though he is certainly no stranger to Atlanta’s offensive prowess.
The WTF Happened Here
The Alek Manoah and Noah Syndergaard match-up is a little sad but should make for entertaining ball. Syndergaard wasn’t awful in his first Guardians start and Manoah seems to have righted the ship (or at least stopped it from completely sinking). We’re rooting for Manoah to keep it going.
The Wily Lefties
The rest of the list consists of soft-tossing LHPs, none of whom are attractive streams at all: Matthew Liberatore, Patrick Corbin, Alec Marsh and Ty Blach.
If we had to pick one, like HAD TO, it would be Corbin, at least he will give you innings.
Thanks as always for stopping by, we’ll be back next week! If you have any thoughts, suggestions, or ideas, or just want to drop a virtual high-five, send a note to [email protected] and give us a follow on Twitter @LDeePee