Starting Pitcher Report (Week 12): Waiver Wire Pickups, Streamers, Injury Updates & More

The New York Yankees have had a tumultuous 2021 that received another wrinkle. Luis Severino was on rehab assignment from Tommy John surgery and set to join the big league club shortly, until he left his most recent start with a groin strain. He will get an MRI June 13 to confirm the strain and hopefully nothing worse.

The injuries and inconsistencies have led the Yankees to a 33-31 record, good for fourth in a strong A.L. East. Severino’s return was supposed to help the Yankees get back a small level of normalcy, but now New York and fantasy players alike are just hoping he avoids another injury.

Waiver Wire Adds/Streamers

Austin Gomber – Colorado Rockies

Yahoo: 29%, ESPN: 29%

The “crown jewel” of the Nolan Arenado trade has a higher ERA than Expected ERA and Expected Fielder Independent Pitching, a scary thought considering how impressive he has been since a terrible start to 2021. After allowing two-plus walks in each of his first five starts (including a seven spot), Gomber has not allowed more than one in eight consecutive starts. He has been one of the reasons why the Rockies rotation is keeping the Rockies from being a laughingstock in the W-L column. Teams with worse rotation WAR include the Cubs, Twins and Blue Jays.

Wade Miley – Cincinnati Reds

Yahoo: 51%, ESPN: 44%

Miley’s 20% strikeout rate is his best since 2016, and he has more starts allowing zero runs than four-plus, the amount that would eliminate an outing from being a quality start. He is logging wins in Cincinnati, a tall task considering it is one of the best hitter’s parks in the league. Four of his six wins have come at home.

Yusei Kikuchi – Seattle Mariners

Yahoo: 49%, ESPN: 51%

The 30-year old has been one of the few bright spots for the Mariners in 2021. His Walks Per 9 is down one full walk, and he has navigated a low BABIP against and elevated home run rate. His numbers could rise, but a 16% increase in first-pitch strikes and 1.5% increase in swinging strikes shows Kikuchi is not just pitching well based because of luck.

Casey Mize – Detroit Tigers

Yahoo: 59%, ESPN: 60%

Mize took a tough loss in his only start this past week. He projects as a two-start pitcher this coming week and has a 2.80 ERA on the road where both starts will take place.

James Kaprielian – Oakland Athletics

Yahoo: 27%, ESPN: 35%

In six starts since joining the A’s rotation, Kaprielian has pitched at least five innings five times and allowed more than two earned runs once, in the one start where he did not reach five. Walks continue to limit his ability to pitch deeper into games but is attached to a good team.

Injuries

Trevor Rogers spent less than 24 hours on the COVID-19 injured list.

Erick Fedde was reinstated from the 10-day IL and pitched in the Nationals’ doubleheader June 12.

Jacob deGrom left his June 11 start with flexor tendinitis. deGrom hopes to make his next scheduled start.

Carlos Carrasco (torn hamstring) received a PRP injection and is not expected back until after the All-Star break.

Max Scherzer is dealing with a mild groin injury, and an MRI showed no strain.

Sixto Sanchez is throwing from 60 feet.

Two-Start Pitchers

This is a projected list. Starts are subject to change and not all starters have been named.

Jon Lester (WSH) – vs PIT, vs NYM

David Peterson and Taijuan Walker (NYM) – vs CHC, at WSH

Alek Manoah (TOR) – at BOS, at BAL

Nate Eovaldi (BOS) – vs TOR, at KC

Lance Lynn and Dallas Keuchel (CHW) – vs TB, at HOU

Vladimir Gutierrez and Luis Castillo (CIN) – at MIL, at SD

Braxton Garrett (MIA) – at STL, at CHC

Sean Manaea (OAK) – vs LAA, at NYY

Kenta Maeda (MIN) – at SEA, at TEX