Fantasy Baseball Starting Pitcher Report (Week 11): Waiver Wire Pickups, Streamers, Injury Updates & More

The Detroit Tigers may have lost one of the key pieces to their rebuild in Spencer Turnbull. The 28-year old was placed on the 10-day injured list with right forearm tightness after leaving his Friday start against the Chicago White Sox. Not only has he been a consistent threat in Detroit’s rotation, but he has been a key cog in helping young Tigers pitchers such as Casey Mize transition into major-league life.

Fingers crossed that Turnbull does not require Tommy John surgery. The Tigers have had a lot of losing and poor roster management the past five years, and seeing a trusted rotation piece deal with a potentially major injury would be salt in a cavernous wound.

Waiver Wire Adds/Streamers

Adbert Alzolay – Chicago Cubs

Yahoo: 58%, ESPN: 41%

Aside from lower innings pitched, Alzolay has been the Cubs’ second-best starting pitcher. He has not allowed more than three runs in any start and has given up one run over his last two starts. The 26-year old also has a sparkling five percent walk rate. Alzolay appears set to pitch twice this week as well, but Chicago has not named their starters past Sunday.

Casey Mize – Detroit Tigers

Yahoo: 57%, ESPN: 58%

Before allowing three earned runs in an excellent start against the Chicago White Sox June 3, Mize had not allowed three earned runs in a start since April 29. It is also great to see one of Detroit’s best pitching prospects pitching into the sixth inning or later in seven of 11 starts. Mize has controlled his walks of late and needs to limit home runs to put it all together.

Wade Miley – Cincinnati Reds

Yahoo: 46%, ESPN: 34%

The southpaw only has two outings in which he allowed more than two runs and has qualified for a decision in eight of nine starts. It would be nice if he struck out more batters considering hitting conditions in 2021, but in leagues where losses do not hurt, Miley’s ability to get decisions puts him in line for wins more often than most.

Martin Perez – Boston Red Sox

Yahoo: 22%, ESPN: 24%

Like Miley, Perez is not a strikeout pitcher. He also is less likely to match Miley’s no-hitter but is supported by a better offense. The lefty has allowed 12 more hard hits in 15 less hitting events this season compared to 2020, but in the right matchup Perez is a streamer.

Cristian Javier – Houston Astros

Yahoo: 57%, ESPN: 63%

Javier displayed controlled chaos in his lone start last week. The Red Sox offense can cause troubles for the majority of pitchers. He is still an add with a sub-3.25 ERA and is attached to a good team.

Injuries

John Means left his June 5 start after 29 pitches with left shoulder fatigue.

Jose Urena was activated by the Detroit Tigers and will start June 6 against the White Sox. He will be in the rotation going forward as well.

Jon Gray was placed on the 10-day IL with a right elbow flexor strain. Gray also had tightness in his forearm but nothing has been noted beyond the flexor strain.

The New York Yankees selected the contract of Chris Gittens to replace Corey Kluber on the 40-man roster. Kluber was transferred to the 60-day IL.

Marlins RHP Cody Poteet was placed on the 10-day IL with a right MCL sprain.

Kwang Hyun-Kim was placed on the 10-day IL due to lower back tightness. Cardinals manager Mike Shildt says Kim is moving better this time than his previous issue with his back.

Dual threat pitcher/hitter Michael Lorenzen is not expected back until at least the All-Star break. He was expected to compete for a role in the Cincinnati Reds rotation.

Yisei Kikuchi left his June 5 start after taking a comebacker to the knee.

Two-Pitch Starters

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

Pablo Lopez (MIA) – at BOS, vs ATL

Ryan Weathers (SD) – vs CHC, at NYM

Sonny Gray (CIN) – vs MIL, vs COL

Carlos Rodon (CHW) – vs TOR, at DET

Three Monday games and roughly half the league off Thursday makes it a difficult week for two-start pitchers.