Looking to cycle spot-starters each day? Check out the Stream Team, where we tab pitchers that are likely to help you in your quest for fantasy gold.Yesterday, Luke Hochevar managed to turn in a quality start for the Team, pitching seven innings while limiting the Twins to three runs, five hits, and no walks. While we didn't get the win, I'll take that line (sub-1.00 WHIP) from a guy that entered the contest with a 5.73 ERA. Aaron Laffey is our pick for today's slate of games, and he'll be facing the Mariners tonight.
Today, we'll be taking the pitcher facing the offensive Arizona offense. Over their last seven games, the Diamondbacks have scored a total of 16 runs, turning in a .190/.212/.306 line over the past week. Yes, they're only getting on base 21% of the time, something that should lead to success for just about any pitcher.
Arizona's opponent tomorrow is Bud Norris, a Houston rookie that's 3-1 in his first four starts in the majors. Norris has a great 26/12 K/BB ratio in 26.2 innings this season, so his 3-1 record isn't a fluke. His 1.46 WHIP is inflated by the barrage of hits he endured against the Marlins in each of his last two starts.
Before he was promoted to the Astros, Norris was putting up the same kind of numbers in Triple-A, where struck out 112 batters in 120 innings, walking 53 guys. He gave up fewer home runs in the minors, and with a short left-field porch in Minute Maid Park, that's just something he'll have to live with.I see Norris getting back into form against Arizona tomorrow, putting his last ugly start behind him to pitch seven innings of two-run ball or better, with a solid strikeout total to match.
Stream Team Data
August: 133.2 IP, 13 Ws, 3.70 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 107 Ks, 37 BBs.
Post-ASB: 220.2 IP, 17 Ws, 3.59 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 180 Ks, 65 BBs.
Since 7/1: 283 IP, 21 Ws, 4.07 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 216 Ks, 81 BBs.
