Stream Police: Andrew Werner’s got the bends
The Saturday streaming slate doesn't have a ton to offer but we won't dismiss it out of hand. Let's tackle that batch of games first, then grab an early look at Sunday (Jake Odorizzi, anyone?).
Sunny
Doug Fister vs. MIN
Mike Minor at PHI
Andrew Werner at SF
Werner won't be a favorite at San Francisco (he's up against Madison Bumgarner), but I like his chances to give us quality innings. He throws strikes, has a terrific curve, and is fun to watch, too. The Giants haven't had a look at him yet.
Partly Cloudy
Kevin Correia at HOU
Chris Tillman at BOS
Mark Buehrle at NYM
Ivan Nova vs. OAK
Travis Wood vs. STL
Travis Blackley at NYY
Wily Peralta at WAS
I'm up against Tillman in one semifinal match, so I hope he gets shelled. But trips to Fenway Park are no longer something we have to fear. … Correia pounds the strike zone and lately he's been keeping the ball in the park, so let's dial him up at Houston. … Nova is a high-variance guy - a nine-strikeout game wouldn't surprise me, nor would a hook in the fourth inning. Yankee Stadium in the daytime is a worry, especially against the homer-happy Athletics.
Rainy
Blake Beavan vs. TEX
Stephen Fife at CIN
Scott Diamond at DET
Fife's four starts don't look like much, though he was able to fan nine Cardinals in a five-inning effort last weekend. The Reds haven't seen him yet, which helps. … Diamond hasn't beaten the Tigers in three attempts, though he's been credible in those appearances (19.1 IP, 22 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 11 K). I'd like to get more strikeout upside for my buck, but every context and situation is different.
Stormy
Ubaldo Jimenez at KC
Will Smith vs. CLE
Patrick Corbin at COL
Aaron Cook vs. BAL
Jose Quintana at LAA
Jhoulys Chacin vs. ARI
Dallas Keuchel vs. PIT
I'd be tempted to use Corbin in almost any other stadium, but you don't mess with gravity. … Every now and then Cook gives us a decent turn, but there's absolutely no strikeout upside here and the Orioles have a decent lineup. I can't endorse him with any confidence.
Ten Pack — Sunday Names to Consider
Jason Vargas vs. TEX — He's been terrific at Safeco all year (2.62/0.98).
*Drew Smyly vs. MIN — Gets the call if Mad Max is scratched (we'll know Saturday).
Alex Cobb vs. TOR — Letdown in last turn but still like him against Toronto skeleton crew.
Eric Stults at SF — No real pedigree, but no arguing with the results.
Jake Odorizzi vs. CLE — Fast-rising and respected prospect passed the eye test in minors.
Wei-Yin Chen at BOS — Fenway Park isn't automatic death to all lefties.
A.J. Griffin at NYY — Love the body of work, but obviously a tricky assignment.
Chris Young vs. MIA — Ordinary stuff, and they'll run wild on him.
Aaron Harang at CIN — Fly-ball arm in a homer-friendly park — no thanks.
Felix Doubront vs. BAL— Last four turns: 15 runs, 14 walks, 20 strikeouts. I'll pass.
