For those who listened to our fantasy advice last week, you probably did well in the pitching department. Heading into Week 9, there are still some good targets available, including two starters — Joey Cantillo & Mitch Keller — who should be targets in all mixed leagues.
Best Week 9 pitchers to target
- SP Joey Cantillo (Guardians)
- SP Mitch Keller (Pirates)
- SP Eric Lauer (Dodgers)
- SP Kumar Rocker (Rangers)
- RP Paul Sewald (D-Backs)
With many of the two-start starter options likely unavailable in most leagues, the options are slim for Week 9. Merrill Kelly is one but so is Kumar Rocker, who’s been quite good over his last two outings.
Rocker was hit hard earlier this month against the Tigers and Cubs. However, he tossed 12.2 IP over his last two outings without an earned run. Most recently, the right-hander threw 7.2 scoreless innings against the Rockies on May 19, albeit that was out of the bullpen. Texas used an opener in that game.
As of now, Rocker is scheduled to start against Tatsuya Imai and the Astros on May 25 before likely getting another start later this week versus the Royals.
Speaking of the Rockies, Eric Lauer is going to get a start on May 26 against Colorado. Lauer was picked up by the Dodgers last week in a trade with the Blue Jays after he was DFA’d by Toronto. The left-hander didn’t perform well with the Jays this season. However, it is in a different situation.
Mitch Keller was spectacular on May 24 against the Blue Jays, as he struck out five and gave up one earned run over six innings against Toronto. Keller isn’t a high-volume strikeout pitcher but he gets outs. Which matters a lot, and he put two poor starts behind him with that outing against the Jays, as well.
Joey Cantillo took advantage of a left-handed-heavy Tigers team this past week, and has the chance to do so against the Nationals on May 26.
Lastly, make sure to get those saves. Paul Sewald picked up two, plus a win, this past week.
Overview of Week 8
We could have put Griffin Jax back on this list, especially had the Rays not been rained out on May 23. Jax was in line for a two-start week but instead, Shane McClanahan gets that honor.
Still, Jax, who pitched well against the O’s this past week, is one of those pitchers who deserves a long look in mixed leagues.
Lucas Giolito picked up a win on the 23rd in a walk-heavy outing against the A’s. Spencer Arrighetti looked like an ace against the Cubs, and Christian Scott deserved better from the Mets’ offense this past week.
Check out more of our fantasy baseball coverage, including a look at the best hitting targets for Week 9.