Let’s take a quick look at some potential Pitch & Ditch options for tomorrow’s games:
Ivan Nova – New York Yankees – vs. Tampa Bay
While he’s pitched well, for the most part, he allowed 6 ER in his last time out. The opponent? Tampa Bay. It’s impossible to trust the rookie with your fantasy title on the line.
Verdict: Ditch
Jeanmar Gomez – Cleveland Indians – at Minnesota
Gomez has been hit or miss of late, giving up six earned runs or more in two of his last four starts. Even without Justin Morneau and potentially Joe Mauer out of the lineup, Minnesota is too good of a team to take the gamble on.
Verdict: Ditch
Derek Holland – Texas Rangers – at Los Angeles Angels
Holland has been sporadic this season, which is very problematic. However, he’s a good high risk, high reward option. We all know the minor league numbers and what he is capable of and, at times, he’s shown it in the Major Leagues. He did not have a very good start against the Angels earlier in the year (3 ER over 5.1 innings), nor did he pitch well against them in 2009 (5.26 ERA over 25.2 innings). At this point, is it really worth taking that risk?
Verdict: Ditch
Bud Norris – Houston Astros – at Washington
He has strikeout potential and faces the team who has struck out the ninth most times in the league. Right away, you have to like the possibilities. He’s 2-0 in his last two starts, giving up 2 ER with 14 Ks over 13.1 innings, another positive. I know, the control is an issue, with at least three walks in his last five starts, but the positives outweigh that. He’s worth rolling the dice on.
Verdict: Pitch
Homer Bailey – Cincinnati Reds – at Milwaukee
I want to trust him. I mean, I really do, but how can we for one start against a team with the potential to hit a lot of home runs? It’s just not worth it.
Verdict: Ditch
What are your thoughts? Who would you start? Who would you sit?
