Astros in Fantasy: Fantasy Players of the Week- Week 4

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Apr 12, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Mike Fiers (54) pitches against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 4 Pitcher:

Mike Fiers (Owned in 55.8% of all ESPN Fantasy Leagues)

Fiers is off to a rough start in 2016. Through 4 starts, Fiers is 2-1 with a 5.73 ERA with 27 hits, 17 strikeouts, and 3 walks though 22 innings pitched.

This may not sound like a great fantasy pick. However, Fiers did pitch very well in his last start against the Boston Red Sox at home on Saturday. Through 5.1 innings, Fiers gave up a season-low 2 earned runs on five hits while striking out a season-high six while walking 2.

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This start was different than the rest of his starts this year because Fiers didn’t give up a home run. Through his earlier three starts, Fiers struggled with giving up the long ball, giving up three homers when he only gave up 10 in all of 2015. His home run per nine inning total is still at a staggering 2.5, but that number will continue to decrease.

Fiers will try and continue the success of his last start in what should be a Friday night start against the Oakland Athletics at O.Co Stadium. What should give Fiers an advantage is that O.Co is an extremely pitcher friendly park. This should limit the amount of home runs given up. Also, although the A’s are off to a good start with a 10-9 record tied atop the American League West, their lineup is nothing special. Fiers should be able to get through without any issue.

Next: Astros Are Lucky to Have the Comfortable Colby Rasmus on Team

I usually wouldn’t recommend a one-start pitcher, but the park and the opposing team’s lineup favors Fiers. I expect a very good start from him this weekend.

**Stats from Baseball-Reference**

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