Week 20 Pitcher:
Dallas Keuchel (Owned in 92.4% of ESPN Fantasy leagues)
Keuchel’s 2016 has not gone as planned. In his 23 starts this season, he has a record of 7-11 with a 4.56 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. Even though those numbers are nowhere close to his 2015 campaign, there are some positives.
For example, Keuchel has loved to pitch at home this season. In 10 starts, Keuchel has a record of 3-4 with a 3.18 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. He has only given up four of his 17 home runs at Minute Maid Park this season.
This was evident in his last start against the Rangers. In his finest start of the season, Keuchel pitched a complete game shutout, giving up only three hits, walking two and striking out seven in the 5-0 Astros win.
Also, with his next start coming Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals, Keuchel has pitched well against the National League this season. In his three starts, he has given up only eight earned runs on 17 hits and seven walks in 18.2 innings pitched.
Finally, Keuchel has become more consistent post All-Star break. In his four starts, he has a 3.54 ERA with a 1.04 WHIP and a .208 batting average against.
Next: Astros’ legend Bob Watson battling kidney failure at age 70
Even though Keuchel can’t make up for the terrible numbers from earlier this season, he can provide some good starts down the stretch that fantasy owners can benefit from.
***Stats provided by MLB.com, MiLB.com, and FanGraphs***