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Astros in Fantasy: Ranking draft-worthy H-Town pitchers
Which Astros pitchers are worthy of being drafted in your fantasy baseball league?
Compared to the list of Astros position players who could make an impact in fantasy baseball, the list of pitchers is comparatively short. Only three Astros hurlers are draft-worthy in most leagues, owing to the team’s relative lack of top-shelf starters.
Keep in mind scoring projections and player rankings are based on ESPN fantasy baseball’s 2017 player rankings and may vary based on your league. Draft projections are based on standard 10 to 12-team leagues.
First off the board: Ken Giles
In fantasy baseball, one stat matters more for relievers than any other: saves. That’s why Will Harris, Luke Gregerson, and Chris Devenski will not garner fantasy consideration unless they start closing games.
After a strong second half of 2016, Giles is in line to rack up the saves. ESPN ranks him No. 111 overall and 10th among relief pitchers. He’ll likely go between rounds 10 and 14, though that may vary depending on how your league values the save. If he pitches like he did down the stretch last year, he’ll provide excellent value.
The bounceback candidate: Dallas Keuchel
Keuchel went first among Astros pitchers last year after winning the Cy Young Award in 2015. Then he struggled to a 4.55 ERA while missing the end of the season. Naturally, his draft stock will take a corresponding tumble.
For fantasy purposes, Keuchel is no longer an ace until he pitches like one again. With that distinction, he falls to the second half of your draft and will likely go in rounds 16-19. It’s possible someone will reach higher for him, but realistically he is a No. 2 or 3 starters with upside. ESPN ranks him 153rd overall and 42nd among starting pitchers.
Keuchel was fantastic; good velo & movement on all his pitches. Jack Mayfield with excellent defense at SS. #Astros
— Robert Ford (@raford3) March 12, 2017
He made his first Spring appearance in a game yesterday, going three shutout innings. According to Robert Ford, Keuchel had great velocity and movement. A return to form would help both Astros fans and fantasy baseball owners alike.
The oft-injured stud: Lance McCullers
There is no debate as to whether or not McCullers is a fantasy asset when he’s on the mound. But since we’ve yet to see him stay healthy for a full season, there are lots of risks involved, pushing his draft stock lower.
McCullers represents the classic high risk, high reward case. If McCullers stays healthy, he’ll be a steal. But prepare for the possibility of him missing time at some point. ESPN has him ranked No. 244 overall and 68th among starting pitchers, so he should be available late in your draft.
Other Astros pitchers may become fantasy-relevant with strong seasons, but those possibilities will be covered next week when we discuss potential fantasy sleepers. A few of these sleepers are having good Springs.
Next: Astros in Fantasy: Ranking position players
***Stats courtesy of baseball-reference.com***
***Rankings by ESPN***