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Astros in Fantasy: Ranking draft-worthy H-Town pitchers

By Andrew Gleinser

Jul 10, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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The bounceback candidate: Dallas Keuchel

Aug 21, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) throws a pitch during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 21, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) throws a pitch during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

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.

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