By Todd Zola
- If you need to make up some pitching points, don't fret as the Sunday slate is replete with a bounty of options. But first, here is your weekly reminder to set lineups early with the docket beginning early with the 11:35 AM ET tilt between the visiting San Francisco Giants and host Cincinnati Reds in the Great American Ballpark. You wouldn't know it by his 6.25 ERA, but Alex Cobb is earmarked for a turnaround as indicated by a 2.37 xFIP and 2.56 SIERA. Cobb (27% rostered in ESPN leagues) draws a Reds lineup hitting better lately, but they still sport the ninth-lowest wOBA with a righthander on the hill. Cobb's Cobb's 21.3% K-BB% ranks 24th among hurlers with at least 30 innings.
- If you want to stream Nick Pivetta (46%) you best hurry, as his rostership will no doubt soar once everyone starts tending to their Sunday lineup. Not only is Pivetta supported by rejuvenated Boston Red Sox lineup, he'll face a Baltimore Orioles club with the seventh-lowest wOBA facing righties. Pivetta has recorded a quality start in four consecutive efforts, posting a 1.61 ERA and 0.64 WHIP with 25 punchouts in those 28 frames.
- There are three more chief targets for a productive spot start. James Kaprielian (4%) takes the hill at home for the Oakland Athletics against a Texas Rangers lineup toting the fourth-poorest wOBA versus righthanders.
- Pitching for the visitors will be Dane Dunning (10%) who is also in a good spot taking on a unit with the league's lowest wOBA against righthanders.
- Trusting Kyle Freeland (5%) could be a challenge after fellow Colorado Rockies southpaw Austin Gomber was lit up by the Washington Nationals on Saturday, but for the season, the Nationals are still the 10th-weakest squad with a lefty toeing the rubber.
- The Detroit Tigers have been a disappointment through a quarter of the season. Pitching injuries have not helped, but their bats were expected to be more productive. One repercussion is several quality Tigers batters have been dropped by their fantasy managers. Sunday is a good time to take advantage as they'll face struggling Cleveland Indians righty Zach Plesac. In May, Plesac has registered a bloated 6.95 ERA and 1.55 WHIP with only 16 whiffs in 22 innings. Spencer Torkelson (55%), Jeimer Candelario (48%), Jonathan Schoop (44%), Robbie Grossman (40%), Eric Haase (2%) and Harold Castro (1%) are the chief targets.
- In a surprise move, the Atlanta Braves option Travis Demeritte and promoted top prospect Michael Harris II. He made his major league debut on Saturday, playing center field. Harris II won't play every day, but Demeritte was playing frequently, so his playing time will be split between Harris II and William Contreras (18%). Even so, both are worthy of a roster spot in daily leagues. Contreras is catcher eligible and has seven homers in just 58 plate appearances. Atlanta has been using Contreras in left and as designated hitter, but of course you can click him in at catcher. Harris II has some pop, but his stolen base ability is his main allure. The 21-year-old speedster posted a .305/.372/.506 line with 11 steals in 196 plate appearances for Double-A Mississippi before getting the call.
