Fantasy baseball replacement options for Matt Harvey are in good supply
After missing the entire 2014 fantasy baseball season due to Tommy John surgery, recovery and rehab, Mets’ starting pitcher Matt Harvey picked up right where he left off in 2015. He finished 13-8 with an 8.94 K/9, 2.71 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 29 starts last season. Although his K/9 rate was down from 2013, owners were pumped that Harvey could lead their rotations. So, during the 2016 draft season, the Mets’ ace saw his NFBC average draft position swell to SP-6 and third-round pick.
Unfortunately, to select Harvey that high in drafts turned out to be a poor investment even before today’s season-ending shoulder surgery announcement. As you can see in the table below, Harvey’s first-half production was quite poor:
His 4.86 ERA ranked 80th among qualified starting pitchers, while his 1.47 WHIP ranked 90th. Despite the sub-standard fantasy production, 79 percent of owners were holding out hope for a better second half. The decision to keep Harvey is half stubbornness and half not wanting to trade a third-round draft pick for 50-75 cents on the dollar.
Because Harvey's numbers were so bad, to replace him isn't as challenging as hunting down a Clayton Kershaw spare. Here are five wildly available Harvey replacements who posted better numbers through the first three months and change of the fantasy season:
With the exception of Pineda who is owned in 62 percent of leagues, the other four starters are owned in less than 60 percent of leagues. Also, remember that in drafting Harvey, owners had high expectations for high K/9 rates and strikeout totals game-to-game. So, whoever replaces Harvey on rosters may have to sacrifice ERA/WHIP for strong strikeout numbers the rest of the season. To find a golden goose with strong ERA/WHIP/K/9 on waivers this late in the season would be a dream scenario.
Speaking of Pineda, the 5.38 ERA may scare off some owners, but know that he’s picked up three quality starts with 42 strikeouts, 3.38 ERA and 1.02 over the past 30 days. His 3.33 xFIP also supports that better days are ahead of him.
The Rays’ Matt Moore has been floated out there as a potential trade deadline candidate. He’s been sharp over the past month with a 2.43 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 30 strikeouts in 33 innings pitched.
For more fantasy baseball injury replacement options, be sure to review recent features tied to Clayton Kershaw. Meyer shared his top three picks and I shared my picks as part of a broader blind resume piece.
