Mixed-league roto owners, looking for a waiver-wire pitcher before Thursday's slate of games?
Here's my free-agent choice (citing most 12-team leagues) for one day of fantasy stardom:
Kyle Kendrick (@ Marlins)
1. For the season, Kendrick has rock-solid numbers: 2-1, 2.41 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and a 24/8 K-BB ratio.
2. In his last four outings, Kendrick also has a 1.29 ERA.
3. Kendrick has posted three or less walks in 22 straight outings — a streak that dates back to June 6 of last year (against the Dodgers).
4. The Phillies right-hander has a lifetime 10-2 mark against the Marlins, with a 3.71 ERA.
5. The Marlins, from my perspective, easily have MLB's worst lineup — especially with Giancarlo Stanton sidelined with a bad hammy.
The Next Five For Thursday
1. Travis Wood (Cubs) vs. Padres — The low-key Wood has been the perfect No. 7 starter in 12-team leagues: Five straight outings of two or less runs allowed ... and three or less walks.
2. Justin Grimm (Rangers) vs. White Sox — It's hard to endorse Grimm (1.59 ERA in the majors) as a potential fantasy ace. His numbers in the minors (3.07 ERA, 243/80 K-BB) suggest he's a No. 5 or 6 starter — tops.
3. Rick Porcello (Tigers) @ Astros — Porcello has the greatest, uh, capacity for failure of the group. On the flip side, he's a great candidate for victory against Houston.
4. Chris Tillman (Orioles) @ Angels — Baby-steps to fantasy sustainability for Tillman, who has one win, a 2.13 ERA and 10 strikeouts in his last two starts.
5. Roberto Hernandez (Rays) @ Royals — Hernandez may be a feast-or-famine asset in the realm of "runs allowed," but he's a healthy lock for six or seven strikeouts, too.
Jay Clemons can be reached on Twitter, day or night, at @FOX_JayClemons.
