Setting your fantasy pitching rotation can be one of the most anxiety-inducing decisions in fantasy sports. The decision to start or bench a pitcher may decide the week’s outcome. Or even worse, the premature decision to drop a pitcher from your roster may result in losing points you will never make up. Being on the right side of these tough decisions is what wins championships. Here are five fantasy pitchers to drop right now.
Five Fantasy Pitchers to Drop Right Now
Walker Buehler, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers
It should go without saying, but the two-time All-Star is having a rough go this season. Walker Buehler hasn’t performed well all season but is still owned in 53% of leagues on Yahoo! The right-hander has put up approximately -18 points since June 6th. Buehler also hasn’t made it past the fifth inning since the end of May. He isn’t a viable streaming option, much less a starter.
When I hear Walker Buehler is starting… pic.twitter.com/MhNyIAB3RJ
— Ptero Dactyl (@dactyl_ptero) August 25, 2024
Craig Kimbrel, RP, Baltimore Orioles
Nine-time All-Star Craig Kimbrel was serviceable earlier in the season to get fantasy owners some saves. However, he hasn’t logged a save since July 7th and has fallen apart since he lost the closer job. His ERA since July 7th is over 9.00 and batters are hitting .269 off of him this month. Kimbrel no longer has any fantasy value, despite ownership in 74% of leagues. It’s time for you to move on from Kimbrel, just like it’s time for Kimbrel to move on from baseball.
José Alvarado, RP, Philadelphia Phillies
The stopper hasn’t logged a win or a save since July 3rd. That was also the last outing where José Alvarado scored double-digit points. Alvarado is still owned in 43% of leagues. Not only has Alvarado been removed from save situations, he’s now on the restricted list for a “personal matter.” Alvarado brings no value to your roster and needs to be dropped right now.
Taj Bradley, SP, Tampa Bay Rays
The next two pitchers are on the list based on their last few games. A larger sample size of Taj Bradley shows a young pitcher who is figuring out MLB. He has great upside (51 fantasy points versus Washington) and I was lucky enough to pick him up early this summer. Bradley’s last four starts, however, have been negative or single-digit outings. I like Bradley but he is trending down and that is concerning at this time of the year. If there aren’t any better options it may not be worth dropping Bradley, but you should at least consider it.
Merrill Kelly, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Merrill Kelly is in the same boat as Taj Bradley. He is completely serviceable, but serviceable may not get you to the finish line. The right-hander also doesn’t have the upside of Bradley. Kelly has given up ten runs in his last two starts, including three home runs. Since rejoining the rotation at the beginning of August, batters are hitting .286 off of Kelly. The 2-0 record is deceiving with the run support Kelly has received while sporting a 6.75 ERA.
Pitchers You Should Add
Sean Manaea, SP/RP, New York Mets
Sean Manaea is arguably having his best year in the majors. He has gone seven innings or more in four of his last five games, maxing out with 58 fantasy points against a tough Minnesota Twins team in that span. Manaea is only 70% owned and has the RP designation if you are looking for points and not saves.
Sean Manaea is perfect through 4! #LGM pic.twitter.com/qiTiHQwJgo
— Daily Mets (@daily_mets_) August 21, 2024
Brandon Pfaadt, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks
If you drop Merrill Kelly, go with Brandon Pfaadt as a replacement. Pfaadt is more reliable than Kelly. He hasn’t had a negative outing since June 19th and is available in 77% of leagues.
Ryan Walker, RP, San Francisco Giants
If you need saves, check to see if you are in the 38% of leagues that still have Ryan Walker available. Walker took on the closer role after Camilo Doval was DFA’d. Walker has been scoreless since July 27th.
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