Weekly Pitcher Rankings: Fernandez Still Rolling

Weekly Pitcher Rankings: Fernandez Still Rolling

This article is part of our Weekly Pitcher Rankings series.

As always, remember that rotations are subject to change, so if you see something that looks incorrect, assume that it was a change that occurred since this was written and feel free to politely bring it up in the comments. I'll let you know where the new arm slots.

For the week Aug. 15-21

AMERICAN LEAGUE

START

RANKPITCHEROPPONENTCOMMENT
1Justin VerlanderKC, BOSLeads the AL in FanGraphs WAR over the last calendar year and is 3rd behind Kershaw, Arrieta overall
2Danny Duffyat DET, MIN
3Corey KluberCWS, TOR
4Jose Quintanaat CLE, OAKHas quietly rebounded from ugly June (5.51) w/a 2.11 ERA in his L7 starts (0.96 WHIP, 3.7 K:BB in 47 IP)
5Chris SaleOAK
6Carlos CarrascoCWS
7Cole Hamelsat TB
8Aaron Sanchezat CLEOhhh noooo, he allowed 4 ER, they should've moved him to the bullpen!!!!!! (jk ... Obviously)
9Masahiro Tanakaat LAA
10Matt ShoemakerSEA
11Yu DarvishOAKHis 13% swinging strike rate is back up to 2013 levels; 11.6 K/9 is 3rd-best among SP (min. 50 IP)
12J.A. Happat NYYLooking like the PIT version of late: 1.25 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 55 Ks, and 4.6 K:BB in 43.3 IP
13Michael FulmerBOSHas allowed more than 3 ER just once in his last 14 starts (1.57 ERA, 0.87 WHIP)
14Dallas KeuchelSTL, at BAL
15James Paxtonat LAA, MILBrilliant in his L4:
As always, remember that rotations are subject to change, so if you see something that looks incorrect, assume that it was a change that occurred since this was written and feel free to politely bring it up in the comments. I'll let you know where the new arm slots.

For the week Aug. 15-21

AMERICAN LEAGUE

START

RANKPITCHEROPPONENTCOMMENT
1Justin VerlanderKC, BOSLeads the AL in FanGraphs WAR over the last calendar year and is 3rd behind Kershaw, Arrieta overall
2Danny Duffyat DET, MIN
3Corey KluberCWS, TOR
4Jose Quintanaat CLE, OAKHas quietly rebounded from ugly June (5.51) w/a 2.11 ERA in his L7 starts (0.96 WHIP, 3.7 K:BB in 47 IP)
5Chris SaleOAK
6Carlos CarrascoCWS
7Cole Hamelsat TB
8Aaron Sanchezat CLEOhhh noooo, he allowed 4 ER, they should've moved him to the bullpen!!!!!! (jk ... Obviously)
9Masahiro Tanakaat LAA
10Matt ShoemakerSEA
11Yu DarvishOAKHis 13% swinging strike rate is back up to 2013 levels; 11.6 K/9 is 3rd-best among SP (min. 50 IP)
12J.A. Happat NYYLooking like the PIT version of late: 1.25 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 55 Ks, and 4.6 K:BB in 43.3 IP
13Michael FulmerBOSHas allowed more than 3 ER just once in his last 14 starts (1.57 ERA, 0.87 WHIP)
14Dallas KeuchelSTL, at BAL
15James Paxtonat LAA, MILBrilliant in his L4: 1.59 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, 27 Ks, and 9.0 K:BB in 28.3 IP; finally harnessing that newfound velo
16Jake OdorizziTEX
17Rick Porcelloat DETQuelled early HR issue: 1.4 HR/9 through first 11, 0.7 in last 12 and 3 of the 6 allowed were in one start (8 IP/3 ER at SEA)
18David Priceat BAL
19Chris ArcherSD
20Marco Estradaat NYY
21Dylan BundyHOUFastball velo is a tick better as SP: 95.4 to 95.5; even matching would be impressive when shifting into rotation
22Felix Hernandezat LAA, MIL
23Drew Pomeranzat CLE, at DET
24Chris TillmanBOSOne bad inning v. COL is the only real blemish in L8 en route to a 2.96 ERA in 51.7 IP
25Marcus Stromanat CLEHas fanned fewer than 5 just once in his last seven starts: 3.52 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 47 Ks in 46 IP
26Steven Wrightat DET
27Kevin GausmanHOU
28Sean Manaeaat TEX
29Blake SnellSDHas multiple walks in all but one of his 11 starts and the 1.52 WHIP says be careful w/the 3.18 ERA
30Hisashi Iwakumaat LAA
31Joe Musgroveat BALHas 18.3 excellent innings under his belt v. TOR, v. TEX, and TOR; difficult opponents doesn't stop w/trip to BAL
32Drew SmylySD, TEXAllowed 4+ in 8 of 10 starts (7.60 ERA) before recent run of 2.52 ERA in 25 IP over four starts; super-low lows leave me nervous
33Carlos Rodonat CLEBad first inning in return from DL only hiccup over L3, otherwise has just 4 ER in last 17.3 IP w/17 Ks
34Matt AndrieseTEX
35Doug FisterSTL
36Ervin Santanaat ATL, at KCOn a run of 2.05 ERA and 0.95 WHIP over his 61.3 IP
37Trevor BauerTOR
38A.J. Griffinat TB
39Edinson VolquezMIN
40Michael PinedaTORDoes anyone actually still trust him?
41CC SabathiaTOR
42Mike Fiersat BAL
43Eduardo Rodriguezat BAL, at DETHow do you make six starts of 2.80 ERA go relatively unnoticed? With six of 8.59 ERA before it
44Daniel NorrisKC, BOSSolid in MLB return (5 IP/1 ER), but hasn't eclipsed 5 IP in his 4 MLB starts this yr
45Ian Kennedyat DET, MIN
46Josh TomlinBOS, TORJust couldn't trust him even at his best and now has a 6.88 ERA in his L6 as HRs finally come home to roost
47Tyler SkaggsSEAWasn't having a great start at CLE, but final inning (5 H, 4 ER) really tanked him
48Collin McHughat BAL
49Yordano Venturaat DET
50R.A. Dickeyat NYY
51Kyle Gibsonat KCStruggles out of the gate w/16 of his 52 ER coming in the first inning
52Jose Berriosat ATL
53Anibal SanchezKCHad allowed 9 ER in 26 ER including an 8 IP/1 ER/10 K gem v. NYM before getting trounced at TEX (4 IP/8 ER)
54Tyler Duffeyat KC
55Luis Severinoat LAA
56Chad GreenTOR, at LAAIn for an injured Nathan Eovaldi
57Ross Detwilerat TEX, at CWS
58Kendall Gravemanat CWS
59Wade LeBlancMIL
60James ShieldsOAK
61Hector Santiagoat KC
62Andrew Triggsat TEX
63Francisco Lirianoat CLEHuge surprise: moving from PIT to TOR hasn't really helped Liriano
64Matt BoydBOS
65Martin PerezOAK, at TB
66Yovani GallardoBOS, HOU
67Wade MileyHOU
68Zach Nealat CWSA 3.4 K/9 is in line w/the 4.7 he put up in AAA this year
69Michael ClevingerCWS
70Ariel Mirandaat LAA
71Ricky NolascoSEA, NYY
72Dillon GeeMIN
73Lucas HarrellOAK
73Jered WeaverNYY
74Anthony Ranaudo/Jacob Turnerat CLEThis is the Miguel Gonzalez replacement; not fantasy-relevant regardless of who it is
75Jhoulys ChacinSEA, NYYRemember when he had a 3.27 ERA through April? He's posted a 6.57 in 76.7 IP since then

NATIONAL LEAGUE

START

RankPitcherOpponent(s)Comments
1Jose Fernandezat CIN, at PITHas 3.13 ERA in his L6, but 5 of the 13 ER came in one start (52 Ks and 5.2 K:BB in those 37.3 IP)
2Max Scherzerat COL, at ATL
3Madison BumgarnerNYMKershaw's injury could put Brumgarner on track for the NL Cy Young
4Jacob deGromat SF
5Johnny CuetoNYM
6Jake ArrietaMILGetting the BBs in check of late w/just 12 in his L7 starts after 12 in his 3 leading up to this run
7Tanner Roarkat ATL
8Stephen Strasburgat COLThree ugly starts in his last five, but still 38 Ks and 4.8 K:BB ratio in the 29 IP; don't love a trip to Coors, though
9Kyle Hendricksat COL
10Gerrit ColeMIAI've had trouble pinning him down this year, but I'm still trusting him in all matchups
11Zack Greinkeat SD
12Jason HammelMIL, at COLI'm still using him even w/Coors trip after 1.50 ERA, 33 Ks, and 3.3 K:BB in his last 36 IP
13Kenta Maedaat PHI
14Noah Syndergaardat ARI, at SFHas lost 4 straight decisions, but the 3.78 ERA and 40 Ks over the six starts (33.3 IP) aren't killing your team
15Adam Wainwrightat PHI
16Jon LesterMIL
17Steven Matzat SFRebounded from ugly trip to NYY; like Thor he's not himself, but 3.98 ERA and 42 Ks not horriblein last 43 IP
18Carlos Martinezat HOU
19Vincent VelasquezLAD, STLPummeled by the Dodgers in LA last time out, but I'm still starting him
20Matt MoorePIT, NYMEssentially repeated his SF debut w/another solid-but-crazy-walk-total start; only 4 ER in 12 IP w/14 Ks and 11 BBs
21Anthony DeSclafaniMIA, LAD
22Jon GrayWAS
23Julio TeheranWASProjected to return here, but it's not guaranteed so stay tuned
24Zach Daviesat CHC
25Jameson Taillonat SF
26Adam Conleyat CIN
27John Lackeyat COL
28Jaime GarciaHOUBack on track w/two 8 IP gems to start off the month after a 4.86 ERA in July
29Jeremy HellicksonLAD
30Jeff SamardzijaPIT, NYM
31Gio Gonzalezat COL, at ATLCan you get two more diverse road starts in a two-step? Has quietly posted a 3.00 ERA in L7 starts
32Brandon FinneganMIA, LAD
33Jerad EickhoffSTL
34Robbie RayNYM, at SDI've been suspect of him all year, but if you can't start him w/this two-step, just cut him
35Tyler AndersonCHCTook a look at him over at FanGraphs last week
36Brandon McCarthyat CIN3 BB already in 1 IP v. PIT, now 13 BB in last 7.7 IP
37Mike Leakeat PHI
38Dan StrailyMIA
39Bartolo Colonat ARI, at SF
40Scott Kazmirat PHI
41Homer BaileyMIATremendous start at MIL (6 IP/0 ER/11 K); increased velo says we could see more, too, but will be inconsistent
42Tom Koehlerat PIT
43Braden ShipleyNYM, at SDSkills don't support 2.96 ERA, but it's 4 starts and neither the HR (1.3) or BB (4.4) have been consistent issues (4, 1, 6, 1 BB by start)
44Ivan Novaat SF
45Jimmy Nelsonat CHC
46Ross Striplingat PHI
47Rich Hillat CIN
48Chase Andersonat CHC, at SEA
49Andrew Cashnerat CIN
50Jake ThompsonLAD
51Archie Bradleyat SD
52Brett Andersonat CINExpected to make his season debut on Sunday; has been solid in 3 rehab starts
53Mike FoltynewiczWAS
54Luke Weaverat PHIReplacing Wacha; he was OK at CHC in his MLB debut (4 IP/2 ER)
55Tyler GlasnowMIA
56Edwin Jacksonat TB
57Reynaldo Lopezat ATLHas been knocked around in 2 MLB starts so far; I've gotta see something before trusting him
58Tyler ChatwoodCHC
59Luis Perdomoat TB, ARI
60David Phelpsat CIN, at PIT
61Christian Friedrichat TB
62Jarred CosartARI
63Adam MorganSTL
64Jon Nieseat ARI
65Tyrell JenkinsWAS
66Cody ReedLAD
67Chad BettisWAS
68Matt CainPIT
69Ryan Vogelsongat SF, MIA
70John GantMIN
71Paul ClemensARIHas a 4.73 ERA despite a 83% LOB, what happens when that regresses?
72Rob WhalenWAS
73Matt Garzaat CHC
74Patrick CorbinNYM
75Wily Peraltaat SEA
76Jorge De La RosaWAS, CHC
77Joel De La CruzMIN
78Cubs DH SPMILThey have a Tuesday doubleheader, doubt whoever they use is terribly relevant for us

MLB TOP 100

RANKPITCHEROPPONENTCOMMENT
1Jose Fernandezat CIN, at PITHas 3.13 ERA in his L6, but 5 of the 13 ER came in one start (52 Ks and 5.2 K:BB in those 37.3 IP)
2Max Scherzerat COL, at ATL
3Justin VerlanderKC, BOSLeads the AL in FanGraphs WAR over the last calendar year and is 3rd behind Kershaw, Arrieta overall
4Danny Duffyat DET, MIN
5Corey KluberCWS, TOR
6Jose Quintanaat CLE, OAKHas quietly rebounded from ugly June (5.51) w/a 2.11 ERA in his L7 starts (0.96 WHIP, 3.7 K:BB in 47 IP)
7Madison BumgarnerNYMKershaw's injury could put him on track for the NL Cy Young
8Jacob deGromat SF
9Chris SaleOAK
10Carlos CarrascoCWS
11Cole Hamelsat TB
12Aaron Sanchezat CLEOhhh noooo, he allowed 4 ER, they should've moved him to the bullpen!!!!!! (jk ... Obviously)
13Johnny CuetoNYM
14Jake ArrietaMILGetting the BBs in check of late w/just 12 in his L7 starts after 12 in his 3 leading up to this run
15Tanner Roarkat ATL
16Masahiro Tanakaat LAA
17Matt ShoemakerSEA
18Stephen Strasburgat COLThree ugly starts in his last five, but still 38 Ks and 4.8 K:BB ratio in the 29 IP; don't love a trip to Coors, though
19Yu DarvishOAKHis 13% swinging strike rate is back up to 2013 levels; 11.6 K/9 is 3rd-best among SP (min. 50 IP)
20Kyle Hendricksat COL
21J.A. Happat NYYLooking like the PIT version of late: 1.25 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 55 Ks, and 4.6 K:BB in 43.3 IP
22Michael FulmerBOSHas allowed more than 3 ER just once in his last 14 starts (1.57 ERA, 0.87 WHIP)
23Dallas KeuchelSTL, at BAL
24Gerrit ColeMIAI've had trouble pinning him down this year, but I'm still trusting him in all matchups
25Jason HammelMIL, at COLI'm still using him even w/Coors trip after 1.50 ERA, 33 Ks, and 3.3 K:BB in his last 36 IP
26Zack Greinkeat SD
27Kenta Maedaat PHI
28Noah Syndergaardat ARI, at SFHas lost 4 straight decisions, but the 3.78 ERA and 40 Ks over the six starts (33.3 IP) aren't killing your team
29James Paxtonat LAA, MILBrilliant in his L4: 1.59 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, 27 Ks, and 9.0 K:BB in 28.3 IP; finally harnessing that newfound velo
30Adam Wainwrightat PHI
31Jon LesterMIL
32Steven Matzat SFRebounded from ugly trip to NYY; like Thor he's not himself, but 3.98 ERA and 42 Ks not horriblein last 43 IP
33Jake OdorizziTEX
34Rick Porcelloat DETQuelled early HR issue: 1.4 HR/9 through first 11, 0.7 in last 12 and 3 of the 6 allowed were in one start (8 IP/3 ER at SEA)
35David Priceat BAL
36Carlos Martinezat HOU
37Vincent VelasquezLAD, STLPummeled by the Dodgers in LA last time out, but I'm still starting him
38Matt MoorePIT, NYMEssentially repeated his SF debut w/another solid-but-crazy-walk-total start; only 4 ER in 12 IP w/14 Ks and 11 BBs
39Chris ArcherSD
40Marco Estradaat NYY
41Anthony DeSclafaniMIA, LAD
42Jon GrayWAS
43Julio TeheranWASProjected to return here, but it's not guaranteed so stay tuned
44Zach Daviesat CHC
45Jameson Taillonat SF
46Dylan BundyHOUFastball velo is a tick better as SP: 95.4 to 95.5; even matching would be impressive when shifting into rotation
47Felix Hernandezat LAA, MIL
48Drew Pomeranzat CLE, at DET
49Chris TillmanBOSOne bad inning v. COL is the only real blemish in L8 en route to a 2.96 ERA in 51.7 IP
50Adam Conleyat CIN
51Marcus Stromanat CLEHas fanned fewer than 5 just once in his last seven starts: 3.52 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 47 Ks in 46 IP
52Steven Wrightat DET
53Kevin GausmanHOU
54John Lackeyat COL
55Jaime GarciaHOUBack on track w/two 8 IP gems to start off the month after a 4.86 ERA in July
56Jeremy HellicksonLAD
57Jeff SamardzijaPIT, NYM
58Gio Gonzalezat COL, at ATLCan you get two more diverse road starts in a two-step? Has quietly posted a 3.00 ERA in L7 starts
59Brandon FinneganMIA, LAD
60Jerad EickhoffSTL
61Sean Manaeaat TEX
62Blake SnellSDHas multiple walks in all but one of his 11 starts and the 1.52 WHIP says be careful w/the 3.18 ERA
63Hisashi Iwakumaat LAA
64Robbie RayNYM, at SDI've been suspect of him all year, but if you can't start him w/this two-step, just cut him
65Joe Musgroveat BALHas 18.3 excellent innings under his belt v. TOR, v. TEX, and TOR; difficult opponents doesn't stop w/trip to BAL
66Tyler AndersonCHCTook a look at him over at FanGraphs last week
67Drew SmylySD, TEXAllowed 4+ in 8 of 10 starts (7.60 ERA) before recent run of 2.52 ERA in 25 IP over four starts; super-low lows leave me nervous
68Carlos Rodonat CLEBad first inning in return from DL only hiccup over L3, otherwise has just 4 ER in last 17.3 IP w/17 Ks
69Brandon McCarthyat CIN3 BB already in 1 IP v. PIT, now 13 BB in last 7.7 IP
70Mike Leakeat PHI
71Dan StrailyMIA
72Bartolo Colonat ARI, at SF
73Scott Kazmirat PHI
74Homer BaileyMIATremendous start at MIL (6 IP/0 ER/11 K); increased velo says we could see more, too, but will be inconsistent
75Matt AndrieseTEX
76Doug FisterSTL
77Ervin Santanaat ATL, at KCOn a run of 2.05 ERA and 0.95 WHIP over his 61.3 IP
78Tom Koehlerat PIT
79Braden ShipleyNYM, at SDSkills don't support 2.96 ERA, but it's 4 starts and neither the HR (1.3) or BB (4.4) have been consistent issues (4, 1, 6, 1 BB by start)
80Trevor BauerTOR
81Ivan Novaat SF
82A.J. Griffinat TB
83Edinson VolquezMIN
84Michael PinedaTORDoes anyone actually still trust him?
85Jimmy Nelsonat CHC
85Ross Striplingat PHI
86Rich Hillat CIN
87Chase Andersonat CHC, at SEA
88CC SabathiaTOR
89Mike Fiersat BAL
90Eduardo Rodriguezat BAL, at DETHow do you make six starts of 2.80 ERA go relatively unnoticed? With six of 8.59 ERA before it
91Andrew Cashnerat CIN
92Jake ThompsonLAD
93Daniel NorrisKC, BOSSolid in MLB return (5 IP/1 ER), but hasn't eclipsed 5 IP in his 4 MLB starts this yr
94Ian Kennedyat DET, MIN
96Archie Bradleyat SD
97Brett Andersonat CINExpected to make his season debut on Sunday; has been solid in 3 rehab starts
98Josh TomlinBOS, TORJust couldn't trust him even at his best and now has a 6.88 ERA in his L6 as HRs finally come home to roost
99Tyler SkaggsSEAWasn't having a great start at CLE, but final inning (5 H, 4 ER) really tanked him
100Collin McHughat BAL
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Paul Sporer
Sporer covers pitching for RotoWire. He also writes for Baseball Prospectus and publishes an annual guide on starting pitcher. In his spare time, he roots for the Tigers.
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