Streaming pitchers for Week 21: Going back to the well with Marlins
Thanks to two Miami Marlins hurlers, Tom Koehler and David Phelps, the column was able to produce yet another winning week, though Edwin Jackson did us no favors with a disastrous effort on his end.
Last week's predictions: 2-1 (Jackson, Koehler, Phelps)
Season: 33-21-2 (61.1%)
Andrew Cashner, Miami Marlins vs. Kansas City Royals
Cashner is having his most disappointing season of his seven-year career, but since landing in Miami, he has exhibited some flashes of his old self.
In four starts with the Marlins, Cashner has had two in which he yielded only one earned run. Additionally, both came against solid lineups.
He's also continued doing a good job of not getting beat by the long ball, as the former San Diego Padre has surrendered just two homers across 21 1/3 total innings in his new digs.
Considering the Royals are tied for last in the American League in slugging percentage (.397), Cashner could potentially make the most of his next assignment.
Prediction: 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Zack Godley, Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Atlanta Braves
Up to this point, Godley's work at the major league level has been, well, mostly un-godlike, but he is coming off a career-best outing last time out.
Facing the Mets on Wednesday, the 26-year-old right-hander not only had his way with the defending National League champions, but also pitched into the eighth inning for the first time.
Considering 53.0% of the balls put in play against him are ground balls, perhaps an upwards trend is in store for Godley.
He's allowed 10 home runs in 88 2/3 innings since coming up last season, and his next opponent doesn't figure to dent that fine track record. The Braves are last in the majors in homers (83) and team OPS (.671).
Prediction: 6 1/3 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Anibal Sanchez, Detroit Tigers at Minnesota Twins
Don't let Sanchez's 6-12 record and 5.94 ERA fool you; this is someone that could be of service to fantasy teams down the stretch in most leagues.
The 32-year-old is suddenly flourishing again, having surrendered one run or fewer in three of his past four starts. In addition, he's gone at least six innings in five of his last six -- something he had done only four times in his first 14 assignments this season.
He's also piling up the strikeouts again, too. Over his last six starts, spanning 37 innings, Sanchez has collected 39 K's. That stretch also includes his only two double-digit strikeout performances of the season.
In pitcher-friendly Target Field, opposite the team that ranks fourth in the AL in punchouts, he should be able to keep the roll going.
Prediction: 7 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K