Streaming Options For July 3-5

Jun 24, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Kendall Graveman (31) leaves the game during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Athletics defeated the Rangers 8-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Here are the five pitchers I would use as streaming picks for this weekend. Most of these pitchers have been good, if not great, in their recent outings. While some have a good matchup, the rest are matchup proof. Regardless, these are my streaming picks for this holiday weekend.

As always, these picks are for season-long leagues. If you play daily fantasy, there are obviously better picks out there.

Saturday

Chris Tillman, @CWS

In his six-plus year career with the Baltimore Orioles, Tillman hasn’t been that impressive. Even this season, he’s had a few games where he allowed more than three earned runs. Despite that, his Friday matchup cannot be avoided. The Chicago White Sox offense has been even worse in June. They are 29th in batting average and last in on-base percentage. He isn’t the sexiest option, but with most of Saturday’s pitchers owned, he is a good last-minute option.

Cody Anderson, @PIT

Anderson has been dominant in his first two career starts. He has allowed just one earned run over 15.2 innings, and carried a perfect game through six innings against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday. Anderson will have a much tougher task against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday. The Pirates have been getting on base this month, but aren’t hitting for power. The offense has just 13 June home runs, last in the league. He’s been one of the game’s most added pitchers and with good reason.

Kendall Graveman, vs. SEA

Talk about being back from the grave (pun intended). After a disappointing April, Graveman has been great since returning to the team in late May. He’s allowed no more than three runs in eight straight starts and has gone at least seven innings in five straight. The Seattle Mariners offense is not what we thought it would be with Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz. Cano only has five home runs this season, seventh among team starters. Despite a bad K:BB rate, he is getting batters out, which is all fantasy owners want.

Sunday

Mike Montgomery, @OAK

The Mariners have developed a great pitching staff over recent weeks, and the rookie is at the helm. Montgomery has pitched two straight shutouts, allowing six hits and four walks and striking out 17 batters. While I’m not expecting another complete game, he has the stuff to make it late into Sunday’s game. His ownership percentage has skyrocketed over the last week, and rightfully so. If you need pitching help, Montgomery is a nice streaming pick at the end of the week.

Rubby De La Rosa, vs. COL

De La Rosa is my dark horse. He’s pitched well in his last four starts, 1.30 ERA and .231 opposing batting average. He has used his power and translated it into results. However, the Colorado Rockies will be a tough test. They are third in batting average and seven in OBP for the month of June. What puts De La Rosa in a favorable matchup is that Chase Field in Arizona is not too friendly to hitters. According to ESPN’s Park Factors, it is 16th in home runs per game.

Those are my streaming picks for the 4th of July weekend. Hope one or two of them work out for you. Have a happy holiday and be safe.