Outlook Zack Littell
Stream Zack Littell in Favorable Matchup Amid Nationals Rotation Injuries
Zack Littell has struggled over his last two starts, posting an 8.71 ERA for the third-place Nationals (37-35). However, with several Washington starters currently sidelined on the injured list, including Josiah Gray and Jake Irvin, his job security as a back-end starter remains perfectly safe.
Though Littell's 5.43 ERA this season represents a step back from the solid 3.94 ERA he posted last year, his excellent 1.12 WHIP over the past 30 days indicates his underlying control is still intact. Our models project him to pitch to a more respectable 4.55 ERA and 1.26 WHIP the rest of the way, pointing toward imminent positive regression.
This week, Littell is scheduled for one home start on Wednesday against the Royals. He matches up against Luinder Avila, who brings a shaky 6.19 ERA and 1.81 WHIP, making Littell an excellent option to insert into your lineup. Verdict: Stream.
Updated 2 days ago
Latest News Zack Littell
Outlook Peter Lambert
Lambert's Strong Recent Run Clouded by Hand Injury
Lambert has pitched well lately, posting a sharp 2.41 ERA with 10 strikeouts over his last 11.2 innings of work. However, the fourth-place Astros are monitoring his status closely as he is currently questionable with a right hand injury. Despite the injury, he remains a key back-end starter in Houston's injury-depleted rotation.
This recent hot stretch is a welcome sight, but our models expect some regression toward his career norms. While his current 3.52 season ERA is solid, his underlying metrics suggest he will settle closer to our projected 4.00 ERA and 1.30 WHIP, making him more of a streamable matchup option than a set-it-and-forget-it asset.
Lambert is tentatively scheduled to start Wednesday at home against Detroit. It is a tough remaining matchup against Casey Mize, who has a stellar 2.27 ERA and 0.97 WHIP, and Lambert's hand issue adds too much risk to trust him. Given the injury uncertainty and a difficult opponent, our weekly verdict is to sit him.
Updated 2 days ago
