Starts: July 4th vs. New York Mets, July 9th vs. Atlanta Braves
ESPN ownership: 18 percent
Joe Ross must have really traumatized folks with his shaky return from injury earlier this spring, because the Washington Nationals' righty has pitched to a 2.29 ERA over his most recent three starts and yet his ownership rates have barely budged. Then again, that 2.24 FIP and 87% strand rate over that span should encourage a fair share of skepticism, as should the 1.27 WHIP.
Atlanta was the last offense to really get to Ross, touching him up for five earned across five-plus innings on June 13th. Since then, however, the Braves have been in a massive funk against righties, struggling in particular to produce against the slider, which is good news for Ross, whose slider has managed a 35% strikeout-minus-walk rate on the year.
The Mets might prove a tougher assignment, though, as they excel against both the sinker and the changeup, Ross' two primary offerings. Shallow-league streamers might want to keep Ross at arm's length this week given his recent history of inconsistency, but deep leaguers in a pinch are unlikely to find an available arm with greater upside.