Can James McDonald Keep Fantasy Baseball Owners Saying 'I'm Lovin' It'?

Pittsburgh’s James McDonald has had moments where he was a viable fantasy baseball pitching option, but with just 20 career wins, he’s not high on my radar.

This year he has been outstanding, holding the opposition to three or fewer runs in all six of his starts en route to a 2-1 record with a 2.70 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP and 31 strikeouts in 36 2/3 innings. He has really dialed things up in the strikeout department, racking up 25 in his past three starts.

Last year, McDonald was 1-2 in both April and September with 7.66 and 4.95 ERAs respectively. In those middle months though, James was outstanding posting a 7-5 record with a 3.42 ERA.

Part of the reason for McDonald’s success this year has been his effectiveness on the road. Last year he posted a 3.19 home ERA and a 5.42 mark on the road. This year, he’s still been much better at home (1.86 ERA), but he has been just as impressive fixing his road ERA (3.63).

McDonald has been particularly effective against right-handed hitting this year, allowing the opposition to hit just .169 with a .524 OPS. He’s been tough on lefties too, though. They are hitting just .250 with a .606 OPS.

McDonald is owned in a little over 10 percent of fantasy leagues. Not a lot of love for a pitcher that’s having his success. Sure, he’s on the Pittsburgh Pirates so wins could be hard to come by, but his early success is hard to ignore, especially in streamer circumstances.

Speaking of which, his next start is Friday against the Houston Astros in Houston. That’s certainly a favorable matchup that you most likely don’t want to miss.

Also check out:

• Can Edwin Encarnacion Continue to Swing a Hot Bat?
• Fantasy Feast Closer Report – 5/12/12
• Are You High on Smyly?
• Are You Rockin’ Reddick?
• Should You Go Bass Fishing?