Chris Archer Fantasy

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Chris Archer (neck) is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut on Friday against the Blue Jays. Archer was scratched from a spring start last week with neck tightness, but he's worked through the issue and is ready to go. If he can avoid any further setbacks, he should be ready to go for Opening Day. The 31-year-old right-hander hasn't been nearly as good in Pittsburgh as he was to begin his career with the Rays, and he posted a career-high 5.19 ERA while going 3-9 in his 23 starts (119 2/3 innings). Archer is going undrafted in shallow mixed leagues, but he could be a nice value late in deep mixed drafts at his current average ADP of 284.

4 months ago

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Chris Archer (neck) threw live batting practice on Monday after he was scratched from his Grapefruit League start last week with neck tightness. The Pirates feel confident that Archer will be ready for the start of the season, but it's still unknown when he'll pitch in a spring training game. The 31-year-old right-hander has disappointed in his time in Pittsburgh since coming over in a trade in 2018. The good news is he shouldn't have to start the season late, barring any setbacks with his neck. But his fantasy stock is way down after posting a career-high 5.19 ERA with a 1.41 WHIP in 23 starts last season. There's value potential as a late-round flier in mixed leagues if he can bounce back in 2020.

4 months ago

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Chris Archer (neck) was scratched from his Grapefruit League start on Monday against the Yankees due to neck tightness. It's not a good start to spring action for Archer, who is looking to bounce back after going 3-9 in 2019 with a career-high 5.19 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 143 strikeouts and 55 walks in 23 starts over 119 2/3 innings. The Pirates are likely being cautious with him early in camp, but it's something to watch as the spring season unfolds. Archer hasn't been the same pitcher in Pittsburgh in a year and a half as he was in Tampa, and the two-time All-Star may go undrafted in shallow mixed leagues as a result. However, he's worth a late-round gamble in deep mixed leagues in hopes that he can stay healthy and bounce back.

4 months ago