Ranking Every Two-Start Pitcher For Week 24 (9/17 – 9/23)

(Photo by Tim Spyers/Icon Sportswire)

Every Friday I look at every projected two-start pitcher for the week ahead and detail my thoughts about rolling with them on your roster. There are four tiers: Definitely, Probably, Questionable, Bench. Definitely Start features starters that are no doubters for the week ahead followed by Probably Start with pitchers that look like good plays but may create a hesitation or two. Players labeled as Questionable are for deeper leagues or have one-of-two outings that should be skipped. Pitchers under Bench should be avoided despite their two starts in the week ahead.

Note: This article was written Friday afternoon, estimating probable starters through the week. These are subject to change.

Definitely Start

Kyle Hendricks (@ARI, @CHW)

Patrick Corbin (CHC, COL)

Miles Mikolas (@ATL, SFG)

Stephen Strasburg (@MIA, NYM)

Zack Wheeler (@PHI, @WSH)

Aaron Nola (NYM, @ATL)

Blake Snell (@TEX, @TOR)

Corey Kluber (CHW, BOS)

• You don’t need more to tell you to start Blake Snell, Stephen Strasburg, and Aaron Nola this week.
• Even with Corey Kluber and Patrick Corbin each getting a tough matchup (Sawx, Cubs), you shouldn’t’ hesitate and let them fly.
• Some contested options here with Kyle Hendricks and Miles Mikolas not clear “absolute starts” but given their matchups up and recent performances, there are clear Tier 1 options this week.

Probably Start

Hyun-Jin Ryu (COL, SDP)

Joe Musgrove (KCR, MIL)

Tyler Glasnow (@TEX, @TOR)

J.A. Happ (BOS, BAL)

• It was a solid recovery for Tyler Glasnow as he faced the Indians and we should be rolling him there against the Rangers and Jays.
• Joe Musgrove’s schedule is remarkably better than we anticipated to start the month, suddenly turning into a solid option for the week ahead.
• When Hyun-Jin Ryu is starting and hosting the Rockies and getting the Padres, you start him.
• Even though J.A. Happy gets the Sawx, a start against the Orioles should nullify its chance for a poor performance.

Questionable

Nick Pivetta (NYM, @ATL)

Wade Miley (CIN, @PIT)

Jon Gray (@LAD, @ARI)

Andrew Suarez (@SDP, @STL)

Anthony Desclafani (@MIL, @MIA)

Trevor Richards (WSH, CIN)

• I debated the spot of Nick Pivetta a lot, but I can understand people staying away for the most part given his recent performances. I still think his ceiling is worth the play though, especially with the Mets ahead – even if he wasn’t sharp against them last time out.
• With an evening against the Padres ahead, I have caution with Adnrew Suarez against the Cardinals, leading to a spot in the third tier.
• There’s upside to be had with Trevor Richards and his changeup, making him a possible option for those chasing Ks.
• We don’t know which Jon Gray will show up and a matchup against the Dodgers is far from favorable.
• Wade Miley’s fortuitous season can’t last all year and two middling matchups against the Reds and Pirates could spell danger.
• I can fathom Anthony Desclafani having a solid game with his slider against the Marlins and not completely ruining your week against the Brewers.

Bench

Jordan Zimmermann (MIN, KCR)

Wade Leblanc (@HOU, @TEX)

Nathan Eovaldi (@NYY, @CLE)

Framber Valdez (SEA, LAA)

Ryan Borucki (@BAL, TBR)

Andrew Cashner (TOR, @NYY)

Kohl Stewart (@DET, @OAK)

Brad Keller (@PIT, @DET)

Dylan Covey (@CLE, CHC)

Daniel Norris (MIN, KCR)

Felix Pena (@OAK, @HOU)

Jason Vargas (@PHI, @WSH)

• Felix Pena would be considered in a higher tier, but the A’s and Astros are no joke.
• It’s a fun stretch for Jason Vargas, but there’s a good reason his ERA is well north of 6.00 this season. Don’t let the small sample put you in harm’s way.
• I considered raising Nathan Eovaldi, but given his erratic past month and two difficult teams, he’s best to avoid instead.
• I can see people going with Brad Keller, Wade LeBlanc, or Framber Valdez but each option brings their own problems. Keller’s stuff doesn’t speak to his success (4.61 SIERA!), LeBlanc in Houston and Texas doesn’t bode well, and Valdez’s two-pitch approach is susceptible to disaster.
• Ryan Borucki hasn’t done enough to make me believe he can take advantage of the Orioles and be a worthy option against the Rays.
• Other options are far from enticing, like Dylan Covey, Kohl Stewart, Andrew Cashner, Daniel Norris, and Jordan Zimmermann.