Every week we’ll recommend three two-start pitchers for those in weekly leagues, focusing on those who are owned in under 50% of ESPN leagues. Get a leg up on your opponents and snatch them up before the week rolls around.
Brett Anderson (PHI, MIL) – One of the stealthier pickups in your league is Anderson, who has allowed more than 2 ER only once in his last eight outings. That’s solid stuff supported by above average FIP/xFIP rates of 3.47 and 3.31. Combine those numbers with 17 Ks over his last two starts, and you have a guy who can take full advantage of poor hitting offenses. As if you needed a greater incentive, the Brewers rank third last in the league in wOBA against left-handed pitching. Anderson is owned in only 25.8% of ESPN leagues, giving you an easy chance at some great value.
Vincent Velasquez (@CLE, @TB) – There is certainly some concern with Velasquez given his absurd flyball tendencies (55.9%!) but he’s fanned seven batters twice in his five game stint in the majors and walked only one batter in both of his last two games. He’s set for a pair of decent matchups, with the Rays being the prime choice for the week. Look for his 94.4 MPH Fastball to take control and keep batters in the dugout.
Chris Heston (NYM, PHI) – So I’m slightly cheating as Heston is hovering right at 50% in ESPN leagues, but he’s an easy choice for the half of you that can snag him. His FIP/xFIP of 3.29/3.39 and a 7.37 K/9 are encouraging enough, while he hasn’t allowed more than 3 ER in five starts, giving you a solid floor. Meanwhile, the Mets and Phils are two of the worst offenses around, including New York who were on the losing end of Heston’s no-hitter early this season. Heston’s a safe choice for a solid two starts this week.