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.
Ian Kennedy (COL, @SF) – It’s a tough week for those scrounging the waiver wire for cheap two-start pitchers, and the best of the lot is piping hot Kennedy, who has collected 29 strikeouts in just his last three starts. You may be looking at that first start against Colorado in horror, but fear not, as the Rockies are a below average offense outside of their home grounds. With the way Ian has been dismantling batters, you would be hard pressed to find a better streaming candidate for week 22.
Matt Shoemaker (LAD, HOU) – There is a chance that Shoemaker leaves the rotation before his second start of the week, but considering that he’s currently labeled as the Sunday starter for the Angels, he’s a eligible for this list. Shoemaker is what we call a Cherry Bomb, where he has tantalizing upside that can win you a week…as well as a deep floor that can take you out before Wednesday. Nevertheless, there are few others on the wire that have the ability to silence an offense like Shoemaker, and he’s allowed only 1 ER across his last two starts.
Yovani Gallardo (@SEA, OAK) – Seeing Gallardo on this list may help you understand the poor options available for most leagues entering week 22. What Gallardo has going for him is a set of great matchups that should allow the Fastball/Cutter pitcher to skate by with a decent ERA and WHIP. Don’t expect major K upside, but it’s possible YoGa can bring home a pair of Wins without ruining your rate stats.