September is looming, though the roster size expansion isn’t as substantial a factor as it once was. Even so, there will be plenty of rotational changes, especially among the teams already virtually locked for the playoffs (TBR, BAL, ATL, LAD) and the also-rans (DET, CHW, KCR, OAK, NYM, WSN, PIT, STL, COL). The playoff prep teams will try to get their starters some extra rest, while the wait-until-next-year squads may want to debut some youngsters. Thus, pay extra attention to starters on those squads.
As a reminder, we break down every MLB team’s starting rotation for the next few weeks to help you plan the back end of your pitching rotation. This tool is beneficial if you’re looking for streamers or flexing fringe starters in and out of your lineup.
Before we delve into the teams, below are our matchup rankings. These match those in Nick Pollack’s SP Steamers for consistency and differ from last week. If you disagree, that’s your prerogative! They are meant to be a loose guide. The most important thing is to pay attention to the matchups.
Nick’s Loose Team Offense Rankings (Updated 8/16)
| Top | Solid | Average | Weak | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATL | BAL | KCR | ARI | CHW |
| HOU | CHC | MIA | BOS | CIN (Away) |
| LAD | @CIN | MIN | CLE | COL (Away) |
| SDP (vs. L) | @COL | SEA | MIL | DET |
| TEX | PHI | STL | NYM | LAA |
| TOR | SDP (vs. R) | TBR | NYY | OAK |
| WSN | PIT | |||
| SFG |
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Here’s a key for a few terms you may encounter below:
(OFF) means the team has an off-day before they play that team.
(DH) indicates a doubleheader that day.
SPOT STARTER should be obvious, but this pitcher will only start once.
??? represents an unclear rotational spot, and the notes will explain options.
Above all else, please remember that schedules change often! The grids below represent our best estimate at the time of publishing, but players get hurt, come back from the IL, get sent down or called up, or get an extra day of rest all the time. Use this as a guide and double-check a player’s status before making roster changes.
Diamondbacks’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slade Cecconi | TEX | CIN | BAL | @ CHC |
| Zac Gallen | TEX | @ LAD | BAL | @ CHC |
| Brandon Pfaadt | CIN (OFF) | @ LAD | COL | @ CHC |
| Merrill Kelly | CIN | @ LAD | COL | @ CHC |
| Zach Davies | CIN | BAL (OFF) | COL | @ NYM |
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- Zach Davies made his third rehab start on Sunday and should be ready to rejoin the rotation next weekend.
AtlantaBraves
Atlanta’s Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allan Winans | NYM | @ SFG | @ LAD | STL |
| Bryce Elder | NYM | @ COL | @ LAD | PIT |
| Charlie Morton | NYM | @ COL | @ LAD | PIT |
| Spencer Strider | @ SFG (OFF) | @ COL | STL (OFF) | PIT |
| Max Fried | @ SFG | @ LAD | STL | @ PHI (DH) |
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- Atlanta recalled Allan Winans, who has pitched well in two starts this season, to start Monday’s game against the Mets. Likely this means Yonny Chirinos returns to the bullpen, though it’s unclear how many starts Winans will make.
- Atlanta has a doubleheader scheduled on September 11. It’s a long way out, but it could affect the rotation.
Orioles’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grayson Rodriguez | TOR (OFF) | CHW | @ LAA | STL |
| Jack Flaherty | TOR | CHW | @ LAA | STL |
| Dean Kremer | TOR | CHW | @ LAA | STL |
| Kyle Gibson | COL | @ ARI (OFF) | @ BOS (OFF) | TBR |
| Cole Irvin | COL | @ ARI | @ BOS | TBR |
| Kyle Bradish | COL | @ ARI | @ BOS | TBR |
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- Baltimore appears content to continue to roll with a six-man rotation for now, which Tyler Wells could crash at some point. The upcoming slate looks prime for streaming after the series against the Blue Jays.
Red Sox’s Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Paxton | @ HOU | LAD | @ KCR (OFF) | @ TBR |
| Tanner Houck | @ HOU | LAD | @ KCR | BAL (OFF) |
| Chris Sale | @ HOU | HOU | @ KCR | BAL |
| Brayan Bello | @ HOU | HOU | @ TBR | BAL |
| Kutter Crawford | LAD | HOU | @ TBR | NYY |
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- Tanner Houck is ready to return from the IL and is slated to start Tuesday. It sounds like Nick Pivetta will be moved to the pen, at least temporarily. The following two weeks are brutal, so it’s best to stay away from borderline Red Sox starters for now.
Cubs’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javier Assad | @ DET | @ PIT | @ CIN (DH)(OFF) | SFG |
| Drew Smyly | @ DET | @ PIT | @ CIN | ARI |
| Jameson Taillon | @ DET | MIL | @ CIN | ARI |
| Justin Steele | @ PIT | MIL | SFG | ARI |
| Kyle Hendricks | @ PIT | MIL | SFG | ARI |
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- As Marcus Stroman’s return no longer looks imminent, Javier Assad should stay in the rotation for the foreseeable future. The Cubbies’ schedule is primed for streaming outside of the four-game set in Cincinnati September 1-3.
- A doubleheader remains on the slate for September 1 and could shift things if the Cubs pull Drew Smyly up a day to start the second game rather than use a spot starter. However, this seems unlikely as the club’s next off day isn’t until September 14.
White Sox’s Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touki Toussaint | SEA | OAK | DET (OFF) | @ KCR |
| Mike Clevinger | SEA | OAK | DET | @ DET (OFF) |
| Michael Kopech | SEA | @ BAL | DET | @ DET |
| Jesse Scholtens | OAK | @ BAL | @ KCR | @ DET |
| Dylan Cease | OAK | @ BAL | @ KCR | KCR |
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- Mike Clevinger has a 1.57 ERA since returning from the IL and an attractive upcoming schedule.
Reds’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graham Ashcraft | @ LAA | @ ARI | CHC (2)(OFF) | SEA |
| Andrew Abbott | @ LAA | @ ARI | CHC | STL (OFF) |
| Brett Kennedy | @ LAA | @ SFG | CHC | STL |
| Brandon Williamson | @ ARI | @ SFG | SEA | STL |
| Hunter Greene | @ ARI | @ SFG | SEA | @ DET (OFF) |
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- Note: The Reds are taxed one tier anytime they are home. Hence, different shades for games vs. CHC, SEA, and STL.
- Hunter Greene returned to the rotation last week, and Nick Lodolo should be ready soon. When and where he’ll slot in is TBD, but it could be as soon as next weekend. He’ll likely be back before the doubleheader on September 1. Ben Lively, who’s also rehabbing, is a potential spot-starting option that day.
Guardians’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noah Syndergaard | LAD (OFF) | @ TOR | TBR | @ LAA |
| Xzavion Curry | LAD | @ MIN | TBR | @ LAA |
| Gavin Williams | LAD | @ MIN | MIN | @ LAA |
| Tanner Bibee | @ TOR | @ MIN | MIN | @ LAA |
| Logan Allen | @ TOR | TBR (OFF) | MIN | @ SFG |
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- Cal Quantrill is close to returning, which may disrupt the Guardians’ rotation. They could go with a six-man, cut bait on Noah Syndergaard, or move one of their young hurlers or Quantrill to the bullpen.
Rockies’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ty Blach | @ TBR (OFF) | @ BAL | TOR | @ SFG (OFF) |
| Austin Gomber | @ TBR | ATL | TOR | @ SFG |
| Peter Lambert | @ TBR | ATL | @ ARI | @ SFG |
| Kyle Freeland | @ BAL | ATL | @ ARI | CHC |
| Chris Flexen | @ BAL | TOR (OFF) | @ ARI | CHC |
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- Note: The Rockies are taxed one tier anytime they are home. Hence, different shades for games vs. CHC.
- Peter Lambert is a deep-league possibility as a two-game streamer in a few weeks vs. the D’Backs and Giants on the road.
Tigers’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Faedo | CHC | HOU | @ CHW | @ NYY |
| Reese Olson | CHC | NYY | @ CHW | CHW |
| Tarik Skubal | CHC | NYY | @ CHW | CHW |
| Matt Manning | HOU (OFF) | NYY | @ NYY (OFF) | CHW |
| Eduardo Rodriguez | HOU | NYY | @ NYY | CIN (OFF) |
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- If you are desperate, the schedule gets pitcher-friendly for the Tigers’ staff after this week.
Astros’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cristian Javier | BOS | @ DET | NYY | SDP |
| Justin Verlander | BOS | @ BOS | @ TEX | OAK |
| José Urquidy | BOS | @ BOS | @ TEX | OAK |
| J.P. France | BOS | @ BOS | @ TEX | OAK |
| Framber Valdez | @ DET | NYY (OFF) | SDP (OFF) | @ KCR (OFF) |
| Hunter Brown | @ DET | NYY | SDP | @ KCR |
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- José Urquidy threw two innings out of the bullpen on Friday after having his turn skipped. Houston may continue to rest starters in this manner around breaks in the schedule.
Royals’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alec Marsh | @ OAK | @ SEA | BOS | @ TOR (OFF) |
| Angel Zerpa | @ OAK | PIT | BOS | @ TOR |
| Cole Ragans | @ OAK | PIT | CHW | @ TOR |
| Brady Singer | @ SEA (OFF) | PIT | CHW | @ CHW |
| Jordan Lyles | @ SEA | BOS (OFF) | CHW | @ CHW |
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- Cole Ragans has been striking out a ton of batters lately and has three excellent matchups on the horizon.
Angels’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucas Giolito | CIN | @ PHI | BAL | CLE |
| Reid Detmers | CIN | @ PHI | BAL | @ SEA |
| Shohei Ohtani | CIN | @ PHI | BAL | @ SEA |
| Tyler Anderson | @ NYM (OFF) | @ OAK (OFF) | CLE | @ SEA |
| Chase Silseth | @ NYM | @ OAK | CLE | DET (OFF) |
| Patrick Sandoval | @ NYM | @ OAK | CLE | DET |
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- Shohei Ohtani is slated to start Wednesday after skipping his last turn. Chase Silseth has been rolling, has a great upcoming schedule, and is still available in most leagues.
Dodgers’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bobby Miller | @ CLE (OFF) | @ BOS | ATL | @ MIA |
| Clayton Kershaw | @ CLE | ARI | ATL | @ WSN |
| Lance Lynn | @ CLE | ARI | ATL | @ WSN |
| Ryan Pepiot | @ BOS | ARI | @ MIA (OFF) | @ WSN |
| Julio Urías | @ BOS | ATL | @ MIA | SDP |
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- Ryan Pepiot steps in for Tony Gonsolin, who hit the IL on Saturday. Pepiot pitched well in his season debut and has attractive matchups ahead.
Marlins’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnny Cueto | @ SDP | WSN | @ WSN | @ PHI |
| Jesús Luzardo | @ SDP | TBR (OFF) | @ WSN | @ PHI |
| Sandy Alcantara | @ SDP | TBR | LAD (OFF) | @ PHI |
| Eury Pérez | WSN (OFF) | @ WSN | LAD | @ MIL |
| Braxton Garrett | WSN | @ WSN | LAD | @ MIL |
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- Eury Pérez pitched well against the Dodgers and now gets the Nationals back-to-back.
Brewers’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wade Miley | MIN (OFF) | @ CHC | PHI | @ NYY |
| Corbin Burnes | MIN | @ CHC | @ PIT | @ NYY |
| Brandon Woodruff | SDP (OFF) | @ CHC | @ PIT | MIA |
| Freddy Peralta | SDP | PHI (OFF) | @ PIT | MIA |
| Adrian Houser | SDP | PHI | @ NYY (OFF) | MIA |
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- The Brewers are amid a tough stretch, but the schedule lightens in a few weeks.
Twins’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bailey Ober | @ MIL (OFF) | TEX | @ TEX | NYM (OFF) |
| Kenta Maeda | @ MIL | CLE | @ TEX | NYM |
| Pablo López | TEX | CLE | @ CLE | NYM |
| Joe Ryan | TEX | CLE | @ CLE | TBR |
| Sonny Gray | TEX | @ TEX (OFF) | @ CLE | TBR |
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- Joe Ryan is expected back this week as the Twins attempt to lock up the division.
Mets’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Peterson | @ ATL | LAA | SEA | @ MIN |
| Tylor Megill | @ ATL | TEX | SEA | @ MIN |
| José Quintana | @ ATL | TEX | @ WSN (OFF) | ARI |
| Kodai Senga | LAA (OFF) | TEX | @ WSN | ARI |
| Carlos Carrasco | LAA | SEA (OFF) | @ MIN (OFF) | ARI |
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- There aren’t many good streaming options among the Mets for the next couple of weeks unless Kodai Senga is somehow still available in your league.
Yankees’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Rodón | WSN (OFF) | @ TBR | @ HOU | DET |
| Luis Severino | WSN | @ DET | @ HOU | MIL |
| Gerrit Cole | WSN | @ DET | @ HOU | MIL |
| Jhony Brito | @ TBR | @ DET | DET (OFF) | MIL |
| Clarke Schmidt | @ TBR | @ DET | DET | @ BOS |
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- Carlos Rodón is scheduled to return Tuesday as the Yanks try to salvage their season. It doesn’t sound like New York will get Nestor Cortes or Frankie Montas back this year.
A’s Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Blackburn | KCR | @ CHW | LAA (OFF) | TOR |
| Kyle Muller | KCR | @ CHW | LAA | @ TEX (OFF) |
| Luis Medina | KCR | @ SEA | LAA | @ TEX |
| Ken Waldichuk | @ CHW | @ SEA | TOR | @ TEX |
| JP Sears | @ CHW | @ SEA | TOR | @ HOU |
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- The A’s recalled Kyle Muller over the weekend. He pitched out of the pen but could slide into the vacant rotation spot. Muller and Paul Blackburn have excellent upcoming schedules if you are so bold.
Phillies’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Nola | SFG | STL | @ MIL | MIA (OFF) |
| Taijuan Walker | SFG | LAA | @ MIL | MIA |
| Michael Lorenzen | SFG | LAA | @ SDP | MIA |
| Cristopher Sánchez | STL (OFF) | LAA | @ SDP | ATL (DH) |
| Zack Wheeler | STL | @ MIL (OFF) | @ SDP | ATL |
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- The Phillies are back to a five-man rotation with Ranger Suárez on the IL. His hamstring injury doesn’t sound serious, and he could be back in time for the doubleheader against Atlanta on September 11.
Pirates’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bailey Falter | STL | CHC | @ STL (OFF) | MIL |
| Johan Oviedo | STL | CHC | @ STL | @ ATL (OFF) |
| Andre Jackson | STL | @ KCR | @ STL | @ ATL |
| Mitch Keller | CHC | @ KCR | MIL | @ ATL |
| Osvaldo Bido | CHC | @ KCR | MIL | WSN |
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- There’s nothing to see here for fantasy managers.
Padres’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blake Snell | MIA | @ MIL | SFG | PHI |
| Rich Hill | MIA | @ STL | SFG | @ HOU (OFF) |
| Seth Lugo | MIA | @ STL | SFG | @ HOU |
| Yu Darvish | @ MIL (OFF) | @ STL | PHI | @ HOU |
| Michael Wacha | @ MIL | SFG | PHI | @ LAD |
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- Michael Wacha looked good in his return to the rotation and has two plush matchups on tap.
Giants’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Alexander (Spot Start) | @ PHI | ATL | @ SDP | @ CHC |
| Kyle Harrison | @ PHI | CIN | @ SDP | COL (OFF) |
| Alex Cobb | @ PHI | CIN | @ SDP | COL |
| Logan Webb | ATL (OFF) | CIN | @ CHC | COL |
| Jakob Junis | ATL | @ SDP | @ CHC | CLE |
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- It appears the Giants will throw a bullpen game on Monday and call Kyle Harrison up for his MLB debut on Tuesday. Harrison is a promising rookie, but who knows how the Giants will use him down the stretch? The only sure things in this rotation continue to be Alex Cobb and Logan Webb.
Mariners’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luis Castillo | @ CHW | KCR | @ NYM | @ TBR |
| George Kirby | @ CHW | OAK | @ NYM | @ TBR |
| Bryan Woo | @ CHW | OAK | @ CIN | @ TBR |
| Bryce Miller | KCR (OFF) | OAK | @ CIN | @ TBR |
| Logan Gilbert | KCR | @ NYM (OFF) | @ CIN | LAA |
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- Emerson Hancock left Sunday’s start after only two innings with a shoulder strain and could be sent to the IL or back to the minors as Bryan Woo is set to return to the rotation.
Cardinals’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drew Rom | @ PIT | SDP | @ ATL (OFF) | @ BAL |
| Adam Wainwright | @ PIT | SDP | @ ATL | @ BAL |
| Matthew Liberatore | @ PIT | SDP | @ ATL | @ BAL |
| Zack Thompson | @ PHI (OFF) | PIT (OFF) | @ CIN | PHI (OFF) |
| Miles Mikolas | @ PHI | PIT | @ CIN | PHI |
| Dakota Hudson | @ PHI | PIT | @ CIN | PHI |
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- Drew Rom will make his MLB debut on Monday, giving the rest of the starters an extra day of rest. It’s unknown whether this will be a spot start, the beginning of a six-man rotation, or will result in another pitcher being moved to the bullpen. It may depend on how he performs.
Rays’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zack Littell | COL (OFF) | NYY | @ CLE | SEA |
| Aaron Civale | COL | @ MIA (OFF) | BOS | SEA |
| Tyler Glasnow | COL | @ MIA | BOS | SEA |
| Zach Eflin | NYY | @ CLE (OFF) | BOS | @ MIN |
| Erasmo Ramírez | NYY | @ CLE | SEA | @ MIN |
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- Erasmo Ramírez is penciled in as the Rays’ fifth starter for now, but it’s unlikely he’ll remain there for long. Taj Bradley or someone else from the minor leagues likely will be recalled at some point.
Rangers’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Montgomery | @ ARI | @ MIN | MIN | OAK (OFF) |
| Jon Gray | @ ARI | @ NYM | MIN | OAK |
| Andrew Heaney | @ MIN (OFF) | @ NYM | HOU | OAK |
| Dane Dunning | @ MIN | @ NYM | HOU | @ TOR |
| Max Scherzer | @ MIN | MIN (OFF) | HOU | @ TOR |
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- Jon Gray has a comfortable schedule ahead and is available in a fair share of leagues.
Blue Jays’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yusei Kikuchi | @ BAL (OFF) | CLE | @ COL | KCR (OFF) |
| Kevin Gausman | @ BAL | WSN | @ COL | KCR |
| José Berríos | @ BAL | WSN | @ OAK | KCR |
| Chris Bassitt | CLE | WSN | @ OAK | TEX |
| Hyun Jin Ryu | CLE | @ COL (OFF) | @ OAK | TEX |
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- Yusei Kikuchi has been excellent since the All-Star break but has a couple of tough matchups in front of him.
Nationals’ Expected Schedule
| Possible Rotation | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josiah Gray | @ NYY (OFF) | @ TOR | MIA | @ PIT |
| MacKenzie Gore | @ NYY | @ TOR | NYM (OFF) | @ PIT |
| Patrick Corbin | @ NYY | @ TOR | NYM | @ PIT |
| Joan Adon | @ MIA | MIA | LAD (OFF) | @ PIT |
| Jake Irvin | @ MIA | MIA | LAD | @ MIL |
| Trevor Williams | @ MIA | MIA | LAD | @ MIL |
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- Jake Irvin has been the best fantasy starter for the Nats of late, but the schedule isn’t too promising.