Welcome to another edition of the 2024 two-start pitcher rankings!
My rankings have four tiers: Set and Forget, Probably Start, Questionable, and Avoid. Set and Forget starters are simply that; get them in your lineup and don’t think twice. The Most Likely Start tier includes players with the mix of skill and matchups that make them almost certainly two-start plays, but not without some elevated risk compared to the top tier. Questionable starters are those best suited for daily lineup leagues where you can bench them against the tougher of their two opponents or are more situation-dependent in weekly leagues. Finally, we have the Avoid tier, which includes two start SPs who should remain on your bench or the wire.
Each week, I’ll be selecting my Two-Start Streamer of the Week. The criteria for a streamer will be a rostered rate under 50% in Yahoo leagues. The Streamer of the Week will be highlighted in the tables in green. Reach out to me in the PL+ Discord or on Twitter @AnthonyTucker81 and let me know if you’d grade the weekly streamer as a win or loss.
As a friendly reminder, the projected starters are just that, projections and subject to change.
Set and Forget
- Max Fried’s complete game shutout should be enough to quell any early concerns, even if it came against the Marlins. Expect his meager 8.2% K-BB% to continue moving in the right direction.
Most Likely
- MacKenzie Gore and Nick Lodolo won’t have the benefit of any easy matchups, but they’ve both demonstrated they can hold their own against any opponent. The pair of lefties are assets for their strikeout upside alone, but each appears to be coming into its own as a trusted fantasy option.
- Garrett Crochet’s early season highs have been supplanted by even lower lows. If he wasn’t able to power past an often overmatched Twins team this week, why is the optimism heading into next? Mainly, his still strong 25.6% K-BB% and a belief that if he exhibits slightly better command it should lead to a better outcome against Minnesota in a rematch. In addition, a trip to St. Louis against a sputtering Cardinals team makes Crochet a better option than what is available on your bench or waiver wire.
Questionable
- Bryce Miller introduced a splitter this season as he continues to develop his pitch mix to best complement his four-seamer. In most weeks, he’d probably end up in Tier 2 even if there are some bumps in the road as he continues progression in his first full season in the big leagues. Next week, however, warrants some caution. In daily leagues, it’s best to avoid starting any non-SP1 or SP2, particularly one who is almost solely dependent on his fastball. The Astros, despite their record, remain an offense to be reckoned with, even if they’re getting no production from the bottom third of the lineup. You can likely risk it against Houston, but it’s an easy bench against the Braves.
- Trevor Rogers is this week’s Two Start Streamer of the Week. Despite a 4.10 ERA and 1.52 WHIP, Rogers has started to show signs of being a potential option for the backend of 12-team rosters. While an improved feel for his three-pitch arsenal is promising, the primary reason to add Rogers in advance of next week is who he’ll be facing. The Nationals have been punchless against LHP in the first month of the season, slugging just .300 against southpaws. Combine that with a weekend trip to Oakland and Rogers has an ideal opportunity ahead. For those looking for a streamer with a stronger supporting cast behind him, Jon Gray is also an option. His outlook feels a bit more precarious, particularly with the Royals looking a bit more formidable than in seasons past.
- Yariel Rodríguez through Cooper Criswell are 15-team league options based almost solely on their matchups. In most cases, it’s best to avoid. They’re mostly reserved for teams that have been ravaged by the continued onslaught of SP injuries.
Avoid
- Kenta Maeda may have bounced back with some improved velocity in his previous start, but it’s not enough to shake the concern that he doesn’t have anything left in the tank. The same goes for James Paxton, whose early returns for the Dodgers have looked nothing like his first half success last season. Both should be on waivers until further notice.
- Steven Matz may have a tantalizing schedule up ahead, but unlike even the 15-team arms at the bottom of Tier 3, we haven’t seen any indication he’ll be able to make it worthwhile in roto or points.
Two-Start Streamer of the Week Record: 2-2. Zack Littell’s rough start against the Tigers, even with 7 Ks, is enough to call last week’s pick a loss, even with a weekend start still to come.