Welcome to this week’s edition of the 2023 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. 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 roster-rate under 50% in Yahoo or ESPN 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
- Two NL East aces get their week started against the division’s top squad. Sandy Alcantara ran out of gas in Atlanta in his previous start and Max Scherzer returns from a 10-game suspension. Look for both to come out motivated.
Most Likely
- Amongst starters available in 50% or more of leagues, Drew Smyly and MacKenzie Gore are the clear standouts. Amongst the lefties, I’d prefer Gore rest of the season. When it comes to this week’s rankings, however, the Cubs’ veteran gets the edge and is the Two-Start Streamer of the Week due to the better matchups. Outside of his first start of the year, Smyly has been one of the under-the-radar assets for fantasy squads. As long as he continues to locate his sinkers up and curveball down, he should be able to keep things rolling against the Nats and Marlins.
- Kodai Senga has struggled mightily with his command all season. His unsightly 1.58 WHIP has practically negated the value he’s provided with strikeouts. It’s fair to question how long your leash with rostering Senga should be. In five starts, he’s faced the Marlins twice, A’s, Giants, and Nats. It’s hard to imagine any starter has had a cushier schedule in April. As luck would have it, he tentatively lines up against two more weak offenses in the Tigers and Rockies (assuming Max Scherzer returns to the mound when first available). If he can’t put it together this week, he’s a likely bench or drop moving forward.
Questionable
- In weekly leagues, the volatility or tough matchups involved with these arms make them true toss-ups. Blake Snell, José Berríos, and Yusei Kikuchi have reputations as volatile arms that can derail your ratios at a moment’s notice. Weigh your options and hold your breath if you have them in your lineup.
- Tyler Wells and Domingo Germán are one-start streaming candidates in deeper leagues. Tyler Mahle left his last start with an injury. At the time of writing, it’s unclear if he’ll require an IL stint and the Twins have not announced any rotation adjustments. Be on the lookout if Bailey Ober gets the call back to the big leagues.
- Steven Matz and Zack Greinke each have one tempting matchup. They’ve both shown the downside, however, and aren’t in consideration to grab off the wire next week.
Two-Start Streamer of the Week Record: 0-4. The losing streak continues as Kyle Bradish’s first start of the week was a meltdown.
Looks like you left our Charlie Morton. Then again, with the two rainouts, who knows what the Braves’ rotation will look like this week!
Hey Brian, thanks for reading! I’d slot Morton in tier 2. There’s always some shuffling with projected starters, but rainouts made this week’s list a bit off (it publishes on Saturday so projected starters are typically based on how things line up on Friday morning)
I didn’t notice mason miller or Hayden wisniewski on there. Both are better than a few mentioned. Polish is pitching against the Nats and Marlins. Miller has SEA and KC.