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
- As we enter the final two-week stretch of the regular season, a reminder that probable starters are increasingly subject to change and outings may be abbreviated as certain teams look towards 2025.
- Amongst the top tier, Sean Manaea and Nick Pivetta stand out as potentially unexpected inclusions. Manaea has been on a tear the entire second half for the Mets, anchoring their rotation as they push for the final Wild Card spot. The Phillies pose a major challenge, but in weekly leagues, it’s not enough to force any second thoughts. Pivetta’s performances this season, similarly to much of his career, have been volatile. He’s on a roll currently, however, and brings high-end strikeout upside.
Most Likely
- There are a number of pitchers potentially worth adding available in 50% or more of Yahoo leagues, particularly in season-long roto. For those playing in season-long formats, it’s important to remember that ratio standings are likely already settled. Check your ERA and WHIP standings before making decisions, but the downside risk of starting Ryne Nelson or Albert Suárez or anyone in tier 3 is significantly muted.
- Shane Baz and Matthew Boyd each have established themselves as potential difference makers down the stretch. Baz has underwhelmed this season in terms of strikeouts, failing to exhibit the upper-echelon K% that made him one of the game’s top pitching prospects. Despite this, he’s still turned in a respectable 3.28 ERA across 60.1 IP. He’s this week’s Two-Start Streamer of the Week at home against two division foes.
- In a few instances does a 5.23 ERA and 1.39 WHIP give you any reason other than to send a pitcher back to the waiver wire, Gavin Williams might be one of the few exceptions. His sophomore season has not gone at all according to plan, starting the year with an extended stay on the IL and unable to build upon a promising rookie season once he returned. Watching Williams pitch, however, creates some room for optimism. Already equipped with a plus four-seamer, Williams has shown signs of an emergent cutter that could help him begin to turn things around.
Questionable
- We’ve seen what looks like a new and improved Reid Detmers in his return to the bigs this September. We have, however, seen strong stretches from the Halos’ lefty in the past only to have it fall apart soon after. He’s an easy choice to stream against the White Sox, but is likely best left on benches in daily leagues against the Astros.
- After a first half where he was one of the most valuable pitchers in fantasy, Ranger Suárez has done little to give fantasy managers any reason for optimism since June. Don’t let a 3.05 ERA on the year influence your start/sit decision as you try to get the most out of your roster in the playoffs. Suárez has pitched with decreased velocity since returning off the IL and doesn’t look to be the ratio-stabilizing arm with a high chance to earn a win that made him an asset.
- The Giants have yet to announce a return date for Robbie Ray, but it appears likely it’ll come early next week. He’ll pitch in two pitcher-friendly parks, albeit against two playoff-caliber teams. It’s likely best to exercise caution and bench at Baltimore while taking a wait-and-see approach for the Royals.
Avoid
- Zebby Matthews flew up prospect rankings on the basis of his elite command and a full arsenal of pitches. Despite skills that typically translate to a smooth transition in the majors, Matthews hasn’t seen results. A 7.11 ERA over his first career starts has quickly moved the rookie off the fantasy radar until next year.