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 rostership 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
- Freddy Peralta’s dominant second-half run is perhaps one of the most under-discussed developments of this season. He may not be in Cy Young consideration given his rough start to the year, but in the second half here’s where he ranks amongst qualified pitchers: Tied for first in Ks (93 with Spencer Strider, both with 11 starts), fifth in ERA (2.53), and first in WHIP (0.80).
Most Likely
- Put simply, we have another week of limited options in viable two-start pitchers (much less streamers). Assuming Ryan Pepiot makes his next start on Tuesday, he’s the clear Two-Start Pitcher of the Week given great matchups and a strong supporting cast behind him. He’s a preferable option than teammate, Lance Lynn, but the Dodgers’ trade deadline acquisition is an option in deeper leagues, even if uninspiring and risky.
Questionable
- You can consider all names in the questionable tier as one-start streamers for daily leagues with two exceptions: Javier Assad and Edward Cabrera. For Assad, it’s unclear if he’ll make two starts. Marcus Stroman was just returned off the IL and there has yet to be clarity around who he’ll replace in the rotation. If you’re considering Assad in weekly leagues, make sure to double-check check he’s actually making two starts.
- It’s hard to start Cabrera with any confidence. Few starters possess his stuff, but even fewer have such erractic command. If you’re starting him, you’re taking the risk of an elevated WHIP, as evidenced by a 16% walk rate.
Avoid
- Kyle Harrison is an interesting name to watch, but he’s currently too volatile to risk when there are safer one-start streamers.
Two-Start Streamer of the Week Record: 6-7.
Featured Image by Michael Packard (@CollectingPack on Twitter) / Photo by Cliff Welch & Leslie Plaza Johnson /con Sportswire
Is Pepiot actually a two start pitcher this upcoming week? Thank you!