Welcome to the final 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
- We’ve made it to the end of the regular season. There’ll be a TON of changes to team probables as teams clinch playoff berths or are eliminated. For those who do make two starts, it’s never a guarantee in the final weekend of the season that it’ll be a full workload.
- Bobby Miller is a prime candidate to have his second start skipped or abbreviated as the Dodgers align their rotation for the playoffs. In his absence, it’s possible Ryan Pepiot could see a start at Oracle Park. The same goes for any of the aces whose teams could secure a Wild Card spot in advance of the weekend.
- Aaron Nola hasn’t looked like a fantasy ace this year, but against the Pirates and a potential second at the Mets, he’ll remain in your lineup in what has been a frustrating year.
Most Likely
- Hunter Greene and Michael King are both coming off electric double-digit strikeout performances. They’ll be in your lineup as they look to end the year on a high note. King looks to have forced his way into the Yankees’ 2024 rotation plans and should be an interesting target in drafts next spring.
- Despite a start in Colorado, Kenta Maeda should be a start for both outings. Coors always comes with risk, but the Rockies have been pedestrian even at home this year.
Questionable
- Of potential arms still available on waivers, Reese Olson is by far the most interesting given a favorable schedule. Moreover, he’s tallied four consecutive quality starts. He’s been getting by with a fair bit of luck, but it’s reasonable to expect it not to run out against the Royals and Guardians. He’s the final Two Start Streamer of the Week.
- After excellent first halves, Bryce Elder and Mitch Keller have come falling back down to earth. They’re risky one-start streaming options against the Nats and Marlins. For those in need of volume in the final week, Paul Blackburn might make sense in 15-team leagues.
Avoid
- Jon Gray has had a brutal month of September and likely should be avoided, even with two starts.
- Thanks to all for reading this season and bringing your questions via Twitter and the PL Discord. Best of luck to all those competing for a fantasy championship this week!
Two-Start Streamer of the Week Record: 7-7.
Featured Image by Michael Packard (@CollectingPack on Twitter) / Photo by Cliff Welch & Leslie Plaza Johnson /con Sportswire