Every week we’ll recommend three two-start pitchers for those in weekly leagues, focusing on those who are owned in under 50% of ESPN leagues. Get a leg up on your opponents and snatch them up before the week rolls around.
Nathan Karns (MIN, KC) – It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Karns these days as he sits at #44 on The List. He’s sporting a 3.03 ERA (3.55 FIP, 3.33 xFIP) across his last 12 starts, holding an elite 9.61 K/9 in that span. Walks aren’t much of an issue either, as he’s allowed more than 2 walks just twice in those outings. While his Kansas City matchup isn’t ideal, hosting Minnesota in spacious Tropicana Field makes for a comfortable stream for the Tampa Bay rookie.
Charlie Morton (@MIA, COL) – A month ago this choice would have seemed obtuse – it still might slightly – but Morton has kicked it into another gear in his last four starts, where he’s accumulated 28 strikeouts in 25 innings. His Curveball has been the impetus for his success, and his O-swing rate has increased nearly 10 points. Ride the train to pitcher friendly Miami Park and home against the Rockies, who rank near the bottom of hitting metrics when playing on the road.
Nathan Eovaldi (HOU, @ATL) – What Eovaldi lacks in upside he makes up with a solid floor that has allowed more than 4 ER only twice all season, and more than 3 ER just five times. He won’t blow you away with a high K rate – 6.65 K/9 – but his 3.52 FIP should help as he gets a pair of decent matchups against Houston and Atlanta. To help ease concerns, Eovaldi pitched one of his best games of the season last time out, striking out eight batters across seven innings of work. With the dearth of serviceable options on the wire, I’d take my chances hoping the success lasts for the Yankee flamethrower.