Hope you haven’t blinked because just like that the Major League Baseball season is just about at the All-Star Break. What does that mean for Fantasy Baseball? A couple of things. Teams are either gearing up for the playoffs, focusing on next year by unloading talent for young prospects or trying to maintain what little dignity they may have left at this point. Regardless of what your current situation is, one thing is certain. That is, you want your fantasy team to continue scoring points and two-start pitchers can help you do just that.
For more help setting this week’s lineups check out Eric Cross’ Waiver Wire Pickups.
Two-Start Pitchers for Week of July 9
*As always, keep in mind that these are the probable two-start pitchers as of Saturday, July 7 and are subject to change.
No-Brainer Two-Start Pitchers
It’s simple. These are the two-start pitchers you should slot into your roster and not worry about them. These are the guys that have a pair of favorable matchups, are hot of late, or are just plain studs.
- Justin Verlander – 7/10 vs. OAK, 7/15 vs. DET
- Gerrit Cole – 7/9 vs. OAK, 7/14 vs. DET
- Aaron Nola – 7/9 @ NYM, 7/14 @ MIA
- Trevor Bauer – 7/10 vs. CIN, 7/15 vs. NYY
- Clayton Kershaw – 7/9 @ SD, 7/14 vs. LAA
- Patrick Corbin – 7/10 @ COL, 7/15 @ ATL
- Jose Berrios – 7/9 vs. KC, 7/14 vs. TB
- Mike Clevinger – 7/9 vs. CIN, 7/14 vs. NYY
- Eduardo Rodriguez – 7/10 vs. TEX, 7/15 vs. TOR
A ton of aces will be making two starts this week before heading into the All-Star break. Verlander, Cole, and Kershaw lead the group with a handful of big-game names right behind them. It goes without saying that there is no need to worry when sending these guys out for two starts.
Safe Bets
There’s no doubt that these guys could go out there and keep opposing hitters at bay. They’re the kind of pitchers you can lean on to give you six quality innings. They’re solid, safe bets and should be relied on to put forth respectable outings.
Sean Manaea – 7/10 @ HOU, 7/15 @ SF
Not to sound cliche but Manaea has had the definition of a roller coaster season. After an incredible start, then a huge slide, Manaea has bounced back since the start of June. He’s registered a quality start in each of his last five starts, though he’s struck out just 20 batters over those 33.1 innings. He won’t blow people away but Manaea should get the job done.
Kyle Hendricks – 7/9 @ SF, 7/15 @ SD
While June was a didn’t go as planned for Hendricks, he’s got a great opportunity to right the ship in July. His 6.75 ERA since June 1 isn’t the best sight but when you get to face the Giants and Padres back-to-back, good things await.
Kyle Hendricks hasn’t turned the corner yet: “It’s very unfamiliar from the dugout watching it out there” https://t.co/n3rPxPfYQc
— NBC Sports Chicago (@NBCSChicago) July 4, 2018
Chase Anderson – 7/9 @ MIA, 7/14 @ PIT
Great matchups are the story again with Anderson. He gets Miami first, who ranks in the bottom half of the league in average versus righties. In Pittsburgh, he gets one of the worst teams over the last ten games and losers of their last four.
CC Sabathia – 7/10 @ BAL, 7/15 @ CLE
I’m not sure many of you would’ve believed me if I told you CC Sabathia would be considered a safe bet to make two starts before the All-Star game. The big man is coming off of back-to-back quality starts and has lowered his ERA to 3.02 over 89.1 innings.
Proceed With Caution
It’s never a sure thing what you’re going to get from these guys. Their matchups aren’t overly challenging, which could allow them to turn in some really solid numbers. There’s always risk with these guys, though, so don’t expect too much.
Rich Hill – 7/10 @ SD, 7/15 vs. LAA
When healthy, Hill has looked pretty good in his few starts this year. However, as it always has been, health is the big problem with Hill. He left his last start with neck tightness after sliding into home plate and while it doesn’t seem serious, it’s still something to keep in mind.
Zach Eflin – 7/9 @ NYM, 7/14 @ MIA
Like Hill, there are factors other than his talent that makes Eflin a risk for two starts this week. He also had to leave his last start with blister issues, something Hill is all too familiar with. He’s also not a sure thing to make two starts with the Phillies’ doubleheader with the Mets.
Garrett Richards – 7/10 vs. SEA, 7/15 @ LAD
Now I’ve always been a huge fan of Richards. When he’s on, man is he on. In his first start off the DL, Richards delivered 5.1 innings of two-run ball and struck out eight against a tough Mariners team. He’ll face Seattle for a third straight time, along with a tough Dodgers team next week.
- Dylan Bundy – 7/10 vs. NYY, 7/15 vs. TEX
- Mike Leake – 7/10 @ LAA, 7/15 @ COL
- Zack Wheeler – 7/9 vs. PHI, 7/14 vs. WAS
- Andrew Suarez – 7/9 vs. CHC, 7/15 vs. OAK
Keep up with all the latest Fantasy Baseball happenings with Van Lee, Jeff Zimmerman and Rob Silver on the Launch Angle Podcast.
Nothing To See Here
Stay away from these two-start pitchers. I know the thought of two starts in a week is tempting, but it’s more likely these guys put you in the negative than help you.
Danny Duffy
How quickly we forget about Danny Duffy, and with good reason. Duffy has been atrocious this season after two back-to-back quality campaigns the last two seasons. While he’s consistently pitching into the sixth inning, he’s not doing it pretty. I wouldn’t say all hope is lost with Duffy but I’m giving him a few starts off if I own him.
- Mike Minor
- Corey Oswalt
- Luis Perdomo
- Ivan Nova
- Marco Estrada
- Antonio Senzatela
- Anthony DeSclafani
- Francisco Liriano
- Brian Johnson
- Jose Urena
- Chris Bassitt
- Jeremy Hellickson
- Andrew Cashner
- Eric Lauer
You’re still here? Obviously you are a Fantasy Baseball diehard. Why not relive draft day all over again? Head on over to Fantrax where you can draft a team 364 days a year.