The year is 2021. A Covid ridden 2020 has turned pitching into a post-apocalyptic landscape where no pitcher in the MLB threw more than 84 innings (Except Matt Moore) MOORE on him later. With the worry of how many teams will use a 6 Man rotation, and whether or not pitchers will be on a short leash to try and manage innings, everything pitching is in question. None the less there will assuredly be a bevy of 2 start pitchers for the next 25 weeks. This is just the beginning so let’s get crackin’.
THE GOOD: Start in Points or Categories Leagues
1. Jacob deGrom NYM: 4/5 @ PHI, 4/10 vs MIA
-A Covid postponed series with the Nats has given him a 2 start week. Start with impunity.
2. Max Scherzer WAS: 4/5 vs ATL, 4/10 @ LAD
-Mondays start is very much up in the air due to positive Covid testing in the clubhouse. If the Nats begin there season Monday or Tuesday Mad Max will be in line for a 2 start week. A tough first 2 matchups here against the two NLCS teams from last year, but at the very least expect strikeouts.
3. German Marquez COL: 4/6 vs ARI, 4/11 @SF
-For years Marquez has flashed his ace potential throughout the season. Can he put it all together this year? His Problems have always come at his home ballpark of Coors Field. And again on opening day he was shaky going 4 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 6 BB, and 2 Ks. Not ideal but we can forgive him against the Dodgers. A bounce back at home against a light hitting Arizona team feels likely, followed by a start in the pitcher friendly confines of Oracle Park make Marquez a lock for good production in both starts.
4. Dustin May LAD: 4/5 @ OAK, 4/11 vs WAS
-The highly touted prospect has made the opening day roster and will get to prove his chops this year at the backend of an already great rotation. May has done nothing but be productive in his first 2 stints in the majors backed by 2.98 ERA and 1.09 WHIP over 26 Appearances. Not a huge strikeout guy but there is upside for it in his repertoire. NOTE: WAS game is still up in the air.
THE QUESTIONABLE
5. Drew Smyly ATL: 4/5 @ WAS, 4/11 vs PHI
-Smyly enjoyed a nice comeback year with the Giants last year sporting a whopper of a 14.35 K/9 (26.1 IP), none the less it was his best year since 2015. Can he make good on the 11 mil contract the braves awarded him? The lefty can prove it this week against 2 divisional foes. NOTE: WAS game might be postponed. If it’s played, I like him against what I think is an overrated lineup. The Phillies will be a tougher matchup, they sport a line up filled with righties who feast on lefties.
6. Jordan Montgomery NYY: 4/5 vs BAL, 4/11 @ TB
-Montgomery has a good floor this week going up against 2 divisional opponents, A bad Orioles team, and a Rays team that in my estimation has lost some punch. Montgomery had his highest K/9 last year in seasons with 5 starts or more at 9.61 and has always pitched to an ERA that somewhat mimics his decent FIP. Expect more of the same in these 2 outings.
7. Trevor Rodgers MIA: 4/5 vs STL, 4/11 @ NYM
-Hit with some bad luck to start his career, evidenced by a .380 BABIP, Rodgers pitched to 6.11 ERA last year. Excellent secondary stuff led to a 12.54 K/9 and a much lower FIP than ERA. The 22 year old is a decent breakout candidate in an already young, talented Marlins staff.
8. Frankie Montas OAK: 4/5 vs LAD, 4/10 @ HOU
-In 2019 Montas tantalized us with a new pitch. A splitter that seemed unhittable, this led to a breakout year ending in an eventual suspension for PED’s. Yet in his return last year he got shelled in 11 starts to the tune of a 5.60 ERA. His K/9 increased to 10.19 but so did the rest of his peripherals in a bad way. Two tough match ups to start the year, so we will see if the splitter splits, will we get the untouchable 19′ Montas or the very hittable 20′ Montas. Very high upside here, but if things go south quickly don’t be afraid to cut bait.
9. Carlos Rodon CHW: 4/5 @ SEA, 4/11 @ KC
-Inconsistency. The Word that sums up Carlos Rodon on the mound. For many years he has has some really great games…and then some real stinkers. The one thing I’ve consistently seen throughout his career, is he generally pitches well against bad teams. which is why he makes this list.
10. Matt Moore PHI: 4/5 vs NYM, 4/11 @ ATL
-The former number 1 Overall Prospect Matt Moore is back in the MLB! After throwing more innings than any pitcher in baseball last year in Japan, Matt Moore is back with a revamped slider and a fastball velocity he hasn’t had since his days with the rays. It might be too early to take a look at adding him to your roster, but if he shows out against two good lineups, he could be a diamond in the rough for many fantasy managers out there. Proceed with caution.
THE SLEEPERS
11. Logan Allen CLE: 4/5 vs KC, 4/11 vs DET
-He may not start Sunday since Cleveland has two days off this week so we’ll see how that approach it, He may be piggy backed by another pitcher in his starts, but there’s one thing I know and its that I LOVE this guys stuff. In 14 Spring Training innings he allowed 1 ER, 3 BB and stuck out 18. After a mid season trade with the Padres in 19′ Allen is stepping on to the Assembly floor out of the Indians Pitching Factory, and looks poised to cement a spot in the rotation against two lackluster AL Central ball clubs this week.
12. Adrian Morejon SD: 4/5 vs SF, 4/11 @ TEX
-The same applies for Morejon as it does to Allen, He may not start twice, he may get piggy backed out of the bullpen. This guy made the roster for a reason though and he has a ton of upside. No harm in taking a shot at a high level prospect on a good team that made the roster out of camp.
THE UGLY: DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME THIS EARLY IN THE SEASON
Anthony Desclafani, Nick Pivetta, Cole Irvin, Daniel Ponce de Leon, Danny Duffy, J.A. Happ, Trevor Williams, Tanner Roark, Rich Hill, J.T. Brubaker, Brett Anderson, Luke Weaver, Jeff Hoffman, Mike Foltynewicz, Jose Urena, Jorge Lopez, and Anthony Kay.
Good luck this week, don’t do anything crazy, and remember it is ONLY THE BEGINNING.
