This week’s two start options are a big ol’ “Yikes.” It’s real ugly out there, folks. How bad is it? In the tiers below there are 18 pitchers who qualify as Oatmeal Cookies or better. That is equal to the number of Fortune Cookies. And I felt like I was stretching on some of those usable tiers.
Good luck out there this week, everyone. We’re going to need it.
What follows are our projections at time of writing as to who will be making two-starts this week, but weather, injuries, and secretive team management mean they are just that: projections. To stay as up-to-date as possible, consult Rudy Gamble’s invaluable Streamonator.
Chocolate Chip Cookies (Must Start)
They are kings of the cookie world for a reason. A warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie just makes you feel happy. Sort of like getting to set your rosters knowing you get two starts this week from these guys.
| Pitcher | First Start | Second Start |
|---|---|---|
| Tarik Skubal, Det | @MIN | @CIN |
| Grayson Rodriguez, Bal | @SEA | @OAK |
| Zack Wheeler, Phi | @CHC | @ATL |
- At the time of writing we have Wheeler penciled in to start on Tuesday for the Phillies. However, there is a good chance Michael Mercado takes that turn. You’re going to start Wheeler regardless, just be aware it may only be for one start. You do not want to use Mercado.
Sugar Cookies (Should Start)
They’re fine. You could certainly do worse than having these guys in your lineup, but don’t expect it to be remarkable.
| Pitcher | First Start | Second Start |
|---|---|---|
| Luis Castillo, Sea | BAL | TOR |
| Mitch Keller, Pit | STL | NYM |
| Reynaldo Lopez, Atl | SF | PHI |
| Hunter Brown, Hou | @TOR | @MIN |
- I think Lopez has been in this column more than any other pitcher this season. I don’t think he’s ever actually made two starts in a week. Maybe this is the week!
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (Could Start)
These aren’t for everyone. These are the pitchers that may be a pleasant surprise, or they could ruin your week. Tread lightly.
| Pitcher | First Start | Second Start |
|---|---|---|
| Luis Gil, NYY | CIN | BOS |
| Nathan Eovaldi, Tex | SD | TB |
| Mackenzie Gore, Wsh | NYM | STL |
| Jose Berrios, Tor | HOU | @SEA |
| Kutter Crawford, Bos | @MIA | @NYY |
| Kyle Gibson, StL | @PIT | @WSH |
| Spencer Arrighetti, Hou | @TOR | @MIN |
| Bobby Miller, LAD | ARI | MIL |
| Zack Littell, TB | @KC | @TEX |
| Brady Singer, KC | TB | @COL |
| Simeon Woods Richardson, Min | DET | HOU |
- How is Gil this low? Well, his last couple outings have been pretty rough. Perhaps it’s just a blip. These things happen with young pitchers, after all. However, he’s already at 85 IP this season after a total of 25 the previous two years combined. I completely understand using him this week if you have him, but his placement in this tier is me expressing my skepticism both his short-term and season-long prognoses.
Fortune Cookies (Do Not Start)
Yeah, they’re technically cookies. Hold on, what does that little slip of paper say? “Bad times are heading your way.” Oh. Okay, then.
| Pitcher | First Start | Second Start |
|---|---|---|
| Sean Manaea, NYM | @WSH | @PIT |
| Carlos Carrasco, Cle | CHW | SF |
| David Peterson, NYM | @WSH | @PIT |
| Mitch Spence, Oak | LAA | BAL |
| Hayden Birdsong, SF | @ATL | @CLE |
| Hayden Wesneski, ChC | PHI | LAA |
| DJ Herz, Wsh | NYM | STL |
| Graham Ashcraft, Cin | @NYY | DET |
| Yariel Rodriguez, Tor | HOU | @SEA |
| Austin Gomber, Col | MIL | KC |
| Chris Flexen, CWS | CLE | @MIA |
| Valente Bellozo, Mia | BOS | CHW |
| Ryan Feltner, Col | MIL | KC |
| Ryne Nelson, Ari | @LAD | @SD |
| Roansy Contreras, LAA | @OAK | @CHC |
| Adam Mazur, SD | @TEX | @ARI |
| Bryse Wilson, Mil | @COL | @LAD |
| Dallas Keuchel, Mil | @COL | @LAD |
- Streamonator has Rodriguez rated significantly higher than I do this week. I don’t understand why. He’s not good. (Watch him have two great outings just to spite me.)
- We technically have it listed as Erick Fedde lined up for double duty this week, but he pitched more recently than Flexen. If you see that he is indeed named to start first, he’s worth consideration.
