One last batch of two start pitchers before we hit the All-Star break. Looks can be deceiving, but the options are much more appealing than they were last week. The Sugar Cookies are an odd group this week, seeing a combination of struggling stars, surprising youngsters, and at least one old standby I never expected to see that level again. I admit I’m skeptical of that one, but Streamonator likes his matchups, and recent results give reason for optimism.
Anyway, let’s get to 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Zack Wheeler, Phi | LAD | OAK |
| Chris Sale, Atl | @ARI | @SD |
| Logan Gilbert, Sea | @SD | @LAA |
| Zac Gallen, Ari | ATL | TOR |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Abbott, Cin | COL | MIA |
| Ronel Blanco, Hou | MIA | TEX |
| Shota Imanaga, ChC | @BAL | @STL |
| Frankie Montas, Cin | COL | MIA |
| Jose Quintana, NYM | WSH | COL |
| Jack Flaherty, Det | CLE | LAD |
| Christian Scott, NYM | @PIT | COL |
| Carlos Rodon, NYY | @TB | @BAL |
| Jake Irvin, Wsh | @NYM | @MIL |
| Brayan Bello, Bos | OAK | KC |
- Streamonator has Rodon as the third best option this week. but his recent string of starts does not inspire anything close to that confidence for me. I sort of want to put him even lower than this, but he’s made me look foolish before.
- Conversely, the machine is significantly lower on Irvin than I am. I can understand why, but he’s been dealing all season. I’m happy to let it ride for a two start 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mitch Keller, Pit | NYM | @CHW |
| Dean Kremer, Bal | CHC | NYY |
| Ryan Pepiot, TB | NYY | CLE |
| Miles Mikolas, StL | @WSH | CHC |
| Yusei Kikuchi, Sea | @SF | @ARI |
| Gavin Williams, Cle | @DET | @TB |
| Colin Rea, Mil | PIT | WSH |
| David Festa, Min | @CHW | @SF |
| Jordan Hicks, SF | TOR | MIN |
| Keider Montero, Det | CLE | LAD |
| Charlie Morton, Atl | @ARI | @SD |
| Ben Lively, Cle | @DET | @TB |
- Three of Keller’s last four starts have been rough. Before that he had run off six straight good-to-great outings. He’s frustrating because when he’s on he’s on and when he’s off he’s off, and there’s no rhyme or reason to when it flips from one to the other. I’d start him if I had him this week, but I’d feel a little nervous about it. Hence the tier.
- Streamonator actually has Bailey Ober lined up to start the week for Minnesota, but he has pitched more recently than Festa. As a result, I’m betting Festa is the one who pulls double duty.
- Replace “Bailey Ober” with “Kenta Maeda,” “Minnesota” with “Detroit,” and “Festa” for “Montero” from the prior blurb and read it again.
- Morton is this week’s honorary Brave who would get two starts if they don’t decide to throw in a random spot-start from someone this week. More often than not, that guy doesn’t actually make two starts. Be prepared.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jon Gray, Tex | @LAA | @HOU |
| Davis Daniel, LAA | TEX | SEA |
| Mitchell Parker, Wsh | STL | @MIL |
| Trevor Rogers, Mia | @HOU | @CIN |
| Andre Pallante, StL | KC | CHC |
| Chris Flexen, ChW | MIN | PIT |
| Joey Estes, Oak | @BOS | @PHI |
| Martin Perez, Pit | @MIL | @CHW |
| Roansy Contreras, LAA | TEX | SEA |
| Cal Quantrill, Col | @CIN | @NYM |
| Yilber Diaz, Ari | ATL | TOR |
| Dakota Hudson, Col | @CIN | @NYM |
- Rogers has been bad a lot more than he’s been good this season, though he’s looked better recently. I could understand the temptation to use him this week, but I don’t recommend it.
- Pallante is penciled in for two starts based on the Cardinals having a double header scheduled for Saturday. But, seeing how often teams call someone up to handle duties for one of those games, this berry really shouldn’t be counted on to be worth the squeeze.
- Yes, I know what Estes did in his last outing. No, I do not trust him to replicate it with those matchups.
