Two Start Cookie Shop: September 1-7

It’s September! You know what that means. It means the boilerplate warning every week that this list is based on projected starts and not a guarantee of what teams will actually do becomes even more necessary. In the last couple weeks, we’ve already seen multiple teams make use of six-man rotations either to allow guys to rest or because they’ve brought up prospects to get a taste of the bigs. As we enter the homestretch, both those things will continue to happen. Along with that, guys will suddenly and without warning be shut down due to innings concerns. And, as always, injuries will rear their ugly heads.

As a result, we’ll have situations like we have this week, where Spencer Strider makes his third consecutive appearance in the rankings. Will he be there again next week? Who knows!

Even a team having a 7-game week can leave things a confusing mess. For instance, Houston just announced that Lance McCullers Jr. is being moved to the bullpen. They have been using a 6-man rotation, but what they’re doing this week isn’t clear at the time of writing. It may be Luis Garcia returning after an incredibly long absence to start Monday. If that’s the case, you’re not interested. But if Framber gets that Monday start? You’re very interested, indeed. However, their official listed rotation for the week is currently four guys named “TBD,” so no one is named in the tiers below.

So what I’m saying is, just be aware that things are going to be very annoying over the next few weeks. Hopefully, it all works out to your favor in your matchups.

Oh, and one last thing…this week’s slate is pretty ugly. So that’s fun for everyone. 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.

• I am pushing my definition of a Chocolate Chip Cookie farther than I really feel comfortable with this week. But if I didn’t, it would be a tier of one.

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.

• Bradish is not without risk. He’s only made one start since returning to the majors after Tommy John surgery, so he isn’t guaranteed to get that second start with the Orioles having a six-game week. If he does, he would also be facing the Dodgers. Ten K’s in that first outing back, though, makes me feel pretty good about using him even if it’s just for one outing.
• This might be overly aggressive for the young Athletics and Guardians hurlers, but they’ve more than held their own since arriving on the scene. They aren’t without risk, but while the guys coming up behind them might be more established, they aren’t any safer.

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.

• Every single one of these guys gives me heartburn trying to guess what they might do next. I’m sorry I don’t have more insight to offer on them. They might all go 7 IP with 9 Ks both times out. They might finish the 6th inning once between them. Do you see that description of this tier? There you go.

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.

• Just don’t, folks.