Instead of relegating him to bullpen duties, the Cardinals have opted to send Jake Westbrook to the disgraceful list. In a corresponding move, they’ve called up Carlos Martinez from Triple-A. As of the time of this writing there’s been no official word, but it appears likely that Martinez will claim Westbrook’s spot in the starting rotation. That’d make C-Mart the probable starter for Monday, putting him in line for two starts next week. If you’ve been paying attention, you know that I’ve not been shy about my unhealthy adoration for Martinez. The 21-year-old is flat out filthy — 4-seamers at 98; 2-seamers with unreal sink at 96; deceptive change in the mid-80s. If he can shore up his location, he brings as much K-potential as any pitcher in baseball, and that’s not hyperbole. I listed Martinez as a first tier guy below, even considering the tough match-ups. If you have a chance to watch him pitch next week, please do. It’s truly something to behold. The rest of your two-starters are below.
As always, probable pitchers are subject to change. For a look at all fantasy baseball streamers, click that link.
MUST START
Zack Greinke (CHC, SD); Cliff Lee (@NYM, @CHC); Hisashi Iwakuma (TEX, @HOU); James Shields (@MIN, @TOR); Justin Verlander (OAK, CLE); Anibal Sanchez (OAK, CLE); C.J. Wilson (@TB, @MIL), Alex Wood (CLE, MIA)
- Yep. Do it.
FIRST TIER
Carlos Martinez (@ALT, @PIT); Kyle Lohse (@PIT, LAA); Zack Wheeler (PHI, @WAS); Jonathon Niese (PHI, @WAS); Gerrit Cole (MIL, STL)
- If you skipped the lede, scroll back to the top and read my thoughts on Carlos Martinez (2% owned in Y! leagues). Watching him pitch is like a religious experience… Through his last two starts, Jon Niese (37%) has posted 18 K’s while allowing just 2 ER. He’s beginning to look more like the dude folks paid $5 for back in March, and he draws an easy slate in week 22… Zack Wheeler (43%) and Gerrit Cole (50%) haven’t exactly been the golden gods we dreamed they’d be back in May, but they’ve been pretty damn good nonetheless, and they’re both grossly under-owned. I can’t imagine sitting either this week… Kyle Lohse (67%) is less available than the others, but shallow-leaguers might be able to snag one.
SECOND TIER
Tyson Ross (@ARI, @LAD); R.A. Dickey (NYY, KC); Jarred Cosart (@CWS, SEA); A.J. Griffin (@DET, TB); Danny Salazar (@ATL, @DET); Felix Doubront (BAL, CWS); Miguel Gonzalez (@BOS, @NYY)
- Since joining the rotation in late July, Tyson Ross (33%) is whiffing better than a batter-per-inning. And throughout that 6-start stretch, Ross has allowed more than 2 runs only once. He’s a borderline first tier guy right now. Use him this week if you can get your hands him… Danny Salazar (22%) doesn’t have the prettiest schedule in the week ahead, but you can’t go wrong using him if you’re chasing whiffs. As always, the upside is quite large with him… Jarred Cosart (12%) is bound to regress one of these days (1.60 ERA, 4.45 xFIP), but I’m hopeful he has one more hot week in him. The start versus Chicago should help keep him rolling, but the Seattle offense has been quietly mashing for a solid month now, so that might be where his luck runs out. Let’s hope not… The rest of your two-start streamer options for week 22: Miguel Gonzalez (23%), Felix Doubront (28%), A.J. Griffin (60%).
THIRD TIER
Ross Ohlendorf (MIA, NYM); Kyle Kendrick (@NYM, @CHC); Nathan Eovaldi (@WAS, @ATL); Juan Nicasio (SF, SD); Mike Leake (@STL, @COL); Brandon McCarthy (SD, SF); Travis Blackley (@SEA, MIN); Andre Rienzo (HOU, @BOS)
- The playoffs are about to begin for some weekly leagues, and I imagine a few of you are desperate. You’re ready to ditch your integrity and dip into tier three because it’s your only prayer. The dickhead you’re facing probably has Greinke, Wilson, and Sanchez, and he’s been stashing Wheeler and Cole since he mapped out the playoff week probables last month. I get it. Well, desperate guy, I hate to inform you that you’re in big troubs. But if tier three is your only hope, things could be worse — Ohlendorf, Kendrick, Nicasio, and McCarthy all draw friendly opponents in the week ahead. Use with caution, but they do provide a glimmer of upside.
DON’T START
Barry Zito (@COL, @ARI); Jake Arrieta (@LAD, PHI); Joe Saunders (TEX, @HOU); Kevin Correia (KC, @TEX); Jeremy Hellickson (LAA, @OAK); Jeremy Guthrie (TB, @TOR)
- I don’t care how desperate you are. Don’t go here.
