This week is one where you either have the solid two start pitchers or you don’t. The good options this week are for the most part not around in free agency or on waivers in your league.
Two-Start Pitchers
Must Starts:
Ricky Romero, Toronto Blue Jays
Coming off a spectacular eight innings against the Orioles, Romero lowered his ERA to 3.01. Romero has been hot lately allowing more than 3 runs only once over his last 7 starts.
Anibal Sanchez, Florida Marlins
Sanchez has two very favorable matchups in the Angels and Mariners. That coupled with his incredibly successful 2011 start should keep him as a mainstay in your lineup.
Dillon Gee, New York Mets
Gee had only allowed one hit through four innings against the Braves before a rain delay killed his chances at earning his 8th win. Gee is the hot hand. Go with him.
Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants
While he does not have the wins to back it up, Bumgarner has been spectacular for the Giants, posting 10 straight quality starts. Go with him as he faces two weaker offenses in the Twins and the Indians.
Other Must Starts: Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies; Clayton Kershaw, LA Dodgers; Tim Hudson, Atlanta Braves; Jered Weaver, LA Angels
Take a Chance:
This is really not the week to take a chance on any two-start pitchers. I am stretching the “take a chance” section quite a bit this week.
Livan Hernandez, Washington Nationals
Livan just keeps chugging along despite his “fastball” being clocked under 85 mph. He gets the White Sox and Mariners this week after just finishing a complete game masterpiece against the strong Cardinals’ offense. He might be worth a look this week.
Spot Start Options:
Randy Wolf, Milwaukee Brewers
Wolf has been hot lately, giving up just one run over his last two starts in 13.2 innings of work. This week he gets the Minnesota Twins terrible offense at home, where he owns a 2.58 ERA this season. Wolf has actually only had one subpar start in his last five (written prior to Saturday’s start vs the Red Sox juggernaut offense). This is the week to give Wolfy a shot.
John Lannan, Washington Nationals
Lannan faces the Mariners this week, which alone makes him a viable starting option this week. Lannan has been great lately allowing more than 2 runs just once over his last 5 starts. The Nats’ lefty has posted a 1.77 ERA over his last three starts. Despite low strikeout numbers, Lannan is a good candidate for a spot start this week.
