Ron Rigney shares his Best Two-Start Pitchers each week. Ron tells you who he believes will turn it around and who won’t. Follow Ron on Twitter – @RonRigney
Embed from Getty Images
Week 18 Pitching
My Favorite Two-Start Pitchers (in order from best to worst matchups)
Justin Verlander @ NYY, vs. WAS
The last place Yanks don’t scare anyone right now and the only team they are currently hitting better than is Oakland. Washington has some youth to be excited about, especially C.J. Abrams as of late, but they rank just 23rd in runs scored.
Luis Castillo @ MIN, @ ARZ
The Twins have struck out more than anyone in the Majors. The D’backs are much better with the stick, but Castillo is averaging 10.13 K/9 and an ERA just over 3.
Nathan Eovaldi @ HOU, @ SD
For a lineup that looks like a world-beater on paper, the Pads are hitting just .234 on the season and seem to be headed south fast. The Astros have been a bit better at a .249 clip, but Eovaldi is 71% consistent on the season, and has been equally as good on the road as he has at home.
Yu Darvish vs PIT, vs TEX
Both teams are middle of the road in strikeouts, but the Pirates have hit the fourth fewest homers in all of MLB. The Rangers are at the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of pop, hitting the sixth most jacks in the league. Both starts are at home, and we know pitchers love @tossing it at Petco Park.
Be careful…..
Jose Berrios @ LAD, vs LAA
Both teams have big bats that can change things with one swing. Not one of my favorite two start guys this week.
Waiver Wire Adds
Kenta Maeda (available in 25% of Fantrax leagues)
This is a shallow league add, as he’s probably owned in most deeper formats. Take away getting thumped to the tune of ten runs allowed in three innings and Maeda has been extremely useful in fantasy.
Matt Manning (available in 43% of Fantrax leagues)
He’s been mostly irrelevant in fantasy up until 2023. Manning has pitched at least five innings in every start this season while tallying a 3.38 ERA. His xFIP and FIP suggest he’s in for a bit of a rude awakening as the season progresses. Until that happens, he’s worth an add in deeper leagues.
