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First, I want to thank the loyal readers who regularly took advice on two-start pitchers from this column throughout the season. As a reward for your consistent opinions, I’ll end by giving you… the worst two-start pitchers list of 2024!
It’s not my fault, and it’s not yours either.
The final week of the regular season is always a chaotic affair. No team plays seven games this week, and several teams have moved to a six-man rotation, limiting the number of pitchers who can start two games. And every pitcher on this week’s roster is set to make his second start on the final day of the regular season, meaning it could easily be canceled to be shortened. Fantasy baseball managers should target pitchers on teams that may have something to play for next weekend. They might also want to consider pitchers on teams that have been out of the race for a while, as they’re likely to give a young starter a second start this week.
Without further ado, here’s the best of a bad batch.
Two-Start Pitchers (Listed in Order of Preference)
Mitch Spence, 7% (vs. TEX, @SEA)
You know we’re in the final week of the season when a pitcher many readers haven’t heard of is the main man on the roster. But Spence has been respectable of late, posting a 2.70 ERA and a 22:7 strikeout:base hitter ratio in his last five starts. The right-hander opens the week with a mid-level matchup against the Rangers before facing a low-scoring Seattle team that has struck out more often than any other team.
Jack Kochanowicz, 4% (@CWS, vs. TEX)
Kochanowicz has a dismal strikeout rate per nine runs he pitches (3.5 K/9), and his fantasy ratings (4.56 ERA, 1.32 WHIP) are both bad. So why does he rank so high on this week’s list? One simple reason: his scheduled start against the White Sox on Tuesday. Kochanowicz pitched seven innings of one-run ball against Chicago in his most recent start, and he has an excellent chance to pick up a win against the worst team in baseball. His second matchup is average, especially with the Rangers playing without Corey Seager.
Eduardo Rodríguez, 36% (vs. SF, vs. SD)
Rodriguez hasn’t pitched well in eight starts since returning from the IL (5.09 ERA, 1.45 WHIP) but turned heads by striking out 11 batters at Coors Field last time out. The lefty opens the week with a mid-level matchup against a Giants team that ranks 17th in runs scored before finishing things off with a tougher outing against a talented Padres lineup that rarely strikes out. And with Arizona and San Diego likely headed to the postseason, Rodriguez’s second start could be part of a meaningless game for both clubs.
Jonathan Cannon, 3% (vs. LAA, @DET)
With a 4-10 record and a 4.61 ERA, Cannon will draw little attention in fantasy baseball leagues. The right-hander can’t be counted on to win while pitching for the worst team in baseball, but he could post decent rates and get some strikeouts when he opens the week with a favorable matchup against the Angels (27th in runs scored). His second start could be a challenge, as the Tigers are in the midst of a postseason race.
Dean Kremer, 26% (@NYY, @MIN)
After struggling through August, Kremer allowed one earned run in 13 innings over his initial two starts in September. But the right-hander came back down to Earth in his last outing when he allowed four earned runs (five total) against the Giants. He should be avoided in most leagues, as his first start will be against a Yankees team that ranks third in runs scored and his second start may not matter to Baltimore.
Landon Knack, 11% (vs. SD, @COL)
Knack has allowed two earned runs or fewer in four of his last five starts, but the other outing was a two-inning, five-run debacle against the Braves. Still, the right-hander would normally be recommended if his matchups this week weren’t so tough. Knack might struggle to rack up strikeouts against the Padres, and he has plenty of breakout potential if he starts at Coors Field on the final day of the season.
Single source transmitters
In order, here are the top streamers of the week, with their start dates and Yahoo! rankings in parentheses.
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Brant Hurter vs. CWS (Saturday 13th)
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Simeon Woods Richardson vs. MIA (Wednesday 16)
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Joey Estes @SEA (Saturday 12)
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Casey Mize vs. CWS (Friday 7th)
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Jose Suarez @CWS (Wednesday 1)
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Nick Martinez @CHC (Friday, 45)
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JP Sears @SEA (Friday, 36)
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David Festa vs. MIA (Thursday 13th)
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Reese Olson vs. TB (Thursday 23)
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Tylor Megill @MIL (Saturday 29)
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Kumar Rocker @OAK (Thursday 23rd)
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André Pallante @SF (Sunday 20)
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Yariel Rodriguez vs. MIA (Friday 11)
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Aaron Civale vs. NYM (Friday, 44)
Favorable batting matchups Monday through Thursday
Cardinals vs. Rockies: The Cardinals haven’t had a great year offensively, but they can close out the game on a high note when they visit Coors Field this week. Lars Nootbaar (24%), Jordan Walker (26%) and Masyn Winn (38%) could all make a big impact in all formats.
Royals vs. Nationals: The Royals have the most intriguing players entering the week, as they’ll face three left-handed starters from Washington. And since many Kansas City regulars hit from the left side, the team will focus on right-handed or switch-hitting hitters for this series. Fantasy managers can expect Robbie Grossman (0%) and Hunter Renfroe (4%) to take prominent spots in the lineup.
