Two-start pitchers can make all the difference in your points leagues. In Weekly Best Ball drafts, these guys, while not as flashy as the top-of-the-draft guys, can get you more points on the whole and squeak out a win.
These aren’t the sexiest names or the juiciest matchups, but scared money don’t make money. If you’ve got a spot or two on your bench to continually turn over or you’re punting one-start studs in weekly drafts and going for bats first, this list should help. Let’s dive in.
Week 2 Two-Start Pitchers
Kevin Gausman – Blue Jays
Opponents: @ Astros, @ Yankees
On paper, the matchups aren’t great. Gausman, though, is the only Ace-adjacent pitcher with two starts in Week 2. Given the Astros’ start to the year and the fact they can’t win at home could bode well for Gausman.
Tanner Houck – Red Sox
Opponents: @ Athletics, @ Angels
That is a juicy couple of matchups. Both lineups look pretty miserable, and the Red Sox are a competitive enough lineup for Houck to be a solid start. He’s great in your weekly leagues if you want to maximize upside.
Reese Olsen – Tigers
Opponents: @ Mets, v Athletics
These matchups look nice. The Tigers are starting hot, and they send 2nd year pitcher Reese Olsen out twice this week. If he can navigate the Mets early in the week, the matchup against the A’s is to sweet to resist.
Edit: an earlier version had Casey Mize here, but he’s only slated for a Tuesday start. Still a good option!
Christopher Sanchez – Phillies
Opponents: v Reds, @ Nationals
A deep cut, back-of-the-rotation guy.With the Phillies lineup behind him, he’s worth a shot. A great Fantasy Bingo dart throw for some of the middling or negative achievements, and a decent upside pick in Challenges. The Reds are depleted, though dangerous, and the Nats are a weak lineup top-down.
Shota Imanaga – Cubs
Opponents: v Rockies, v Dodgers
The Rockies coming into Wrigley is going to be ugly. Until the team gets sold, I will start anyone who has the Rockies coming into their ballpark. The Dodgers matchup isn’t ideal, but we have to take the good with the bad in these two-start situations
Michael Wacha – Royals
Opponents: @ Baltimore, v White Sox
I don’t want to do it, but in weekly best ball leagues and, frankly, to go for some negative Bingo achievements, Wacha’s a fine candidate. He’ll have a rough go against the O’s, but Camden Yard is very much a pitchers’ park, and the White Sox are a nice enough palette cleanser.
Who are you keeping your eye on this week as possible two-start pitchers? Are you ignoring these guys altogether?
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