Quite the top-heavy week for two-start pitchers. There are a ton of great weekly Best Ball options in this category for the week, with a lot of bounce-back guys and top of the rotation twirlers.
These guys have solid matchups across the board. Remember, in points leagues, a scary matchup can still be beneficial, so don’t shy away too much based on the opposing offense alone.
Quick note: Given the time of this article being published, this list is always subject to change, but your weekly lineups and DFS slates can benefit from a lot of these hurlers regardless.
Week 7 Two-Start Pitchers
Cole Ragans, Royals (1st Start – Monday)
Opponents: v Brewers, @ Angels
Has Ragans been the pitcher we all expected before the start of the season? Hard to say. The big blow up against the Orioles on April 20th torched his ERA, which sat under 2.00 before that matchup.
Thankfully, his last two starts, both against the Blue Jays, saw him correct course and collect his first two wins of the season. The Brewers matchup is tough, but the Mike Trout-less Angels are a solid enough reason to double-down on a guy we all know has Ace-stuff.
Luis Castillo, Mariners (1st Start – Monday)
Opponents: @ Twins, v Athletics
While the stats haven’t been pretty on paper, Castillo is doing much better on the mound than his record or the box score would tell you. He gave a rather impressive turn against the Braves last time out, giving up 0 ERs in seven innings, and the eye test is just as important as the stats.
He’s sitting with a 10.5 K/9 rate right now. The hard hit rate of 41.2% (as of last Friday) is pretty high, but in a points league the strikeouts and 2nd matchup of the week against the A’s are enough to be confident he’ll show up.
Shota Imanaga, Cubs (1st start – Monday)
Opponents: v Padres, @ Pirates
A BABIP of .220 could be due for regression, given Imanaga’s naissance in the MLB. However, he has looked the part of the ace many thought he would be. Imanaga has given up 3 ERs in 34.2 IP thus far, good for a sterling 0.78 ERA. Set it and forget it until he gives us reason to think otherwise.
Jack Flaherty, Tigers (1st Start – Monday)
Opponents: @ Guardians, v Astros
Talk about a bounce back start to the year for Flaherty. He has 50 strikeouts already, and is only behind Jared Jones as far as whiffs per pitch. The ERA isn’t remarkable, but Flaherty is showing shades of his old self and will be a worthwhile two-start pitcher this week.
Justin Verlander, Astros (1st Start – Monday)
Opponents: @ Yankees, @ Tigers
Aces do ace stuff. Verlander is an enigma, still pitching better than most at age 41. With an enviable 2.08 ERA, JV has kept opposing offenses off the base paths, even though he has given up 2 home runs in three starts. Given the up-and-down nature of the entire Astros team right now, they need Verlander to be their guy, especially this week.
Other Nice Two-Start Pitchers
Tyler Anderson, LAA – @ Pirates, v Royals
Bailey Ober, MIN – v Mariners, @ Blue Jays
Walker Buehler, LAD – v Marlins, @ Padres
Colin Rea, MIL – @ Royals, v Cardinals
Logan Allen, CLE – v Tigers, @ White Sox
Which two-start pitchers are you keeping your eye on this week?
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