First, I want to thank the loyal readers who have regularly checked out this column’s two-start pitcher advice throughout the season. As a reward for your consistent opinions, I’ll end by giving you… the list of the worst two-start pitchers 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 is playing seven games this week, and several teams have moved to a six-man rotation, limiting the number of starting pitchers. And every pitcher on this week’s roster is scheduled to make his second start on the final day of the regular season, meaning the regular season could easily be canceled for a shorter period. Fantasy baseball managers should target pitchers on teams that might have something to play for next weekend. They might also want to look at pitchers on teams that have been out of contention for a while, as they are likely to give a young starting pitcher a second outing this week.
Without further ado, here’s the best of a bad batch.
Two-Star Launchers (Listed in Order of Preference)
Mitch Spence, 7% (vs. TEX, @SEA)
You know it’s the final week of the season when a pitcher many readers haven’t heard of is the first man on the roster. But Spence has been respectable of late, posting a 2.70 ERA and a 22:7 strikeout ratio in his last five starts. The right-hander opens the week with a middling outing against the Rangers before facing a low-scoring Seattle team that has struck out more than any other team.
Jack Kochanowicz, 4% (@CWS, against TEX)
Kochanowicz has a 3.5 strikeout/9 rate and his fantasy ratios (4.56 ERA, 1.32 WHIP) are both mediocre. So why is he ranked 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 last start and has an excellent chance to pick up a win against the worst team in baseball. His second game was mediocre, especially with the Rangers playing without Corey Seager.
Eduardo Rodriguez, 36% (against SF, against SD)
Rodriguez hasn’t pitched well in eight starts since returning from the injured list (5.09 ERA, 1.45 WHIP) but turned heads by striking out 11 batters at Coors Field last time out. The left-hander opens the week with a middling outing against a Giants team that ranks 17th in runs scored before finishing with a tougher outing against a talented Padres team that rarely strikes out. And with Arizona and San Diego likely headed to the playoffs, Rodriguez’s second start could be part of a game that doesn’t matter for either club.
Jonathan Cannon, 3% (against LAA, @DET)
With a 4-10 record and a 4.61 ERA, Cannon won’t draw much 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 strikeout ratios and pick up a few misses when he opens the week with a favorable matchup against the Angels (27th in runs scored). His second start could be tough, as the Tigers are in the thick of a playoff race.
Doyen Kremer, 26% (@NYY, @MIN)
After struggling in August, Kremer allowed just one earned run in 13 innings over his first two September starts. But the right-hander came back down to earth last time out, allowing four earned runs (five total) against the Giants. He should be avoided in most leagues, as his first start will come against a Yankees team that ranks third in runs scored and his second outing 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 could struggle to rack up whiffs against the Padres, and he has major blowout potential starting at Coors Field on the season’s final day.
Single Start Streamers
In order, here are the top streamers of the week, with their start dates and Yahoo! prices in parentheses.
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Brant Hurter vs CWS (Saturday 13)
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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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José Suárez @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 13)
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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 23)
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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 confrontations from Monday to Thursday
Cardinals vs Rockies: The Cardinals haven’t had a great offensive season, but they can end the season 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 major impact in all formats.
Royals vs Nationals: The Royals have the most intriguing lineups heading into the week, as they’ll be facing three left-handed starters from Washington. And with many of Kansas City’s regulars hitting left, the team will pivot toward right-handed or ambidextrous hitters for this series. Fantasy managers can expect Robbie Grossman (0%) and Hunter Renfroe (4%) to occupy important roster spots.
