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 help you squeak out a win.
In your seasonal leagues, 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.
Quick note: Given the time of this article being published, this one is a quick hit list of guys you can probably rely on for multiple starts this week. Of course, this is subject to change, but your weekly lineups and DFS slates can benefit from a lot of these hurlers.
Week 5 Two-Start Pitchers
Yusei Kikuchi & Kevin Gausman – Blue Jays
Opponents: @ Royals, @ Dodgers
The Blue Jays have been surprisingly good this year, but yet are forgotten in the conversation with the shockingly competitive AL East. The Royals shouldn’t be too scary of a matchup, and while the Dodgers are always a threat, they are beatable. We’re on board with them both this week.
Tanner Houck – Red Sox
Opponents: @ Guardians, v Cubs
As we mentioned on our Monday show, the Red Sox rotation has been a delight this season. After throwing a Complete Game Shutout against the Twins last week, Houck continued to reinforce this thought process: start the Red Sox pitchers until they prove otherwise.
Pablo Lopez – Twins
Opponents: v White Sox, @ Angels
Apart from the blowup against the Tigers, Lopez has been as steady as they come in the starting pitcher department. His last outing against the Orioles, a no-decision even though he gave up just one run, was an encouraging bounce-back. Plus, the matchups this week are juicy.
Dylan Cease – Padres
Opponents: @ Rockies, v Phillies
It’s always risky to recommend a pitcher going into Coors Field, but the Rockies don’t scare anyone right now. Cease looks great in San Diego, and his strikeout rate is plenty high. In points leagues, he’s not as risky as it might look on paper.
Zack Littell – Rays
Opponents: v Tigers, @ White Sox
3 straight no-decisions later, Littell is still going under the radar. He has allowed 3 earned runs or less in all 4 of his starts so far this year. He’s been a decent source of Ks, ERA, and doesn’t walk many batters. The Tigers are a tough team, but the White Sox are well worth the start alone.
Other Nice Two-Start Pitchers
Jared Jones, PIT – v Brewers, @ Giants
Christopher Sanchez, PHI – @ Reds, @ Padres
James Paxton, LAD – @ Nationals, @ Blue Jays
Dane Dunning, TEX – v Mariners, v Reds
Which two-start pitchers are you keeping your eye on this week?
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