2018 Fantasy Baseball Week 14 Pitching Planner: Two-Start Boogie

464

In the latest pitching planner, we will talk starters in strange two-start weeks and run through the rest of the rankings. It's an overall odd week with lots of pitchers planned to return and, subsequently, others getting knocked out of their rotations.

If it seems I like I was in a hurry to write this, I was. I'm already late on this thing and the self-disappointment is real. I'm actually going on a scouting trip to watch a few San Diego Padres prospects in particular play against my hometown minor league squad. Be on the lookout for a write-up concerning Fernando Tatis Jr. and others very soon! However, I didn't rush the rankings at all, so no worries there!

First, time to go back to the first half of Week 13 to highlight some great outings.

MONDAY

• Welcome back, Kenta Maeda! He had his first good start in over a month and it was beautiful. He mowed down 21 out of 24 Cubs faced and struck out nine over seven innings. Hopefully, this is a sign that ol' Maeda has found his way back to glory. We miss you, buddy. We only want to see you succeed.
• You can say what you want, but Tyler Skaggs has been taking advantage of some great matchups in June. His latest masterpiece was a seven-inning, eight-strikeout performance against the Royals. Skaggs is enjoying a wonderful 2018 season that sees him running a 3.13 FIP and 3.39 xFIP. He's really underrated and turning into one of the pitching steals of the draft.
• No and no. What are those the answers to? The questions you're asking yourself about whether you should pick up Brad Keller or Edwin Jackson or not. These dudes aren't good at all, so don't waste your time.
• Blake Snell is in this introduction section every week. What else do you expect from an ace? That's right, I said ACE.

TUESDAY

• Alright, Freddy Peralta, I get it - you are just going to fastball your way to the top. No one's going to stop you! Not even my skepticism from the previous week. "A real man sticks by his original thought of Freddy Fastball not making it far." I know, internet troll, and I am planning to stick by it. It's just getting ridiculous though.
• David Price isn't quite back to his top-shelf form from when he was getting traded to a new contender seemingly every year. However, he is regaining most of that form, finishing off a sensational June with a stellar start against a tough Yankees lineup. He's one of those 'next best' arms for me outside of my top two tiers and could make a jump into the Auto-Stream group with time. We just need to be aware of how much Fortnite he is actually playing.
• Derek Holland and Nate Eovaldi are deep-league adds for those looking for decent streamers. I'm not exactly rushing out to get them, but they can be useful in the right context. Both had wonderful starts last week despite being in my 'Buyer Beware' section and they are growing on me. They are growing on me like a sloth traveling through mud - slow and terrible to watch.
• Tuesday was the "who's who's" day when it came to dominant pitcher performances. Luis Severino, Charlie Morton, Carlos Martinez, and James Paxton all did their thing. Ho-hum.

Zach Eflin ⚾🔥🔥🔥 in June

🔥5-0, 1.76 ERA, 28 Ks
🔥1st Phillies starter to Win 5 GMs in a Single Month in 6 years (Cole Hamels)
🔥 1st Phillies starter to NOT allow a HR in 30+ innings in a single month in 6 years (Roy Halladay)@6abc #ZachEflin #Phillies #BeBold⁠ ⁠ pic.twitter.com/4dqXu8GGz9

— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) June 28, 2018

WEDNESDAY

• The brothers 'Zack' dominated the mound on Wednesday. Zach Eflin has been a monster for a month now and has been a waiver wire gem in 2018. Zack Wheeler has been serviceable, but his most recent start was more than serviceable. Both are fine as pickups, but I would much rather have Eflin for the rest of the season
• There we go, Robbie Ray! In his first start back from the disabled list, he allowed just four baserunners and struck out six in as many innings. Heeeeeere's Robbie! Obscure movie references now? You bet.
• Another week, another tidbit regarding Madison Bumgarner and a solid start. That's a good sign for those that hung on to him during his injury woes.

THURSDAY

• So, finally, Jake Odorizzi has a start that's worth a crap. Six shutout innings with eight strikeouts are exactly opposite than what he's been giving you the last month or so. But hey, what else can you expect from the White Sox offense?
• We had some usual suspects show out on Thursday. Zack Greinke, Aaron Nola, and Lance McCullers Jr. all had a high strikeout, low-run outing. Bada-BOOM!

Time to RANK 'EM UP!

2018 Fantasy Baseball Week 14 Pitching Planner

Get customized Fantasy Baseball advice for your team using MyPlaybook from FantasyPros.

Auto-Start

The Auto-Start tier strictly includes pitchers that should be started every week regardless of league size and matchup.

Name	Team	Opp1	Opp2
Chris Sale	Red Sox	@KC
Clayton Kershaw	Dodgers	PIT
Max Scherzer	Nationals	BOS	MIA
Corey Kluber	Indians	@KC	OAK
Jacob deGrom	Mets	TB
Justin Verlander	Astros	CWS
Gerrit Cole	Astros	CWS
Luis Severino	Yankees	ATL

Promoted

• There were no promotions this week. BORING!

Relegated

• There have been no relegations this week either. BORING-ER!

Auto-Stream

This tier consists of pitchers who don't quite reach the trust level of the Auto-Starts. However, due to matchup or recent performance, they are capable of having elite level production in a given week.

Name	Team	Opp1	Opp2
Trevor Bauer	Indians	@KC
Charlie Morton	Astros	CWS
James Paxton	Mariners	COL
Robbie Ray	Diamondbacks	STL	SD
Aaron Nola	Phillies	BAL
Blake Snell	Rays	@NYM
Zack Greinke	Diamondbacks	STL	SD
Patrick Corbin	Diamondbacks	SD
Madison Bumgarner	Giants	@COL	STL
Jose Berrios	Twins	@MIL

Notables

• Well, I talked about a ton of these guys in the introduction. You know what, let's just go to the next section. Space efficiency is key! Or laziness? Whatever.

Dream Stream

The Dream Stream group more closely reflects the pitchers that you are contemplating starting or sitting. These are all worthy starters in a typical 12-team mixed league.

Name	Team	Opp1	Opp2
David Price	Red Sox	@KC
Rich Hill	Dodgers	PIT
Rick Porcello	Red Sox	@WSH	@KC
Shane Bieber	Indians	@KC
Jose Quintana	Cubs	DET
Alex Wood	Dodgers	PIT	@LAA
Jon Gray	Rockies	SF
Ross Stripling	Dodgers	@LAA
Lance McCullers Jr.	Astros	@TEX
Nick Pivetta	Phillies	@PIT
Kenta Maeda	Dodgers	@LAA
Vince Velasquez	Phillies	@PIT
Luke Weaver	Cardinals	@SF
Jameson Taillon	Pirates	PHI
Freddy Peralta	Brewers	ATL
Seth Lugo	Mets	@TOR
Nathan Eovaldi	Rays	@MIA	@NYM
Eduardo Rodriguez	Red Sox	@WSH
Jake Arrieta	Phillies	@PIT
Dallas Keuchel	Astros	@TEX	CWS
Jack Flaherty	Cardinals	@ARZ	@SF
Trevor Richards	Marlins	TB
Luis Castillo	Reds	CWS	@CHC
Steven Matz	Mets	TB
Kyle Hendricks	Cubs	DET
Joey Lucchesi	Padres	@ARZ
Jonathan Loaisiga	Yankees	ATL	@TOR
Mike Foltynewicz	Braves	@MIL
J.A. Happ	Blue Jays	NYY
Miles Mikolas	Cardinals	@ARZ
Marcus Stroman	Blue Jays	NYM
Andrew Suarez	Giants	@COL
Anthony DeSclafani	Reds	CWS
Zack Godley	Diamondbacks	SD
Carlos Martinez	Cardinals	@ARZ	@SF
Tyler Skaggs	Angels	LAD
Kyle Gibson	Twins	@MIL	BAL
Wei-Yin Chen	Marlins	TB	@WSH
Gio Gonzalez	Nationals	MIA
Zack Wheeler	Mets	@TOR
Cole Hamels	Rangers	@DET
Corey Oswalt	Mets	TB
Tyler Anderson	Rockies	SF
Marco Gonzales	Mariners	LAA
John Gant	Cardinals	@SF
Domingo German	Yankees	@TOR
Nick Kingham	Pirates	@LAD	PHI
Sean Manaea	Athletics	SD
Kevin Gausman	Orioles	@MIN
Mike Clevinger	Indians	OAK
Shelby Miller	Diamondbacks	STL
Zach Eflin	Phillies	BAL
Lance Lynn	Twins	BAL
Sonny Gray	Yankees	@TOR
Sean Newcomb	Braves	@NYY	@MIL
Dan Straily	Marlins	@WSH
Dereck Rodriguez	Giants	STL

Notables

• Okay, so Seth Lugo isn't exactly in the rotation right now. Mets manager Mickey Callaway has claimed that Lugo's absence in the bullpen is the reason for its demise this past month. Well, when you take him out of the rotation, you are starting guys like Corey Oswalt. C'mon, Lugo is killing it - he's not meant for a bullpen role. That was such a lame excuse to me, I don't know. Anyway, keep track with whatever the hell the Mets decide to do.
• There's something here with Trevor Richards, I can feel it. If you are skeptical of streaming him against the Rays this week in your home leagues, I understand. He's been very inconsistent in his major league stint. However, if you're feeling frisky in your DFS tournament, he's going to be a low-owned, cheap option. That will allow you to pay up for some big bats!

Jonathan Loaisiga, the @Yankees No. 12 prospect, carried a no-hitter into the sixth and was lights out as he fanned eight over 5 1/3 scoreless frames: https://t.co/9gMD2iADrk pic.twitter.com/BUgMkHgdZb

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) June 26, 2018

• It's funny to pair Luis Castillo and Jonathan Loaisiga together at this juncture because of what they represent - each other! Loaisiga is the buzzy guy of 2018 with wicked stuff just as Castillo was in 2017 around this time. Castillo has been rough in his last few starts, but I'm rolling him out there against a putrid White Sox offense and a strikeout-prone Cubs lineup. Loaisiga gets a couple of tough starts, but I'm comfortable chasing the strikeout upside.
• We are only starting Nick Kingham and Sean Newcomb in their second starts this week. If you aren't in a daily roster lineup format, I would honestly sit them both.

Buyer Beware

These pitchers are better left on your bench for the week if not the waiver wire. Guys closer to the top could be on the brink of being promoted in the right matchup or with a continued hot streak. If a player is not listed in any tiers, that should be the cue to drop the said player.

Name	Team	Opp1	Opp2
Joe Musgrove	Pirates	@LAD
Jon Lester	Cubs	CIN
Erick Fedde	Nationals	BOS
Anibal Sanchez	Braves	@NYY	@MIL
Danny Duffy	Royals	CLE
Michael Fulmer	Tigers	@CHC	TEX
Max Fried	Braves	@MIL
Tyler Mahle	Reds	@CHC
Derek Holland	Giants	STL
German Marquez	Rockies	@SEA
Carlos Rodon	White Sox	@HOU
Brent Suter	Brewers	MIN	ATL
Tyson Ross	Padres	@ARZ
Jake Odorizzi	Twins	@MIL	BAL
Junior Guerra	Brewers	MIN	ATL
Jakob Junis	Royals	CLE	BOS
Sal Romano	Reds	CWS
Eric Lauer	Padres	@ARZ
Ivan Nova	Pirates	@LAD
Tanner Roark	Nationals	BOS	MIA
Clayton Richard	Padres	@OAK	@ARZ
Andrew Heaney	Angels	@SEA	LAD
Sam Gaviglio	Blue Jays	NYY
Marco Estrada	Blue Jays	NYM
Felix Hernandez	Mariners	COL
Chase Anderson	Brewers	MIN
CC Sabathia	Yankees	ATL
Chris Stratton	Giants	@COL	STL
Felix Pena	Angels	@SEA
Trevor Williams	Pirates	PHI
Mike Leake	Mariners	LAA
Ian Kennedy	Royals	CLE
Jhoulys Chacin	Brewers	ATL
Wade LeBlanc	Mariners	LAA	COL
Frankie Montas	Athletics	@CLE
Jeremy Hellickson	Nationals	MIA
Alex Cobb	Orioles	@PHI	@MIN
Matt Harvey	Reds	@CHC
Julio Teheran	Braves	@NYY
Mike Minor	Rangers	HOU
Kyle Freeland	Rockies	SF	@SEA
Francisco Liriano	Tigers	@CHC
Mike Montgomery	Cubs	CIN
Tyler Chatwood	Cubs	CIN
Jordan Zimmermann	Tigers	TEX
Jaime Barria	Angels	@SEA
Matt Boyd	Tigers	TEX

Notables

• I have no idea what to do with Michael Fulmer. I'm going to throw him on the bench this week, which means he will likely have 14 innings of stellar pitching under his belt. If he throws a nice game against the Cubs, use him for that second start in your daily lineup leagues.
• Another DFS special this week could be Sal Romano of the Reds. Granted, he's not very good, but it's all about saving that salary money. With a hot Reds offense behind him going against one of the worst pitching staffs in the league, there's a solid chance at a win as well. That's about as much endorsing I can do for Mr. Romano.

Embed from Getty Images

• You're crazy if you are starting Jeremy Hellickson in one of his first starts back against the Marlins. Hell Boy doesn't have that sort of trust level in the streaming game. Besides, the Marlins offense is surprisingly picking it up this summer. Again, DFS tournaments might be a different story here where you can take a little risk.
• My system absolutely hates Matt Boyd, but he's actually not the worst pitcher to watch. His slider has a tight bend to it and the fastball isn't flat. He will probably be traded to a contender here in the summer, so it's important to keep tabs on these guys. He may end up with an organization that tweaks repertoire just enough to be serviceable and, therefore, stream-worthy.

Arms Amending

This is usually where I put the players that are on the disabled list or making rehab appearances. Not only is it important to know where they are in their recovery, but knowing who will be replacing them is key as well.

Player	Team	Injury	Throwing?	Return
Carlos Carrasco	Indians	Elbow contusion	Rehab start - Double A	Soon!
Johnny Cueto	Giants	Elbow inflammation	Rehab start - Triple A	Soon!
Garrett Richards	Angels	Strained hamstring	Rehab start - High A	Soon!
Jeff Samardzija	Giants	Shoulder tightness	Rehab start - Triple A	Soon!
Noah Syndergaard	Mets	Strained finger ligament	Bullpen work	Mid July
Walker Buehler	Dodgers	Rib microfracture	Rehab start - High A	Mid July
Chris Archer	Rays	Left abdominal strain	Rehab start - High A	Mid July
Dylan Bundy	Orioles	Left ankle sprain		Mid July
Ervin Santana	Twins	Finger surgery	Rehab start - High A	Mid July
Jose Urena	Marlins	Shoulder impingement		Mid July
Drew Pomeranz	Red Sox	BIceps tendinitis	Rehab start - Triple A	Mid July
Brandon McCarthy	Braves	Knee tendinitis		Mid July
Aaron Sanchez	Blue Jays	Index finger contusion		Mid July
Zach Davies	Brewers	Back tightness		Mid July
Stephen Strasburg	Nationals	Shoulder inflammation	Bullpen work	Late July
Masahiro Tanaka	Yankees	Strained hamstrings	Simulated game	Late July
Jake Faria	Rays	Left oblique strain	Bullpen work	Late July
Chad Kuhl	Pirates	Forearem discomfort		Late July
Yu Darvish	Cubs	Elbow impingement		Mid August
Trevor Cahill	Athletics	Strained right Achilles	Bullpen work	Mid August
Hyun-Jin Ryu	Dodgers	Groin strain		Mid August
Shohei Ohtani	Angels	UCL sprain		Late August
Mike Soroka	Braves	Shoulder tightness		Late August
Michael Wacha	Cardinals	Oblique strain		September
Jimmy Nelson	Brewers	Shoulder surgery	Flat ground	September
Caleb Smith	Marlins	Right lat strain		2019

Notables

• Now that the Dodgers rotation is healthy, we could start seeing some weird things happen. Case and point, they've sent Walker Buehler down to High-A after coming back for a horrid start off the disabled list. With the other five Dodgers pitching well, they are being cautious with Buehler. This is a 'hold' situation for fantasy owners.
• It could be a return to the rotation this week for Garrett Richards, Carlos Carrasco, Johnny Cueto, and Jeff Samardzija. Therefore, review the situations and figure out who gets kicked out of their rotations. I'm guessing Andrew Suarez and Dereck Rodriguez get the bump for the Giants. I'm hoping Adam Plutko is gone from the Cleveland staff, but they hate Shane Bieber for some reason so who knows?

Embed from Getty Images

• All in all, it would have been a successful rookie season for Caleb Smith. He is the newest pitcher to suffer this dreaded surgery for a Grade 3 lat strain. Seriously, I need some documented research on why the hell the lat strain has made a huge comeback here in 2018.
• Shohei Ohtani is cleared to hit but unfortunately not pitch just yet. Well, any news is still great news at this point though and this could be the stepping stone to him pitching. Maybe we see him pitch sometime in August.
• Dylan Bundy sprained his ankle running the bases last week. #universalDH

---

Check out the rest of our great 2018 Fantasy Baseball content.