Can you believe August is here already? As the MLB Trade Deadline approaches, pitchers are on the move, changing schedules and impacting two-start weeks! That is why you are here! You seek the guidance of the 2023 Fantasy Baseball Pitching Planner (7/31- 8/6)!
Things may be changing, but we want to keep you up-to-date and ready to make your Fantasy Baseball playoff push!
As we take a dive into this week's pitching planner, check out the two-start matchups. There are a lot of studs and duds that need a second look based on the analytics. You may think it's a no-brainer to start your ace, but I'm here to make you think differently!
The 2023 Fantasy Baseball Pitching Planner (7/31- 8/6) includes a table listing all the two-start pitchers and their grades for each matchup, based on opposing team wRC+ home/away splits. This table can help when it comes to deciding whether to actually plug in a two-start pitcher or not. Just because you have a pitcher with two starts that week doesn't necessarily mean you should start him!
MLB Trade Deadline Impact!
Full details of the trade, per ESPN sources:
Texas receives Max Scherzer
New York receives 21-year-old shortstop Luisangel Acuña, the brother of Atlanta star Ronald Acuña Jr.
Scherzer opts in to 2024.
The Rangers will pay Scherzer $22.5M. The Mets will cover $35M-plus.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2023
2023 Fantasy Baseball Pitching Planner (7/31 - 8/6)
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Two-Start Pitchers
Julio Urias, Dodgers (OAK, @SD)
Urias definitely hasn't looked like himself since coming back from the IL in early June. Yet, he still is a trustworthy option this week. He has gotten more sturdy as of late, with three of his last four games being quality starts. He should absolutely crush the A's at home, where he is 5-1 with a 2.47 ERA. Even with the Padres game being on the road, Urias should dominate. Why? Well, he absolutely loves pitching against San Diego. In his career against The Friars, Urias is 7-1 with a 2.30 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 17 appearances. He's a lock this week. Make sure to leave him in.
Sandy Alcantara, Marlins (PHI, @TEX)
Alcantara has absolutely picked it up since his rough start to the season. But this week, I think he's one to avoid despite the two-start tag. First off, the Phillies currently have a top-10 batting average. Alcantara has always struggled against Philadelphia, as he has a 6-8 record against them. Then, the righty heads to Texas and faces the top offense in baseball. The Rangers lead in practically every category you can find. They have the most hits, highest batting average and highest on-base percentage. It will be tough for Alcantara to stop them. I think he's too risky this week despite the two starts.
Andrew Abbott, Reds (@CHC, WSH)
Andrew Abbott, 92mph Fastball and 81mph Curveball, Overlay pic.twitter.com/obyB2BKV2f
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 26, 2023
Abbott is my favorite two-start pitcher of the week. He has simply been fantastic since getting called up in early June. The lefty now has a 1.90 ERA and 0.96 WHIP on the season. While Chicago has been solid this season, Washington has been below average with a 95 wRC+. Even against the Cubs, Abbott should be fine. He only has one out matchup of his 10 career starts that he has allowed more than three earned runs. The kid is an exceptional talent with crazy strikeout upside. Expect another excellent week for the youngster.
Carlos Rodon, Yankees (TB, HOU)
Walks. Walks. Walks. Rodon suffers from a case of them. He currently has 15 walks in his first four games since returning from the IL. The lefty also hasn't been able to make it passed 5.2 innings yet. Now, the 30-year-old takes on the Rays and Astros next week. It's a hard pass for me. The Rays have a top 3 offense in baseball, and the Astros have a .323 wOBA on the road. Rodon clearly still needs time. Don't risk it this week.
Justin Steele, Cubs (CIN, ATL)
I'm fading Steele this week. Sure, the lefty has had a great season so far with his 11-3 record, 2.87 ERA and 1.12 WHIP. However, I simply hate the two-start matchups for him. First up are the Reds. In Steele's one start against Cincinnati this season, he only made it through 3.2 innings, giving up 6 runs on 10 hits. Their offense has also been much better since the arrival of their rookies. Then, Steele takes on the Braves who have the second-best offense in baseball. Furthermore, they are much better against lefties (.265/.338/.444) than righties (.249/.310/.443). It's a daunting matchup for Steele. Leave him on the bench.
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