PLAYOFFS, PLAYOFFS, PLAYOFFS! Fantasy Baseball has finally landed in the most important part of the year.
Even though the NFL is up and running, Fantasy managers enter the most pivotal time of the season. Here, every single pitching matchup matters. One start or sit can make or break your entire season. More than ever, it is vital to double-check every matchup and streamer option.
We are back this week to make sure you win your Fantasy Baseball league. Focus in on this week's pitching planner and 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...and win your playoff matchup!
The 2023 Fantasy Baseball Pitching Planner (9/11 - 9/17) includes a table listing all the two-start pitchers and their grades for each matchup, based on opposing team wRC+ 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, especially in playoffs!
2023 Fantasy Baseball Pitching Planner (9/11 - 9/17)
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Two-Start Pitchers
Spencer Strider, Braves (@PHI, @MIA)
Spencer Strider with a two-start week in playoffs? If you own him, you hit a gold mine...
Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers (SD, @SEA)
I'm not a fan of Kershaw this week. First off, the lefty is still dealing with a troubled shoulder. His fastball velocity is down and he hasn't looked like himself recently. In his five starts since returning from the IL, Kershaw has not exceeded five innings. The 35-year-old only has 18 strikeouts during that time as well in 22 combined innings. Now, Kershaw takes on two good offensive teams. The Padres currently have a 113 wRC+ at home, while the Mariners are on fire with a 132 wRC+ away from Seattle. Simply put, they aren't great matchups for the Dodgers lefty, especially with his shoulder issue and how he has been pitching. I know it's hard but stay away this week.
Brandon Woodruff, Brewers (MIA, WSH)
Brandon Woodruff ⛽️⛽️ pic.twitter.com/tlpePfUnZj
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 5, 2023
Woodruff owners should be celebrating this week. Since returning from the IL, the Brewers ace is 3-1 with a 2.78 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 35.2 innings. He's at his best right now, and he has two below average offenses next week. Both the Marlins and Nationals have an OPS below .718. Neither team has daunting offensive weapons either, especially with Jorge Soler hitting the IL. At home, Woodruff has a 1.65 ERA this season. He's been dominant when hosting at American Family Field. Enjoy the two-start week from your ace.
Dylan Cease, White Sox (KC, MIN)
I'm not sure you want to trust Dylan Cease in a playoff matchup. At home, he has a horrific 1.51 WHIP. His current ERA is hovering right below 5.00, which is not what you want from a pitcher during the most important part of the season. In two starts this season against the Royals, Cease has a 9.58 ERA -- he's been horrendous against Kansas City. He's been better against Minnesota, but the Twins have been much better offensively with the addition of Royce Lewis. Don't start him.
Jesus Luzardo, Marlins (@MIL, ATL)
Luzardo has been solid lately, but you must avoid him this week. The lefty has been much worse on the road than at home this season. He has a 4.34 ERA away from Miami. Now, he faces two offenses that are good at home. Milwaukee sports a 110 wRC+ at home while the Braves have a daunting 142 wRC+. He's prone to a blowup and that's something owners need to avoid during playoffs. If you're able just to start him against Milwaukee, then roll the dice if you want. But make sure he's away from your lineup against Atlanta.
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