We're heading deeper into the Fantasy playoffs! For some, this is Championship Week! For others, the semifinals are the one roadblock keeping them from taking the title.
Whether you're in the ship or one week away from it, every single pitching decision matters. One start or sit can make or break your entire season this week. 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 (9/18 - 9/24) 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 (9/18 - 9/24)
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Two-Start Pitchers
Zach Wheeler, Phillies (@ATL, NYM)
Wheeler has an interesting week. The righty has been an ace this season, sporting a an 11-6 record with a 3.65 ERA and 196 K's in 175 innings this year. However, he'll face a tough test against the Braves on Monday. I would avoid that matchup. Even if Ronald Acuna misses the game with a calf injury, it's still a brutal test for the Phillies starter. However, late in the week, Wheeler faces the Mets in a must-start matchup. Watch yourself against the Braves. I don't think Wheeler is a lock despite the two-start week.
Justin Verlander, Astros (BAL, KC)
Verlander dominates at home in Houston. In his career, the righty is 29-14 with a 2.46 ERA and 473 strikeouts in 361.2 innings. That is pure electricity. Now he gets a two-start week in the playoffs. Fantasy managers should be thrilled. The Astros are hanging onto first place in the AL West by a thread, so every matchup matters. Expect Verlander to bring it against Baltimore and Kansas City this week.
Eduardo Rodriguez, Tigers (@LAD, @OAK)
Eduardo simply CAN'T be started against the Dodgers this week. In his career against the Dodgers, Rodriguez is 1-2 with a 4.24 ERA. The Dodgers are mashing the ball right now, so just don't risk it. However, if you can hold onto Eduardo for his start later in the week, you'll be in good shape. The lefty has one of his easiest matchups on the season in Oakland. Sit him early on, but enjoy his second start against the A's.
Jordan Montgomery, Rangers (BOS, SEA)
I'm adamantly against starting Jordan Montgomery despite his two-start week. The lefty is much worse at home this season, sporting a 4.10 ERA and 1.33 WHIP. Now, he takes on two very solid offenses. The Red Sox can mash and Seattle has been a top-three offense lately. The Mariners are rocking a 132 wRC+ and should be avoided. Bench Montgomery during playoffs. It's not worth it.
Michael Wacha, Padres (COL, STL)
I absolutely love Wacha's first start this week against the Rockies. He should get a quality start and be in a good position for a win while hosting the Rockies. I still like Wacha as he goes on to face to Cardinals later on in the week. I think he is a solid two-start pitcher this week and I would definitely keep him in my lineup for both matchups.
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