This week’s list of two-start streamers is one of the weakest we have seen to this point in the fantasy baseball season. There are only two surefire streamers for all formats, and three other hurlers who can be considered in deep roto and head-to-head categories leagues.
On the hitting side, loading up on Mets should be the plan for the next few days.
Two-Start Pitchers (listed in order of preference)
Hayden Birdsong, 41% (@WSH, vs. DET)
Birdsong is undoubtedly the most exciting option on this week’s list, as he has punched out 20 batters while allowing two runs across 11 innings in his past two starts, albeit with both starts coming against the lowly Rockies. Still, he has plenty of upside for two starts against offenses that rank slightly below average in runs scored and are among the bottom seven in OPS. Birdsong should be active in all leagues.
Sean Manaea, 54% (@STL, @SEA)
Thanks to a bit of good fortune (.265 BABIP), Manaea has posted respectable ratios this year (3.50 ERA, 1.20 WHIP). The left-hander collects his share of whiffs (8.9 K/9 rate) and is set for a midlevel matchup against the Cardinals and a favorable one against a Mariners offense that ranks 27th in runs scored and first in strikeouts. Manaea can be streamed in all leagues.
JP Sears, 31% (vs. CWS, @TOR)
Sears would normally rank near the bottom of this list. After all, he pitches for one of baseball’s worst teams, struggles to record whiffs (6.9 K/9 rate) and has logged unimpressive ratios (4.53 ERA, 1.25 WHIP). However, in a poor weak for two-start pitchers, Sears could be a serviceable option thanks to matchups against a Blue Jays team that ranks 24th in runs scored and a White Sox club that sits in last by a wide margin. The lefty also deserves credit for posting a 3.07 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP and a 9.2 K/9 rate over his past five starts.
Colin Rea, 41% (@ATL, vs. CIN)
Rea has greatly exceeded expectations by going 9-3 with a 3.59 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP for a Brewers team that tends to maximize their pitchers’ effectiveness. The veteran owns a 4.45 FIP and may soon experience regression, but those who need to chase volume at this point in the season can take the risk that he can keep things going for one more week. A pair of matchups against midlevel lineups are on Rea’s docket.
David Festa, 7% (@CHC, vs. CLE)
Festa’s third career start was his best yet, when he collected six whiffs and held the Mets to two runs across five innings on July 30. The rookie struck out 89 batters in 60.1…