As was mentioned in last week’s edition, fantasy baseball managers who are focused on getting two starts at this time of year should attempt to add pitchers who are scheduled to make their second outing on Saturday. Unfortunately, Valente Bellozo is the only man on this week’s list who fits that description. On the hitting side, the Guardians and Tigers are the best sources of help over the next four days.
Two-Start Pitchers (listed in order of preference)
Osvaldo Bido, 38% (@HOU, @CWS)
Facing the White Sox is fantasy baseball gold these days. Not only is Chicago the worst team and worst offense in baseball, but the gap from them to the next club is massive. Bido sits atop this week’s list by virtue of having a start against Chicago and for having produced a solid 3.41 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP across 63.1 innings. His start against the division-leading Astros is much more difficult, although it’s worth noting that Houston sits 17th in runs scored during the second half. One additional note: Bido’s start against Chicago is slated for Sunday, which means that any schedule change could wipe it out.
David Festa, 27% (vs. LAA, vs. CIN)
After some initial struggles, Festa has shown improved consistency by logging a 3.27 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP and a 43:10 K:BB ratio across his past seven starts. The rookie has plenty of potential to post helpful ratios and earn a win this week when he makes two home starts against teams with losing records. The matchup against the Angels (27th in runs scored) is especially favorable.
MacKenzie Gore, 39% (vs. ATL, vs. MIA)
Gore’s 1.50 WHIP has made him a player to avoid in fantasy baseball leagues this year. However, he has made progress of late, allowing just four runs while logging a 19:2 K:BB ratio across his past three starts. This week, Gore is set to face two offenses that have been in the middle of the pack in most measurables during the second half, although Miami ranks 29th in runs scored this season. Like Bido, he would be more appealing if managers didn’t have to wait until Sunday for his favorable matchup.
Rhett Lowder, 12% (@STL, @MIN)
The seventh overall pick of the 2023 MLB Draft, Lowder has produced a mixed bag of results in his initial two MLB starts. The right-hander has limited scoring (0.87 ERA) while allowing nary a homer, but he has also logged an unimpressive…