There are more pitching options this week than we have seen in a long time. The hurlers who top the two-start pitcher list are fine options, but the real value is in the one-start fantasy baseball streamers list, where there are several pitchers who are poised for dominant outings. Jake Cronenworth and Kyle Manzardo are the top hitters to add.
Two-Start Pitchers (listed in order of preference)
Cade Cavalli, Nationals, 10% (@MIA, vs. PIT): Cavalli righted the ship after a dismal start in the Bronx when he held the Marlins to two runs across five innings last time out. The single poor performance against the Yankees is heavily impacting the 27-year-old’s ratios, but outside of that start he has allowed just nine runs across five outings. Having favorable matchups moves Cavalli to the top of this list.
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Ryan Bergert, Royals, 36% (@CLE, @PHI): Bergert has quietly become one of baseball’s most consistent starters, as he has allowed more than two runs in just two of his 13 starts and has never been scored on more than three times. And although he has finished the sixth inning just once, he has tallied at least five frames in all of his past six appearances. Bergert has one favorable (Guardians) and one challenging (Phillies) matchup this week, which makes him a viable option in 12-team leagues.
José Quintana, Brewers, 34% (@TEX, vs. STL): Quintana continues to plod along as a steady contributor with minimal upside who has now amassed 11 wins as an innings eater on the best team in baseball. His matchups are reasonable this week, which makes him a great fit for managers who can live with an ERA around 4.00 and 5-8 strikeouts while hoping to pick up at least one win.
Luis García, Astros, 25% (@TOR, @ATL): García returned from a two-year absence when he tossed six innings of three-run ball against the Angels last week. His career ratios (3.62 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) suggest that the right-hander should be started in all leagues, but there is plenty of risk with someone who has only recently returned from such a long absence. The fact that the Blue Jays rank second and the Braves eighth in runs scored since the All-Star break makes García a marginal option in 12-team leagues.
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Braxton Ashcraft, Pirates, 16% (@BAL, @WSH): Ashcraft has looked great in five starts since joining the rotation, posting a 1.23 ERA and 0.91 WHIP. And although he was a bit wild last time out, his 24:7 K:BB ratio in those five outings is an excellent mark. Ashcraft’s…