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In a week that looks to be a little light on top-tier two-start pitchers, Zack Greinke's first week back from the disabled list is expected to be a two-start week. Even though he hasn't pitched for the Diamondbacks since he strained his oblique during his June 28 outing against the Phillies, and despite a scheduled weekend start at the Red Sox, Greinke emerges as one of the best two-start options for Fantasy Week 19 (Aug. 8-14).
Not only are there few aces in line for two starts, but several of this week's more highly-owned two-start pitchers are far from automatic choices for your rotation due to tough matchups. In particular, Jake Odorizzi (at TOR, at NYY), Collin McHugh (at MIN, at TOR) and Michael Wacha (vs. CIN, at CHC) should give owners pause, given the presence of at least one difficult opponent. So should Steven Matz, and not only because he is coming off a six-run shellacking at the hands of the Yankees. He will make a start against the Padres, who have recently been one of the best power-hitting teams in the majors, as well as a squad that has hit lefties well this season.
Having been added to the Yankees' rotation, Luis Severino is gaining in popularity, but he is still available in 63 percent of CBSSports.com leagues. While it's a good idea to pick him up, it's less of a good idea to actually start him this week, since he will re-enter the rotation with a start at the Red Sox.
With scheduled starts against the Braves and Reds, Zach Davies is a priority to find on waivers, though with a 74 percent ownership rate, it's not a given that he will be there. Tyler Anderson (32 percent owned) is far more available, and he is showing he can handle tough matchups as well as the obstacles presented by Coors Field. With starts versus the Rangers and at the Phillies, Anderson is worth a try if Davies is already owned.
Note: * denotes RP eligibility in CBSSports.com Head-to-Head leagues.
| | |||
| RANK | PITCHER | START 1 | START 2 |
| 1 | Jose Fernandez, MIA | vs. SF | vs. CHW |
| 2 | Chris Sale, CHW | at KC | at MIA |
| 3 | Johnny Cueto, SF | at MIA | vs. BAL |
| 4 | Zack Greinke, ARI | at NYM | at BOS |
| 5 | Rick Porcello, BOS | vs. NYY | vs. ARI |
| 6 | Cole Hamels, TEX | at COL | vs. DET |
| 7 | Jason Hammel, CHC | vs. LAA | vs. STL |
| 8 | Hisashi Iwakuma, SEA | vs. DET | at OAK |
| 9 | Michael Fulmer, DET | at SEA | at TEX |
| 10 | Junior Guerra, MIL* | vs. ATL | vs. CIN |
| 11 | Zach Davies, MIL | vs. ATL | vs. CIN |
| 12 | Kevin Gausman, BAL | at OAK | vs. SF |
| 13 | Tyler Anderson, COL | vs. TEX | at PHI |
| 14 | Steven Matz, NYM | vs. ARI | vs. SD |
| 15 | Luis Severino, NYY | at BOS | vs. TB |
| 16 | Collin McHugh, HOU | at MIN | at TOR |
| 17 | Michael Wacha, STL | vs. CIN | at CHC |
| 18 | Hector Santiago, MIN | vs. HOU | vs. KC |
| 19 | Wade Miley, BAL | at OAK | at SF |
| 20 | Jake Odorizzi, TB | at TOR | at NYY |
| 21 | Tyler Chatwood, COL | vs. TEX | at PHI |
| 22 | Edinson Volquez, KC | vs. CHW | at MIN |
| 23 | Trevor Bauer, CLE | at WAS | vs. LAA |
| 24 | Mike Leake, STL | vs. CIN | at CHC |
| 25 | Zach Eflin, PHI* | at LAD | vs. COL |
| 26 | Mike Fiers, HOU | at MIN | at TOR |
| 27 | A.J. Griffin, TEX | at COL | vs. DET |
| 28 | Tyler Duffey, MIN | vs. HOU | vs. KC |
| 29 | Kendall Graveman, OAK | vs. BAL | vs. SEA |
| 30 | Jeff Locke, PIT | vs. SD | at LAD |
| 31 | Luis Perdomo, SD | at PIT | at NYM |
| 32 | Jesse Hahn, OAK | vs. BAL | vs. SEA |
| 33 | Cody Reed, CIN | at STL | at MIL |
| 34 | Jered Weaver, LAA | at CHC | at CLE |
| 35 | Tyrell Jenkins, ATL | at MIL | at WAS |
| 36 | Rob Whalen, ATL | at MIL | at WAS |
