Week 19 Pitching Planner

We go around baseball's starting rotations and Fantasy's two-start pitcher options every Sunday of the season in the weekly Pitching Planner. This week's notables changes are the expected two-start return of Curt Schilling (shoulder) on Monday, the possible return of A.J. Burnett (shoulder) over the next weekend and a potential timely return of the Padres' Chris Young (oblique) when eligible Thursday.

Staff reflections

Arizona Diamondbacks: Randy Johnson underwent season-ending back surgery Friday and RHP Yusmeiro Petit was optioned to Triple-A Tucson. The No. 5 rotation spot will be held down by waiver claim Byung-Hyun Kim from the Marlins. Consider him a slightly more intriguing NL-only Fantasy option because he will be pitching for a first-place club. Elevated No. 4 starter, rookie Micah Owings, is a nice two-start sleeper this week. Pittsburgh and Washington, both at home, give him outstanding matchups.

Atlanta Braves: Rookie Jo-Jo Reyes was sent down, while Lance Cormier was recalled, likely to serve as the No. 5 starter, barring a waiver or trade acquisition. With a day off Monday, the Braves will skip the No. 5 spot, which moves John Smoltz and Tim Hudson up a day and give Chuck James a two-start week, albeit with tough pennant-contender matchups at the Mets and Phillies.

Baltimore Orioles: Brian Burres pitched 3 1/3 innings, giving up seven runs and eight hits in his past start, which might send him back to the bullpen. The left-hander was coming off a six-inning victory against the New York Yankees in which he gave up one run. Prospect Garrett Olson is hot in Triple-A and will take Burres' rotation spot at some point in August. Take the flier in AL-only and long-term keeper leagues. "Olson's done a great job, and I think eventually his time will come and he'll get up here, but I don't know when that's going to be," manager Dave Trembley told MLB.com. Steve Trachsel, a waiver-trade candidate, will be a two-start pitcher, albeit a risky one for deeper leagues because of his on-the-block status.

Boston Red Sox: RHP Curt Schilling (shoulder) is scheduled to come off the DL and start Monday against the Angels. He was originally going to make his first start after about six weeks on the DL on Sunday in Seattle, but manager Terry Francona said he was going to keep RHP Josh Beckett starting that day because it will set up the team better for upcoming off days and a doubleheader in two weeks. Schilling is an advisable two-start pitcher, likely a must-start one in all but the smallest of leagues.

Chicago Cubs: Sean Marshall, who scratched his cornea the night before his start Thursday, was given eye drops and will not wear his contact lenses until next week. Marshall said his vision was fine and was not responsible for his poor outing against the Phillies in which he gave up nine hits and seven runs in 2 2/3 innings. Manager Lou Piniella is looking for some relief for his relievers, saying his starters need to go longer into games -- Marshall and Rich Hill, specifically. "We probably need Hill more than the other guys to kick it in and pitch deeper in these games," Piniella said. Hill and Marshall are two-start pitchers this week, but they're struggling and pitching in Houston and Colorado, two of the best hitter's parks in baseball.

Chicago White Sox: Manager Ozzie Guillen said RHP Gavin Floyd might stay in the rotation if Sunday's start at Detroit is successful. Floyd, who was 0-1 with a 9.58 ERA in two starts this season, but he went six shutout innings Sunday, striking out six and walking none. Guillen said he wouldn't rule out a five- or six-man rotation if he pitches well. Jose Contreras might return to the rotation in August, but don't count on that happening in Fantasy Week 19 (Aug. 6-12). Consider Floyd a sleeper for deeper AL-only and long-term keeper leagues.

Cincinnati Reds: Before Sunday's rainout, manager Pete Mackanin had said RHP Aaron Harang was on track to start Tuesday's game against Los Angeles. Harang, who is 10-3 for a team that was 18 games under .500 through Friday, has not pitched since July 28 due to a sore lower back. Consider him a must-start pitcher, with or without two starts. He might not get two starts, because the rainout could move Bronson Arroyo into that Tuesday start and send Harang to Wednesday. Arroyo is much more intriguing as a two-start pitcher than a one-start one, but his struggles this season make him a risky option.

Cleveland Indians: Paul Byrd and Jake Westbrook are two-start sleepers for the contending Indians, who boast offense capable abusing their scheduled opponents. Also, Aaron Laffey will remain the No. 5 starter and a sleeper for deeper Fantasy leagues, especially AL-only and long-term keeper formats.

Colorado Rockies: Josh Fogg and rookie Jason Hirsh are two-start options for deeper Fantasy leagues, especially since the Rockies have a potent offense and are a surprising contender in the NL West. Also, promising rookie Ubaldo Jimenez will remain the No. 5 starter.

Detroit Tigers: The Tigers hoped to give RHP Fernando Rodney another rehab appearance at Triple-A Toledo but called him up Saturday, because they don't expect RHP Chad Durbin to return until Monday. Durbin's wife gave birth to the couple's first child Friday. Manager Jimmy Leyland said he wasn't sure who would replace LHP Andrew Miller (hamstring), who was scheduled to start Wednesday against Tampa Bay before going on the 15-day DL on Saturday. Kenny Rogers (elbow) was to throw a bullpen session Sunday and is eligible to return Thursday, but not in time for Wednesday. "Do we spot start Virgil Vazquez? Do we spot start Durbin? A lot of it depends on Kenny Rogers, so it's a whole, big mess," Leyland told MLB.com. "Those are some options." Consider Durbin a slightly more intriguing middle reliever in those deeper AL-only leagues for his potential to spot start, while Vazquez is a low-end option at this point. He would be available on regular rest for Wednesday at least. Rogers' potential return Thursday or over the weekend would take Nate Robertson's second start from him. Justin Verlander is a must-start two-start pitcher regardless. Rogers is extremely high risk unless an official return announcement is made before your roster deadline.

Florida Marlins: Manager Fredi Gonzalez said RHP Rick Vanden Hurk will start Tuesday at Philadelphia, moving everyone up a day with the loss of Kim to the D-Backs. Vanden Hurk is a high-risk two-start pitcher. The new No. 5 starter is TBD. There are two 2006 rookies who won't be options. RHP Josh Johnson underwent season-ending surgery on his elbow and will be out until spring 2009. Johnson made only four starts this season. He pitched 15 2/3 innings and was 0-3 with a 7.47 ERA. RHP Ricky Nolasco (right elbow inflammation) continued his rehab by throwing on the side Saturday. Gonzalez said Nolasco will pitch in relief when he returns and likely won't be ready to start until late-August at the earliest. Daniel Barone, from Triple-A, or Gaby Hernandez, from Double-A, are the potential call-ups this week. Hernandez is by far the better prospect and could be pitching in Shea Stadium against the Mets, who dealt him to the Marlins in a trade for Paul Lo Duca as a Class A prospect a few winters ago. Take a flier now on the hard-throwing Hernandez, who is a potential front-line starter someday. Ignore the No. 5 starter this week, because of that tough matchup in New York.

Houston Astros: The Astros placed RHP Chris Sampson on the 15-day DL on Friday with a right ulnar collateral ligament sprain. That will ostensibly end the rookie's season. Sampson (7-8, 4.53 ERA) was scheduled to pitch Sunday. Instead, RHP Matt Albers will start Sunday against the Marlins and likely hold down the No. 5 starter's spot. RHP Brandon Backe is not yet ready after he made his first rehab start Thursday night for Double-A Corpus Christi at San Antonio. Backe allowed three runs on five hits over 5 innings. Backe had surgery on his right elbow on Sept. 7, 2006. This was his first appearance since Aug. 18, 2006, at Milwaukee. "He's looked good to me the whole while. His delivery looks good even though his control was off a little bit," manager Phil Garner said before his start. Backe, who has a 19-14 career record with a 4.71 ERA, is a candidate to return in September and could help deeper NL-only leagues at that point. Wandy Rodriguez is the team's lone two-start option, a risky one.

Kansas City Royals: RHP Kyle Davies gave up five runs in three innings in his first start for the Royals. "I had good stuff," said Davies, who was acquired from Atlanta on Tuesday. "I just have to work on my location, and that's what we're going to do. It's not like it's shattering." Davis will hold down the No. 4 starter's spot, while Leo Nunez could be recalled to be the No. 5 man. Jorge De La Rosa (elbow) went on the 15-day DL. Ignore the Royals' No. 5 starter option(s) at this point: journeyman Nunez, ex-prospect Ben Hendrickson and prospect Billy Buckner. Brian Bannister is the team's lone two-start pitcher, one for deeper leagues.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: RHP Dustin Moseley will keep his spot in the starting rotation for the time being. "Dustin took a step forward (Friday night)," manager Mike Scioscia said. "He maintained his stuff. We'll keep evaluating it but we're all happy with where he is." RHP Bartolo Colon will be used strictly as a starter if he can make it back to the team this year. The Angels are hoping for a September return for Colon, currently on the DL because of right elbow irritation. "The bullpen would not be beneficial for him," Scioscia said. "A healthy Bart is a huge boost to any rotation." Colon has been throwing off flat ground the past few days and has shown progress. "He had a couple of great sessions but he still has a way to go," Scioscia said. "It's still long toss until he feels like he's getting some stamina, and then we'll get him on a mound." The other No. 5 starter option, RHP Ervin Santana, continues to progress with Triple-A Salt Lake. He got the win Wednesday night despite allowing six runs on 13 hits in six innings, with seven strikeouts and one walk. "I know his linescore doesn't look great but he has to get out there," Scioscia said. "He has to re-establish that command with his fastball and then fold his other pitches in. It's a process. It's less mechanical than a confidence issue with Ervin. He needs to work through things. It hasn't been easy for him but he knows why he's there." Consider Moseley a sleeper in deeper leagues, especially since the Angels are a top contender and Moseley has the potential to improve as he stretches out. Joe Saunders is a sleeper for the same reason and is a steady No. 4 starter now. Struggling Jered Weaver is a viable two-start pitcher in most leagues this week, albeit with home starts against contending teams.

Los Angeles Dodgers: A Monday day off allows them to skip the No. 5 starter's spot (likely Brett Tomko) until late in the week. Ignore that rotation spot unless the Dodgers elect to call on one of their elite prospects from the low minors (highly doubtful). Mark Hendrickson is the team's lone two-start pitcher, a risky one for deeper leagues.

Milwaukee Brewers: All five starters will work in succession, including two-start pitcher Claudio Vargas, who is coming off a rough start against the Mets and will be pitching in two notorious hitter's parks (Colorado and Houston). If Vargas struggles, elite prospect Manny Parra could be elevated from his long relief role some time in August.

New York Mets: Mets starter John Maine suffered his shortest start (2 2/3 innings) since Sept. 30, 2005 at Tampa Bay when he was starting for Baltimore. His shortest outing of his career came on Sept. 20, 2005 against the Yankees, when he only pitched one inning. The Mets purchased the contract of RHP Brian Lawrence from Triple-A New Orleans to be their new No. 5 starter in place of Jorge Sosa. Lawrence was the winning pitcher in New York's 12-4 victory over the Brewers in his first major league appearance since Sept. 29, 2005. He is slated to start against the Braves at home Wednesday, but he could move back due to Monday's day off that would allow the Mets to throw Oliver Perez, Orlando Hernandez and Maine against their chief rival. Lawrence is a sleeper for deeper leagues, but a much tough Fantasy start against the Braves than the Marlins. If Lawrence doesn't move back, he will be a two-start sleeper the following week, by the way. His eventual successor, Pedro Martinez (shoulder), should start a rehab assignment by Tuesday night and will need at least a few weeks before he's ready to return to the Mets. Perez is a must-start two-start pitcher.

New York Yankees: Phil Hughes allowed six runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings against Kansas City. It was his first big league game since May 1, when he had a no-hitter after 6 1/3 innings against Texas but was forced to leave due to a pulled left hamstring. His recovery was sidetracked when he injured his left ankle. "My hamstring, ankle, everything held up well," the 21-year-old said. Hughes is a risky start in Fantasy Week 19 (Aug. 6-12), especially since the Yankees could choose to skip him after Thursday's off day. Andy Pettitte is a must-start two-start pitcher, but Roger Clemens could pick up a second start if Hughes is indeed skipped to work on things. Clemens is coming off arguably his worst start of his career, but we still think he's an advisable start in most leagues, especially with the possibility of picking up a second start. He's making around $1 million per start for a reason, right?

Oakland Athletics: RHP Esteban Loaiza started his third game for Triple-A Sacramento Wednesday night, tossing a three-hitter over 4 2/3 innings with a walk and three strikeouts in his best effort yet. He threw 61 pitches. "He did OK," manager Bob Geren said. "He still has to build up his velocity and his pitch count." Loaiza is scheduled to pitch for the RiverCats on Monday against the Oklahoma RedHawks. Loaiza could return over next weeked if he has strong outing Monday, which could steal the second start from the A's lone two-start pitcher, Dallas Braden. Consider Braden a high-risk option for various reasons. Also, Geren won't push RHP Huston Street back into the closer's role. He was used in the eighth inning. LHP Alan Embree, who has retired the past 22 hitters he's faced, remains the closer. He set an Oakland left-handed record with his 13th save. "Alan has done such a nice job I don't feel I need to rush with (Street)," Geren said. "We'll just get him out there and get a few appearances under his belt."

Philadelphia Phillies: Kyle Lohse threw a bullpen session Sunday and expects to start Wednesday. Lohse left his last start early after a line drive from Chicago's Jacque Jones hit his forearm. The swelling in his arm had gone down by Friday, and a small red abrasion was the only mark on his arm. Jamie Moyer is the team's lone two-start pitcher.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Manager Jim Tracy said LHP Tom Gorzelanny has not experienced any setbacks with his sore left shoulder and will start Tuesday. Gorzelanny has not pitched since lasting only 2 1/3 innings in his previous start July 25. He was originally pushed back to Saturday and then to Sunday to give the shoulder one more day to feel better. No. 5 starter Tony Armas won't be taken out of the rotation despite the addition of Matt Morris and will next start Saturday. Armas limited the Cardinals to one run in 6 1/3 innings last Wednesday night, his first start since May 17. Armas had a solid outing and LHP Shane Youman allowed three runs in five innings Thursday, and Tracy indicated one would be removed from the rotation and join the bullpen. Youman will be needed to start during a doubleheader Aug. 13 against the Giants as the Pirates need a six-man rotation. Paul Maholm loses his two-start week because of the rainout, but is a decent one-start option in deeper NL-only leagues because he has been pitching well.

San Diego Padres: RHP Chris Young, on the DL with a strained oblique, threw a bullpen session Saturday, and could be a candidate to return to the rotation Aug. 9 at St. Louis. Clay Hensley, the No. 5 starter fill-in, was optioned to Triple-A on Sunday, so the Padres must be confident Young will be ready to return when eligible this week. With no days off, struggling David Wells and must-start Jake Peavy are two-start pitchers. Justin Germano left his start Sunday with a cut on his pitching hand, so consider him a high-risk option this week.

San Francisco Giants: While Russ Ortiz was bad in Triple-A (five earned in five innings), Patrick Misch was surprisingly impressive in his first big league start. It is likely enough to get Misch another start this week and after the Aug. 13 doubleheader at Pittsburgh, which will be Ortiz's likely return date if Noah Lowry (elbow) doesn't miss a start -- although it looks like he might. Tim Lincecum is a must-start two-start pitcher, while Barry Zito is an advisable one by our suggestion. Zito looked better his last time out and has two very good matchups at Washington and Pittsburgh.

Seattle Mariners: After a Monday day off, Jeff Weaver will open the series in Baltimore, which makes him the team's lone two-start pitcher.

St. Louis Cardinals: All five starters will work in succession, including two-start pitchers Braden Looper and Anthony Reyes. Reyes is much more of an advisable option than his numbers suggest.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays: Devil Rays RHP Jason Hammel (right biceps) had a bullpen session Saturday and should make his next scheduled start Tuesday. He and Edwin Jackson are risky two-start pitcher options. Down on the farm, the injury woes continue, too. RHP Jeff Niemann, who left his start Monday at Triple-A Durham because of right shoulder fatigue, will miss his next two starts as a precaution. Medical reports on the fourth overall pick in the 2004 amateur draft were good and showed no structural problems. He is scheduled to make his next start Aug. 15. Also, RHP Wade Townsend (elbow discomfort) gave up three hits over six scoreless innings Thursday night in his first start since July 22 for Class A Columbus. The first-round pick in the 2005 amateur draft missed all of last season after undergoing right elbow ligament replacement surgery. They are candidates for September call-ups at best.

Texas Rangers: The Rangers will use their off day Aug. 9 to skip RHP Kameron Loe's spot in the starting rotation. Loe was placed on the 15-day DL on Friday with a stiff back, retroactive to July 30. He's expected to be healthy again within a week. With days off Aug. 9 and Aug. 13, they need just a four-man rotation (Brandon McCarthy, John Rheinecker, Kason Gabbard and Kevin Millwood). Also, RHP Vicente Padilla (right triceps irritation) is a candidate to return after Fantasy Week 19 (Aug. 6-12). He pitched just one inning in a rehab start at Double-A Frisco on Thursday before the game was interrupted by rain and pitches again Sunday. He will then start next Friday to perhaps conclude his rehab assignment. "He might be ready after the next one," pitching coach Mark Connor told MLB.com. "Ideally you want him to come back here ready to throw 90 pitches, but he might not be in that situation. He might come back with the ability to throw around 75." If Padilla needs only those two more rehab starts, he would be ready to return during the Rangers' series against the Royals, Aug. 14-16. He has been on the 15-day DL since June 25 with a right triceps irritation. Rheinecker and Gabbard, the team's two-start pitchers, will be pitching for their rotation spots this week. That makes them mild more intriguing in deeper leagues, especially with the matchups vs. Oakland and Tampa Bay.

Toronto Blue Jays: RHP A.J. Burnett (sore shoulder) will pitch for Triple-A Syracuse at Ottawa on Monday and is expected to throw 90-95 pitches. If all goes well, Burnett could return to Toronto's rotation next Saturday at Kansas City. That return would cost rookie Jesse Litsch a two-start week, meaning the Blue Jays would have no two-starters. Josh Towers and Litsch are the ones pitching for their rotation spots with the potential return of Burnett. Consider using Burnett only out of necessity in deeper AL-only formats. Roy Halladay, Shaun Marcum and Dustin McGowan are locks to remain in the rotation after Burnett's return, obviously.

Washington Nationals: RHP Tim Redding has won just once in six starts despite a 2.43 ERA. "Every fifth or sixth day lately has been a big step for me," Redding said. "Every start I get up here is a big step. It's been almost two seasons since I've been up here." Redding pitched in 10 games in 2005 -- nine with San Diego and one with the New York Yankees -- without winning. Since 2004, he has just one win -- on July 8 against Milwaukee. RHP Jason Simontacchi won't need surgey on his right elbow. Instead, he got a second cortisone shot and will be shut down for four to six days. Simontacchi is one of seven Nationals pitchers on the DL. Manager Manny Acta said Simontacchi eventually will head to the team's spring training complex in Viera, Fla., for what could be about two weeks of rehab.Three other injured Washington RHPs are headed to Florida: John Patterson, Jason Bergmann and Jesus Colome. Bergmann, sidelined by a hamstring injury, threw a bullpen session Friday "with no problems," Acta said. The righty, 2-5 with a 4.56 ERA, is probably 10 to 15 days away from returning. RHP Ross Detwiler, the team's first-round pick in June's amateur draft, threw four innings of one-hit ball Thursday for the Gulf Coast League Nationals. He'll be promoted to Class A Potomac and start there Wednesday or Thursday. Patterson played catch Thursday after returning from a trip to Toronto for some unorthodox treatment on a bothersome nerve in his pitching arm. "I really just have one comment, and the comment is basically that I feel good. I feel great. It's the best I've felt in two years, and the treatment was a success," said Patterson, 1-5 with a 7.47 ERA. Consider all of the Nats current starters high-risk options still.

Fantasy Week 19 (Aug. 6-12)

Two-start pitchers

Pitch a question

Alex Nahigian, Fresno, Calif.: I have Carlos Zambrano, John Maine, Sean Marshall (two starts), Kason Gabbard (two starts), John Lackey, Tim Lincecum (two starts), James Shields, Kelvim Escobar, Yovani Gallardo and Billy Wagner. Obviously, I would start Zambrano, Lackey and Wagner, but who else for the upcoming period (Aug. 6-12)? If I were to pick up Phil Hughes, who should I drop?

Emack: Gabbard should be cut for Hughes immediately. As for who to start, well, I don't know your roster limits. I will assume you're in a standard Rotisserie league, where you start nine pitchers. Of the 10 names above, assuming you cut Gabbard for Hughes, sit Hughes. His first start off the DL wasn't great, although he is an immense talent with some great potential in the season's final eight weeks. Hughes could also be a candidate to skip to work on things this week. The Yankees have not said that, but he pitches after a day off and Andy Pettitte, Roger Clemens, Mike Mussina and Chien-Ming Wang can be kept on regular rest.

You can e-mail Emack your Fantasy Baseball pitching questions to DMFantasyBaseball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: Pitching Planner in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state. Be aware, due to the large volume of submissions received, we do not guarantee personal responses to all questions.