Week 9 Pitching Planner

We go around the majors' pitching staffs and Fantasy Baseball's two-start pitchers every Sunday in the Pitching Planner. In Week 9, the pending return(s) of Josh Beckett and Roger Clemens are significant bits of news, as is the questionable status of Ben Sheets (blister).

Staff reflections

Arizona Diamondbacks : Manager Bob Melvin said LHP Randy Johnson is a go for his next scheduled start Wednesday in Philadelphia. Johnson missed his scheduled start Friday night because of forearm tendinitis. The Big Unit played catch in the bullpen before Saturday night's game. With a day off Thursday, Doug Davis is the team's lone two-start pitcher.

Atlanta Braves : With a day off Thursday, the Braves can go with a four-man rotation, relegating No. 5 starter fill-in Buddy Carlyle to middle relief. The Braves don't need the No. 5 starter until June 5, so Chuck James and John Smoltz will both be two-start pitchers in Fantasy Week 9 (May 28-June 3).

Baltimore Orioles : All five starters will go in succession, including two-start pitchers Steve Trachsel and Jeremy Guthrie. They are risky starts for deeper AL-only leagues.

Boston Red Sox : RHP Josh Beckett is on schedule to return to the rotation next Tuesday. He's been on the DL since May 19 with a right middle finger injury. With a day off Thursday, the Red Sox could choose to skip the turn of Julian Tavarez on Saturday, keeping Curt Schilling and Josh Beckett on regular rest for the weekend series vs. the Yankees. It seems to make sense, so consider Beckett a potential two-start pitcher. Tavarez is a risky option for the deepest of AL-only leagues, especially since he's at best a one-start pitcher vs. the Yankees in Fenway, where he is 1-2 with a 5.94 ERA. Manager Terry Francona got good reports on LHP Jon Lester's five-inning rehab outing for Triple-A Pawtucket on Thursday night. "He threw 80-85 pitches and could actually have thrown more," Francona said. "He got people out." Lester has been on the DL since March 28 due to cramping in his left forearm. Lester has a 1.61 ERA in four starts for Pawtucket this season. Lester won't be replacing Tavarez any time soon, because they are being overly cautious with their young left-hander with such a big lead in their division. They really want him fresh down the stretch. It's good to be the kings.

Chicago Cubs : RHP Carlos Zambrano turned the tables on reporters, announcing he was going to ask the questions. "How many wins do I have? Five. How many does the (NL) leader have? Seven. I read something the other day that I may be hurt. I don't know why you guys put that in the paper. I'm not hurt. I don't feel pain. I feel good," he said before rattling on. "I'm throwing 90-92, and you can pitch in the big leagues with that if you locate your pitches. My agent just sent me a text message saying that last year by this time I had three wins. So I feel good. Don't worry about my ERA. My ERA will come down sooner or later. I've never had a good start, but this year is different." Consider Zambrano a free-agent-to-be who could put together a series hot streak. The Cubs' lone two-start pitcher this week is Sean Marshall. He could be skipped, after a day off Thursday, but we don't forsee that happening at this point. Jason Marquis would pick up a second start, in that event, but it's likely he's kept for the important series opener at Milwaukee.

Chicago White Sox : All five starters will work in succession, including two-start pitcher Jose Contreras and red-hot John Danks. Danks is a sleeper for deeper leagues. He is as good as he has pitched of late.

Cincinnati Reds : RHP Bronson Arroyo is having trouble getting through the first inning. Last Monday, he threw 49 pitches to 10 batters and gave up four runs against the Nationals. On Saturday, he threw 34 pitches, faced nine batters and gave up four runs to the Pirates. Current No. 5 starter Kirk Saarloos had troubles, too, Sunday. It might not be long before we see Homer Bailey make his debut. Kyle Lohse and Matt Belisle are risky two-start pitcher options.

Cleveland Indians : With starters Cliff Lee and Jake Westbrook spending time on the DL this season, manager Eric Wedge said the contributions of RHP Fausto Carmona (5-1, 2.77) have been big. "Arguably, he's been as important to us as anybody on our roster," Wedge said. Westbrook, out with a left abdominal strain, has been throwing in the bullpen and continues to make progress toward a return next month, Wedge said. Carmona and Jeremy Sowers will be pitching for their rotation spot. Sowers had a promising last outing and is a two-start sleeper for deeper leagues. Lee is a solid two-start pitcher option, although he has been erratic since his return from the DL.

Colorado Rockies : The expected return of Rodrigo Lopez on Tuesday comes in time for a potential two-start week. The Rockies have a decision to make on Josh Fogg (groin) and No. 5 fill-in Taylor Buchholz, who might be losing his starting spot despite pitching well of late. Lopez should return, although an announcement isn't official, while Buchholz will start this week if Fogg needs to go on the DL. Consider Buchholz and Fogg too risky to start in any league, while Lopez is a two-start sleeper for deeper NL-only leagues.

Detroit Tigers : LHP Kenny Rogers was in the clubhouse before the game, trying to stay patient as he recovers from arm problems. "The hard part is to push it, but not too hard," Rogers said. "I'm trying to make sure that I take enough time before I upgrade the intensity, but some times I'm good at that and some times I'm not." Rogers will not be back until at least late June at this point, although that is still sooner than his expected post-break return. Chad Durbin, who will remain in the rotation until Rogers can return, and Jeremy Bonderman are the team's two-start pitchers.

Florida Marlins : RHP Josh Johnson (elbow) will make a rehab start in Jupiter, Fla., on Tuesday and said he hopes to be in the Marlins' rotation in the next couple of weeks. RHP Ricky Nolasco (elbow) will not throw for another two to three weeks. Wes Obermueller will remain in the rotation until one of the sophomores gets healthy. Byung Hyun Kim and Dontrelle Willis are two-start pitchers, but only Willis should be trusted.

Houston Astros : The Astros have Memorial Day off, then play at home against Cincinnati on Tuesday. RHP Jason Jennings returns from the DL to make the start for Houston. Manager Phil Garner said he would probably limit Jennings to 100 pitches. Jennings is the team's lone two-start pitcher.

Kansas City Royals : RHP Gil Meche, who experienced stiffness in his lower back while getting shelled in Friday night's 10-2 loss, was fine Saturday and is not expected to miss his next start Wednesday. Scott Elarton is the team's lone two-start pitcher.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: All five starters will work in succession, including two-start pitchers Bartolo Colon and Ervin Santana. Santana has been terrible in his third year, but it should be noted he has been much better at home (3-1, 2.33 ERA) than on the road (0-5, 9.30 ERA). It's reason enough to consider Santana in larger leagues because his starts come at home.

Los Angeles Dodgers : The Dodgers will decide early next week who will replace RHP Brett Tomko in the rotation. Tomko, 1-5 with a 6.28 ERA, was demoted to the bullpen Wednesday. LHP Hong-Chi Kuo or RHP Chad Billingsley are the likely contenders to join the rotation when the Dodgers need a fifth starter June 2 at Pittsburgh, manager Grady Little said. Kuo is set to start Monday at Triple-A Las Vegas. It won't be RHP Jason Schmidt, who made a brief pregame appearance in the clubhouse Saturday, saying he still had the flu and was feeling too weak to throw the simulated game he missed Friday. "He looked kind of weak and we don't know when he'll be able to work," Little said. Schmidt has been on the DL since April 15 because of right shoulder inflammation. Consider Billingsley an intriguing start as a middle reliever this week, because he has the potential to start again. Long term, he's a great keeper option. He will start before midseason even if his time isn't now.

Milwaukee Brewers : Ben Sheets (blister) has been pushed back until Tuesday at the earliest, but no official announcement has been made on whether he will make his start. What is certain is Yovani Gallardo won't be a candidate to replace him at this point. Gallardo is slated to start Sunday night in Triple-A. If he's pulled out of that start (unlikely) Sheets might not pitch until the weekend. We consider Sheets an advisable two-start pitcher, because if he's held out, we still like his chances to pitch at least once during the upcoming scoring period.

Minnesota Twins : Struggling Ramon Ortiz is a candidate to be skipped Friday after Thursday's day off. That would give Boof Bonser a potential second start, so consider Bonser a slightly more intriguing one-start pitcher. Johan Santana is a must-start two-start pitcher. Ortiz is not in danger of losing his rotation spot yet, but keep tabs on Matt Garza and Kevin Slowey in Triple-A.

New York Mets: RHP Orlando Hernandez, who started Friday for the first time since April 24 because of shoulder bursitis, reported no problems after allowing two hits in six shutout innings. "It's sore, but nothing out of the normal," said Hernandez, who's expected to make his next start Thursday against San Francisco. Jorge Sosa's performance Sunday seals his immediate future as the No. 5 starter. Red-hot Oliver Perez is a must-start two-start pitcher. He looks like he's turned the corner on his erratic career.

New York Yankees : Roger Clemens won't return Monday and will get at least one more rehab outing. It's possible he returns over the weekend at Boston, although a day off Thursday could allow the Yankees to hold Clemens out of that series. Keep Clemens reserved in all leagues, because that's a tough start in his return to the Yankees at Fenway. RHP Phil Hughes (hamstring) has a sprained left ankle, MRI test results showed. He hurt himself during an agility drill in Tampa, Fla., on Friday. "We'll evaluate it in the next couple of days," Yankees GM Brian Cashman said. LHP Kei Igawa is scheduled to start Tuesday at either Double-A or Triple-A. Ineffective at the start of the season, he was sent to the minors to work on his mechanics.

Oakland Athletics : Oakland manager Bob Geren has decided to start LHP Lenny DiNardo on Tuesday against Texas. Geren is flip-flopping DiNardo and RHP Colby Lewis, who is moving to the bullpen. "I talked to both players about it and they're both happy to get their chance in these roles. They're both very positive about it," Geren said. Chad Gaudin, a pleasant surprise, is the team's lone two-start pitcher.

Philadelphia Phillies : All five starters will work in succession, including two-start pitcher Freddy An. Garcia.

Pittsburgh Pirates : LHP Tom Gorzelanny played catch in the outfield before the game and reported no problems. "He gripped it fine," Tracy said. Gorzelanny bruised his left thumb on a comebacker Thursday night, but he's expected to make his scheduled start on Tuesday against San Diego. He and Ian Snell are solid two-start pitcher options in leagues that don't penalize losses heavily.

San Diego Padres : All five starters will work in succession, including two-start pitcher David Wells. He's a risky option best left for deeper leagues. Clay Hensley won't be getting his starting spot back from red-hot Justin Germano anytime soon.

San Francisco: All five starters will work in succession, including two-start pitcher Tim Lincecum. Lincecum has been very impressive and looks like a must-start two-start pitcher -- although young arms like his can prove to be boon or bust.

Seattle Mariners : Manager Mike Hargrove said he had settled on a starter for next Tuesday's game against the Angels, but would not say who, or even if he's a lefty or a righty. "He might be ambidextrous," he said. A replacement is needed for LHP Horacio Ramirez, on the DL with left shoulder tendinitis. Jeff Weaver will get a simulated game Tuesday and could return Sunday when that No. 5 starter's spot is up again. Cha Seung Baek will keep his rotation spot, which is now the No. 4 spot. Avoid all of the options for the No. 5 spot, especially since Weaver could take the next turn. Starter Felix Hernandez, who was removed in the sixth inning Friday night with stiffness in the lower back, was fine Saturday and will make his start Wednesday. Miguel Batista will get two starts, but he's risky for deeper AL-only leagues.

St. Louis Cardinals: Anthony Reyes, who won the World Series opener for the St. Louis Cardinals last fall but has lost 10 consecutive regular-season decisions, on Sunday was optioned to Triple-A Memphis. Reliever Todd Wellemeyer will take Reyes' spot in the rotation Wednesday at Colorado. The Cardinals recalled left-hander Troy Cate from Memphis to fill the roster spot. Kip Wells and Braden Looper are two-start pitcher options risky for deeper leagues.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays : The Devil Rays skipped Jae Seo after Saturday's rainout and can work a four-man rotation until the No. 5 spot is needed June 5. This makes Edwin Jackson and Casey Fossum probable two-start pitchers for Fantasy Week 9 (May 28-June 3) -- risky ones for the deepest of AL-only leagues.

Texas Rangers : RHP Brandon McCarthy is still scheduled to make his next start Wednesday in Oakland despite leaving Friday night's start against Boston after two innings due to a recurring blister on his right middle finger. McCarthy's availability will be determined in a bullpen session Monday in Oakland. McCarthy has been putting ointment on the finger to toughen the skin, but the blister reopened on the humid night that included a rain delay of almost two hours. McCarthy issued four walks and gave up four runs in the abbreviated stint, blaming the blister for his control problems. The Rangers will call up RHP Mike Wood from Triple-A Oklahoma to start Tuesday night against the A's. Wood is 3-1 with a 2.58 ERA in six starts for Oklahoma and 0-1 with a 7.02 ERA in three starts for Texas. Righty Kevin Millwood threw five scoreless innings for Double-A Frisco in a rehab assignment Sunday, and is scheduled to return to the Rangers' rotation this week. He's scheduled to start for Texas on Friday night in the opener of a weekend series against Seattle. Consider him a risky start in deeper AL-only leagues at this point, because of what happened the last time he came off the DL.

Toronto Blue Jays : Roy Halladay will return sooner than originally expected to the rotation, Thursday against the White Sox. Blue Jays manager John Gibbons wasn't yet willing to announce whose spot Halladay will take, RHP Jesse Litsch or RHP Tomo Ohka. Litsch is scheduled to start Wednesday, so Tomo Ohka looks like the odd-man out this week. Litsch is likely on a short leash, though. Dustin McGowan and Shaun Marcum are two-start pitchers, but they could be removed, too, we suppose over the weekend.

Washington Nationals : LHP Micah Bowie, who won his first game as a starter since 1999 on Friday, allowed two runs in five innings. His previous outing was his first in the rotation and he said he ran out of gas, lasting 3 1/3 innings and 69 pitches and getting a no-decision in a 4-3 victory. "I think I doubled anything I'd done in the last I don't know how many years," Bowie said. "It's nice once you start stretching out a little bit, you have a little more endurance." RHP Shawn Hill, on the DL with a shoulder injury since May 12, threw 30 pitches in the bullpen and could begin a rehab assignment if there are no setbacks. He won't return this week, nor will John Patterson. Jason Simontacchi is a two-start pitcher option for the deepest of NL-only leagues.

Week 9 (May 28-June 3)

Two-start pitchers

Pitch a question

Jarod Pavese, Chino, Calif.: I need to start three starting pitchers this week (very competitive Head-to-Head league). I have to choose between Jeremy Bonderman, Bartolo Colon, Oliver Perez, Rich Hill and John Lackey. Lackey is on fire but Bonderman, Colon and Perez are scheduled for two starts. Do I dare sit Lackey?

Emack: I say you do sit Lackey. Bonderman, Colon and Perez are must-start two-starts with very good matchups.

Frank: I have to start 7 for the week of May 28-June 3, which of these is the best 7: Chris Capuano, Dan Haren, John Lackey, Jonathan Papelbon, Oliver Perez, Johan Santana, Ian Snell, Bronson Arroyo, Joe Blanton, Cliff Lee and Gil Meche.

Emack: We'd go with Capuano, Haren, Lackey, Papelbon, Perez, Santana and Snell.

Mark, New Hampshire: I have Jeremy Bonderman, Curt Schilling, Bartolo Colon, Brad Penny, Jon Garland, Chad Gaudin, John Danks and Robinson Tejeda to choose from my list of two-start pitchers. Should I go with six two-start pitchers from the list above and J.J. Putz (who has seven games; three vs. ANA, four vs. TEX) closing? Or should I run seven two-start pitchers from the list above? Which pitchers and combination would you pick for Week 9?

Emack: We'd go with Bonderman, Schilling, Colon, Penny, Danks, Gaudin and Putz. Garland won't be a two-start pitcher anymore because of Saturday's rainout.

Rob, Trenton, N.J.: Carlos Zambrano, Andy Pettitte and Kelvim Escobar are free agents in my league. I have an open slot on my roster for someone. Who should I pick up?

Emack: Oh my, Zambrano is a must-own in all leagues. Pettitte likely is, too.

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 or answers to all questions.