Probable 2-start pitchers:
Cream of the crop:
Madison Bumgarner, SF (@ MIL, vs. ATL) – The Mad Bum gets two turns in the rotation this week. After earning the win over Clayton Kershaw, again, Bumgarner deserves to be in tier all by himself. The Giants’ ace is sporting a 2.84 ERA in nine starts. Bumgarner has also tallied 20 Ks in his past three games.
Dallas Keuchel, HOU (@ BAL, vs. CWS) – Keuchel continues to lead the American League with his 1.67 ERA. After allowing four earned runs in back-to-back outings, Keuchel righted the ship against the A’s (7 IP, 0 ER). While he isn’t known for strikeout performances, Keuchel will face the White Sox. In the past week, the A.L.’s Chicago team struck out 72 times (second-most).
David Price, DET (@ OAK, @ LAA) – In his last two starts, Price has punched out a total of 21 batters in 13.1 innings of work. His Tigers are away from Comerica Park for both of Price’s starts. On the road, Price is 2-0 (2.28 ERA) in four starts this season.
Potential bargains:
Jeff Locke, PIT (vs. MIA, @ SD) – Before Sunday’s 11 run outburst by the Padres, they scored only 13 runs in the previous week. San Diego also struck out 70 times in the prior six games (tied for third-most). The Marlins have only scored 20 runs in the last seven games with a .213 team batting average. While it’s not great, Locke’s ERA has only been 4.13 at home as opposed to his 8.10 ERA on the road. This week, Locke will travel to San Diego, a pitcher’s haven.
Tanner Roark, WAS (@ CHC, @ CIN) – With Doug Fister on the DL (flexor strain), Roark will make his first start of 2015. Last season, Roark won 15 games and produced a 2.85 ERA (1.09 WHIP) in 31 starts. On the road, he was 8-4 with a 3.17 ERA last year. Both of Roark’s starts are scheduled on the road. First, his Nats will travel to the northside of Chicago. The Cubs led the league with 75 strikeouts in the past seven days. Next, he’ll face the Reds. Cincinnati scored only 17 runs in their last six games.
I’ll pass:
Jason Marquis, CIN (vs. COL, vs. WAS) – For the fantasy players who like to stream their starters, I would advise against Marquis this week. Colorado will travel away from their rainy ballpark (by the way, rain is in the forecast all week in the Queen City). Their offense is alive and well. The Rockies have scored at least seven runs in four of the last five games. His other opponent, Washington, isn’t producing at that level, but they are winning games. The Nats are 7-1 in the past eight contests.
