Two-Start Pitcher Streamers for Week 2

6 years ago by Michael Grennell

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Week 1 is almost in the books. We've seen some great pitching performances this week, while also watching a few guys still get the kinks worked out of their system. Now with a week of playing time that actually matters, we can get a better idea of what to expect from the two-start pitchers in Week 2.

The pitchers spotlighted on last week's list still have their second outing coming up, but Brad Peacock (6.2 IP, 5 Ks, 1 R, W) and Caleb Smith (5 IP, 8 Ks, 2 R) got off to great starts this week. Desperation play Drew Smyly on the other hand wasn't so hot, allowing one run over three innings with two strikeouts. Meanwhile, the fourth member of last week's list was just OK, as Steven Matz allowed three runs — one earned — with three strikeouts over 5.1 innings.

While we wait to see how last week's two-start pitchers finish up, let's take a look at this week's batch of two-start streamers.

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Week 2 Streamers - Under 50% Owned (Kind Of)

Carlos Rodon, CHW - 51% owned

Probable opponents: vs TBR, @ NYY

Yes, yes, I know. Rodon is not under 50 percent owned (barely). But to be fair, he was under 50 percent ownership when I first started researching for this week. That technicality aside, Rodon has looked pretty sharp so far this year. Rodon allowed three runs — two earned — over 5.1 innings in an Opening Day loss, but in his next start at Cleveland he earned the win by allowing just one unearned run over six innings.

The big thing though has been the strikeouts, as Rodon recorded six strikeouts against the Royals and nine against the Indians. Tampa Bay and New York are among the top six teams in the league in batter strikeouts, so these could be a couple of nice opportunities for Rodon. In fact, if Rodon plays well this week owners might want to consider just keeping him on their roster.

Marco Gonzales, SEA - 37% owned

Probable opponents: @ KCR, vs HOU

Gonzales is one of the few pitchers to have already made three starts in 2019, and he is the only pitcher to have recorded three wins. In all three of his starts, Gonzales has thrown at least five innings while allowing three or fewer runs. In his last start against the Angels on Tuesday, Gonzales allowed one run over 8.1 innings with three strikeouts.

While the innings, wins and low ERA are all positives in Gonzales' favor, owners will be less than impressed with his 5.0 K/9 (11 strikeouts in 19.2 innings). Houston's offense is off to a slow start while Kansas City has been scoring at a decent clip, but Gonzales could still put up solid outings against both. He might not be the hottest pick on this list, but if you're looking for a pitcher with a good chance of keeping your ERA low while adding a couple wins, Gonzales is your guy this week.

Week 2 Streamers - Under 25% Owned

Jordan Zimmermann, DET - 16% owned

Probable opponents: vs CLE, @ MIN

The only thing keeping Zimmermann from being 2-0 to start this season is the lack of run support while he's in the game. After his no-no bid on Opening Day, Zimmermann recorded another quality start with one run allowed over 6.2 innings against the Yankees on Tuesday. Zimmermann hasn't been providing many strikeouts (four vs Toronto, six vs New York) but he's been otherwise solid in fantasy.

The biggest detractor from Zimmermann — again — is Detroit's anemic offense, as they are dead last in the majors with 1.71 runs scored per game. If you're in a league that counts quality starts instead of wins, consider grabbing Zimmermann this week.

Derek Holland - 8% owned

Probable opponents: vs SDP, vs COL

Don't let his 5.00 ERA fool you, Holland is a good streaming option in Week 2. He took the loss in his first start when he allowed three runs over four innings against the Padres, but he looked sharper in his second start against the Dodgers, where he allowed two runs over five innings. What's been nice to see though is the strikeout rate for Holland. With five strikeouts against San Diego and seven against Los Angeles, Holland is 12th in the majors among qualified pitchers with a 12.0 K/9.

Holland will get a rematch against San Diego before taking on Colorado — both teams of which are currently in the bottom 10 in the league in runs scored per game. Holland's start against Colorado should be especially relevant to fantasy owners, as the Rockies are currently third in the majors with 72 batter strikeouts. The ERA might not be great this week, but Holland could have some of the highest strikeout upside in Week 2.