Welcome back to our quest for two-start pitchers. I am The Brady Grove, and I will be playing the role of spot writer this week. We will take a look at four hot pitchers who have upside and two ideal matchups this week. If you are looking to get quality and quantity this week, look no further than these four starters. We begin with possibly the most highly touted prospect in the current Cincinnati all-rookie rotation.
These pitchers are projected to pitch twice in week 20 and are owned in less than 50% of Fleaflicker and Yahoo leagues.
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Raisel Iglesias, SP, CIN
8/18 vs. KC, 8/23 vs. ARI
Cuban prospect Raisel Iglesias has had flashes of both good and bad in his debut season with the Cincinnati Reds. Iglesias has been brilliant of late. In three August starts, Iglesias has a 2.89 ERA and 0.75 WHIP. He is making both of his starts this week at home, which is good news considering that he pitches much better at home on the season with a 3.82 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in Cincinnati. Of course, the home park is of some concern as it's one of the most power friendly in baseball.
In total, Iglesias has good peripherals with a 3.53 FIP, 2.6 BB/9, and 9.3 K/9. His main struggle has been allowing home runs with a 0.9 HR/9. However, this is good news considering his opposition this week. Iglesias will first face off against the Royals who rank 26th in the league with 91 HR on the season and will then make a start against the Diamondbacks who rank 18th in the league with 103 HR. He's a high ceiling pick up this week.
John Danks, SP, CWS
8/18 @ LAA, 8/23 @ SEA
After years of being a perennial trade deadline dangle, John Danks seems to have settled into a groove. Danks, like Iglesias, has struggled with home runs this season (1.1 HR/9). That should be far less of an issue this week, as he is pitching in Anaheim and Seattle which are two very pitcher friendly parks. The Angels and Mariners have also struggled offensively this season as Seattle ranks 20th in the league in OPS at .699 and the Angels rank 22nd at .698.
In the month of August, Danks has a 2.37 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and zero HR in 19 IP. Danks struggled mightily in the season's first half by allowing 14 HR in 91.2 IP. In the second half, Danks has only allowed one HR in 36 IP on his way to a 2.75 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. Finally, Danks has displayed fine control in 2015 with only 2.8 BB/9. Fantasy baseball managers can trust Danks as a solid two start pitcher this week.
Kevin Gausman SP, BAL
8/18 vs. NYM, 8/23 vs. MIN
It is a good thing the Orioles didn't deal Kevin Gausman at the deadline, because he really seems to love Baltimore. In 2015, Gausman has been incredible at home with a 1.50 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and one HR despite the homer friendly confines of Camden Yards.
Coincidentally, Gausman has two starts at home this week against two very weak offensive teams. Gausman will first square off against the Mets who rank 29th in the league in OPS at .676 and then will pitch against the Twins who are tied for 22nd in the league at .698. With solid peripherals - 3.78 FIP, 2.4 BB/9, and 7.8 K/9 - Gausman is a solid option to continue his home dominance.
Nathan Eovaldi SP, NYY
8/18 vs. MIN, 8/23 vs. CLE
Nate Eovaldi struggled in the season's first half with a 4.50 ERA and a horrendous 1.52 WHIP. In the second half, he has rebounded with a 3.48 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP. Part of Eovaldi's minor struggles have been his high opponent BABIP of .343 despite a GB/FB ratio of 1.09. By producing that many ground balls, the amount of hits Eovaldi gives up is sure to come down.
Eovaldi will be making both of his starts at Yankee Stadium this week against the Twins who rank 22nd in OPS in the league at .698 and the Indians who rank 24th in the league in HR with 93. The Indians weak power threat will be important in the Bronx. Eovaldi performs better at home with a 3.41 ERA and 1.32 WHIP and actually leads the league in win percentage with a record of 12-2 thanks to excellent run support. While his ratios tend to hurt, he's always a good bet for a victory. Or two!
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