RADIO
Welcome back to our quest for two-start pitchers. Most leagues are in the playoff portion of the schedule or are on the verge, so every move you make carries an extra level of importance.
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 for week 23.
Editor’s Note: RotoBaller’s fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups list is updated every single day. Our awesome writers bring you analysis on hot or emerging starting pitchers, and also all other fantasy positions. You can also download our waiver wire iPhone app for free, and easily stay updated.
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Taijuan Walker, SEA
OWNED IN: 59% of Yahoo Leagues
Current Schedule: 9/8 vs TEX, 9/13 vs. COL
Taijuan Walker has had an up-and-down season in 2015, which isn't what you want to hear before plugging in a player for the playoffs. That combined with the lack of discussion regarding Walker's inning limit and whether or not the Mariners will choose to shut him down brings some risk to this choice. But given Walker's latest string of starts, he's worth the gamble here.
Walker has recorded a quality start in seven of his past eight starts, including his latest performance at Houston (6.2 IP, 3 ER). He's pitched noticeably better at home, limiting hitters to a .228 BAA at Safeco Field. He's pitched well versus Texas (2 GS, 2.08 ERA, 8/2 K/BB) including August 17th at Texas (6 IP, 3 ER, ND). He makes for a better play in QS leagues but I'd be willing to strut him out in 5x5 leagues with confidence.
Yovanni Gallardo, TEX
OWNED IN: 50% of Yahoo Leagues
Current Schedule: 9/7 @ SEA, 9/12 vs OAK
It's been a fun ride for Yovanni Gallardo, surprising most pundits by putting together a formidable 2015 campaign. He's no longer the 200 strikeout pitcher he was for Milwaukee but his 3.27 ERA would be a career-best if the season ended today, something no one expected. His 2nd half numbers aren't pretty (4.86 ERA, 1.64 WHIP) but there's more than meets the eye.
After a disastrous July (5.46 ERA) Gallardo was fantastic in August, compiling a 1.98 ERA with a 4-0 record over five starts. In his previous two starts versus Seattle Gallardo owns a 2.25 ERA and .214 BAA over 12 innings. He's had more trouble versus Oakland, but combining how poorly the A's are playing and the Rangers need to maintain their current play to hold the second Wild Card slot makes Gallardo a safe two-start this week.
Aaron Nola, PHI
OWNED IN: 26% of Yahoo Leagues
Current Schedule: 9/8 vs ATL, 9/13 vs CHC
The Nola Train was sailing smoothly until a road outing at New York (N) sent his peripherals for a doozy. He allowed six runs in four innings, although if you watched the game you would have seen his defense really let him down (looking at you, Dominic Brown).
Nola has still been performing well and limiting the mistakes in his rookie campaign. He's allowed more than two walks just once in his nine starts. The main concern here is the Phillies decide to pass on Nola for the weekend outing to limit his workload, but a home outing versus the putrid Braves is just too much to pass up. Start Nola with confidence.
Patrick Corbin, ARI
OWNED IN: 23% of Yahoo Leagues
Current Schedule: 9/7 vs SF, 9/13 vs LAD
A little surprised to see how many people can snag Corbin at this point. Take out his poor outing at Cincinatti two weeks ago and he's owned a 2.16 ERA and 24/6 K/BB since August 9th, well worth using in any league format. On the season he's carrying a 3.67 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with a 56/13 K/BB, still respectable numbers.
Corbin gets a tasty matchup to start the week versus the Giants, who are 13th in OPS since the All-Star Break, only better than the lowly Marlins and Braves in the National League. Sunday represents a difficult opportunity for a win as he faces Zack Greinke, but Corbin should be a safe bet for ratio support in this crucial week.
