RADIO
As a new week is upon us, it's time to get rid of that bench bat or middle reliever you have hanging around. Instead, maximize your roster slots with some pitchers who have two starts this week and are probably still available in your league.
Here are the top two-start pitchers to stream for Week 18 of the fantasy baseball season. This can be especially helpful for head-to-head (H2H) leagues, where every start can be that much more valuable. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to hit me up on Twitter @TroyKlauder.
As always, I will be selecting starting pitchers who are owned in 50% or less of ESPN leagues.
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Under the Radar Two-Start SP Streamers - Week 18
Charlie Morton, Houston Astros – owned in 43.4% of ESPN leagues
Projected starts: vs. TB, vs. TOR
Astros starter Charlie Morton is entering Week 18 with a ton of momentum after his last outing against the Phillies, where he went seven scoreless innings with nine strikeouts. On the season, Morton now has an outstanding 26.1% strikeout-rate with just an 8.8% walk-rate. In his first matchup, Morton faces a respectable Rays lineup. However, Tampa Bay strikes out at a 24.6% rate against righties, which is the fourth-most in all of baseball. This gives Morton lots of upside for strikeouts. He then finishes off the week against the Blue Jays, who are a much easier opponent with their .309 wOBA against righties, which is 24th in the league. With the Astros lineup supporting him, Morton could easily grab two wins in Week 18, alongside lots of strikeouts and quality innings.
Mike Foltynewicz, Atlanta Braves – owned in 37.2% of ESPN leagues
Projected starts: @PHI, vs. MIA
In the last 30 days, 25-year-old Mike Foltynewicz has been fantastic, striking out 33 batters in 31 2/3 innings with a 3.13 ERA. This success should continue against the Phillies, who are an incredibly weak lineup with their .309 wOBA versus righties. He then faces the Marlins, who are a tougher task, but nothing too serious. Their .323 wOBA against right-handers puts them at 13th in the majors. Despite doing so well this season, Folty is still at a low ownership rate, so pick him up in your league before it's too late.
Paul Blackburn, Oakland Athletics – owned in 7.9% of ESPN leagues
Projected starts: vs. SF, @LAA
In his first five major league starts, Paul Blackburn has found a way to make it work, posting a 2.25 ERA through 32 innings. To be clear, Blackburn is no fantasy stud, as he has a paltry 9.7% K-rate, and is going to get hit with some regression. However, that regression may have to wait until after Week 18, as Blackburn faces two of the very worst lineups in baseball. The Angels and Giants rank 29th and 30th, respectively, in wOBA versus righties this year. On top of this, Oakland and Los Angeles are two of the best pitcher's parks in all of baseball. Therefore, even someone like Paul Blackburn can easily have a productive week against them. If you're looking for a two-start pitcher in a deeper format, Blackburn is likely your guy this week.
Ricky Nolasco, Los Angeles Angels – owned in 4.6% of ESPN leagues
Projected starts: vs. PHI, vs. OAK
If you're desperate for starts in an AL-only or deep format, look to Ricky Nolasco. Nolasco is by no means a quality starting pitcher, but he gets a shot for an effective week against the aforementioned Phillies, as well as the Athletics. The A's aren't quite as bad of a lineup as the Phillies, but their 25% K-rate makes them a team to target, as that's the third-highest rate against right-handers. He's susceptible to implosions on the mound, but could wriggle through his Week 18 matchups and actually give you some worthwhile innings.
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