AMERICAN LEAGUE RECOMMENDED TWO-START PITCHERS
John Lackey (@SEA, TEX) – Relax and take a deep breath. So Lackey lost his last two starts against the Yankees and Red Sox. It happens. Despite this minor setback, Lackey still sports an impressive 15-8 record with a 3.34 ERA. Prior to his starts against the beasts from the East, Lackey rang up three straight decisions.
A.J. Burnett (@OAK, SEA) – Burnett has looked outstanding since coming off the disabled list with a stiff right shoulder. The Jays’ right-hander is 1-1 since his return, allowing only three earned runs in 13.1 innings.
Daisuke Matuszaka (@NYY, BAL) – As impressive as Matuszaka’s 13 wins and 3.76 ERA are during this rookie season, his best stat may be fanning 172 opposing batters in 170 innings.
Justin Verlander (NYY, @OAK) – If you throw out Verlander’s last start against Cleveland, the right-hander has allowed three or less runs in four of his previous six games.
FORGET THEM
Jose Contreras (T.B., @CLE) – Contreras (6-16) is four losses away from 20 for the season. Do I really need to add anything else?
Paul Byrd (MIN, CHW) – In his last three games, Byrd has allowed seven, one and six earned runs, respectively. That’s simply too risky for you to take a chance on him this week, even with two home games.
Jason Hammel (@BAL, @NYY) – I can’t believe Tampa Bay Devil Rays manager Joe Maddon continues to role out Hammel as part of the starting rotation. Among the right-handers’ problems is a 1-4 record and a gaudy 7.43 ERA.
NATIONAL LEAGUE RECOMMENDED TWO-START PITCHERS
Brandon Webb (@S.D., COL) – Webb’s scoreless streak may be gone but his numbers are still sick. The Diamondbacks’ pitcher has won his last six games, posting a miniscule 0.38 ERA in the process.
Jake Peavy (ARI, L.A.) – Peavy has really picked up the pace over the last month, winning four of his last five games while surrendering only five runs.
Derek Lowe (WAS, @S.D.) – Lowe has rebounded from a rough July with some terrific efforts. The tough-luck Dodgers’ pitcher won his last two games and has only allowed four earned runs once in the previous six contests.
Tom Gorzelanny (CIN, @MIL) – The third-year pro has enjoyed a terrific season on a bad Pittsburgh team. Gorzelanny’s 12-7 record and 3.40 ERA remain solid enough for you to continue starting him.
FORGET THEM
Lance Cormier (@FLA, NYM) – His 9.00 ERA should be enough reason to steer clear of this Braves’ right-hander.
Brian Lawrence (@PHA, @ATL) – Lawrence has only pitched past the fifth inning once in his last five games and is going through some control problems.
Livan Hernandez (@S.D., COL) – Plus: Hernandez has won three times in his last four games. Minus: He’s allowed 14 runs during that stretch. Guess which category matters to me more?
QUICK HITS
Fantasy owners who are in the running for their respective league championships have to be distraught following the news that Philadelphia Phillies stud pitcher Cole Hamels was placed on the 15-day DL with a strained elbow. His 14 wins will be missed during the next two weeks.
Chris Young has a team-best 26 home runs for the NL West-leading Arizona Diamondbacks. Despite a slow start to the season, the rookie outfielder has really given fantasy owners reasons to smile over the last two months.
Don’t look now, but San Francisco Giants pitcher Matt Cain has quietly had a strong August. Cain, who’s won three of his last four games, smashed a home run off Chicago Cubs starter Carlos Zambrano in his last start to earn his sixth win of the season.