AMERICAN LEAGUE RECOMMENDED TWO-START PITCHERS
Johan Santana (CLE, @CHW) – Santana (14-10) has not had the season many fantasy owners expected and demanded, but he remains a terrific options with the season winding down. The Twins' hurler still has won 14 games and his 200K/41BB ratio also ranks among the best pitchers in the majors.
C.C. Sabathia (@MIN, @LAA) – Sabathia has only won twice in his last seven games, but don't blame the lefty for lack of victories. The Indians' veteran has allowed two runs or less in seven straight games and sports an impressive 3.37 ERA for the season.
Daisuke Matsuzaka (TOR, @BAL) – Although Matsuzaka has lost his last three decisions, he should be able to rebound this week. Even during his last defeat against the Yankees, Matsuzaka retired 12 of 13 batters before Derek Jeter's solo home run in the fifth gave New York a one-run lead.
Josh Beckett (TOR, @BAL) – Beckett has been solid over his last 10 games, posting a 3.18 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP during 70 2/3 innings of work. With the Yankees in hot pursuit of the Red Sox for the AL East, look for Beckett to pick up his play.
FORGET THEM
Jeremy Guthrie (@T.B., BOS) – Guthrie was a nice story early on but the Orioles' right-hander is starting to fade. Guthrie is winless in his last nine starts and had a gaudy 6.23 ERA in August.
Zack Greinke (@TEX, NYY) – The Royals are gradually building Greinke's pitch count again, but his next two starts make me cringe.
Kameron Loe (K.C., OAK) – Loe has a 5.58 home ERA, which isn't good considering his next two starts are in Arlington.
NATIONAL LEAGUE RECOMMENDED TWO START PITCHERS
Roy Oswalt (@MIL, @NYM) – Oswalt has been one of the hottest pitchers in all of baseball. The Astros' right-hander has won six his last seven starts, allowing just five runs during that stretch.
Brad Penny (@CHC, @S.F.) – If you throw out Penny's last start against the Nationals, the Dodgers veteran has surrendered three or less runs six consecutive contests.
Aaron Harang (NYM, MIL) – Harang (14-3) has been one of the few bright spots for the Cincinnati Reds this year. The right-hander is 9-1 over his last 17 games and sports a 2.89 ERA.
Ben Sheets (HOU, @CIN) – Sheets was solid in his first start since returning from the disabled list, holding the Chicago Cubs to only one earned run in six innings to get the victory.
FORGET THEM
Jamie Moyer (@ATL, FLA) – Moyer's ERA was well over six in each of the last two months, so don't expect September to be any better.
Rick VandenHurk (@WAS, @PHI) – Despite two great outings recently, VandenHurk remains a risky option this week.
Matt Belisle (NYM, MIL) – Unlike Harang, Belisle has been terrible this year for the Reds – particularly at home. Belisle has a 6.26 ERA at Great American Ball Park, which is bad news with the Mets and Brewers in town this week.
QUICK HITS
Fantasy owners of Erik Bedard were dealt a minor setback when the Orioles' starter missed a start on Saturday because of a nagging oblique problem. While Bedard is expected to start later this week, his condition should be monitored.
Also keep a close eye on Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum, who may get his innings reduced by manger Bruce Bochy in an effort to save the rookie's arm in the final month since the team is out of the playoff race. Bochy has also indicated that a six-man rotation for September may be a possibility.
Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer's frustrating season continues as he's still battling hamstring and ankle problems. His day-to-day status has fantasy owners scrambling to find another hitter.