Fantasy411: Two-start pitchers for Week 13

June 23rd, 2016

Is your fantasy starting rotation struggling? Or maybe you just need some extra strikeouts? Then consider adding these pitchers, who are all scheduled to make two starts in Week 13.
Standard mixed leagues
Trevor Bauer (@ATL, @TOR): Despite carrying ace potential, Bauer has yet to enjoy a prolonged period of success in the big leagues, and inconsistent command (3.9 career BB/9) is largely to blame. The 25-year-old has made significant progress this season, however, boasting a 3.20 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP, a 8.4 K/9 and a much improved walk rate (2.9 BB/9) through 17 games (11 starts). The owner of a 2.96 ERA since transitioning into a full-time starting role this year, Bauer heads into a two-start week with one very favorable matchup and one challenging outing. While the Blue Jays rank second in the Majors in both runs scored and OPS this month, the Braves rank last in those two categories for the season. Also worth noting: The Indians righty is coming off six straight quality starts, including a dominant performance vs. the Rays on Wednesday night, when he tossed a complete game with 10 strikeouts. Considering his ability to miss bats, along with his strong recent efforts, Bauer is worth the risk for next week.

Collin McHugh (@LAA, vs. CWS): Consistency continues to be an issue for McHugh this year, but he has allowed three runs or fewer in five of his past seven starts, and he is fresh off one of his better outings of the season -- a seven-inning, two-run performance vs. the Angels. Next week, the Astros righty will get rewarded with a rematch vs. the Angels, followed by a start against a White Sox club that ranks 14th in the American League in OPS. McHugh's impressive strikeout rate this season (8.4 K/9) adds to his two-start-week appeal.
Adam Conley (@DET, @ATL): After posting a mediocre 4.68 ERA in May, Conley has rebounded nicely this month, pitching to a 2.59 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP through five outings. Starting the Marlins southpaw against the Tigers is risky, as Detroit ranks among the top eight teams in the Majors in both runs scored and OPS. But his second scheduled start for next week -- a matchup against a Braves team that he blanked across eight innings on Wednesday -- is as favorable as it gets. Outside of shallow formats, Conley deserves the nod.
Julio Urias (@MIL, vs. COL): Although the 19-year-old lefty has yet to pitch deep into games during his first taste of the big leagues, he has adapted well to his opposition. If his past three starts are any indication (2.35 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 12.3 K/9), then fantasy stardom could be in his near future. For now, though, he should be owned in all leagues and started in all two-start stanzas. Urias will be tested in Week 13 by a Rockies club that leads the National League in OPS, but a trip to Milwaukee -- against a Brewers club that ranks 12th in the NL in runs -- should be easier. And in both starts, Urias should have the type of stuff to rack up K's.

Deeper mixed leagues
Francisco Liriano (vs. LAD, @OAK): With only one quality start in his past six outings, Liriano might seem like a poor starting option -- even in a two-start week. That said, the Pirates lefty is striking out over a batter per inning this year, and his proven track record suggests that better results could be in store. Even more importantly, the Dodgers and A's rank 26th and 27th, respectively, in the Majors in OPS. Perhaps better results will come as early as next week.
Matt Wisler (vs. CLE, vs. MIA): Following back-to-back rough starts, Wisler turned in a fine performance against the Reds (two runs in 6 2/3 frames) on June 16. Although his track record is thin and his win potential is limited pitching for a Braves club that struggles to score, the young righty has recorded nine quality starts in 14 tries this season. As for his opponents next week, the Marlins rank 21st in the Majors in runs, while the Indians rank 28th in OPS on the road.