Top fantasy hurlers with two starts in Week 21
Looking to improve your fantasy starting rotation? Need to gain ground in wins and strikeouts? Then consider these pitchers, who are each scheduled to make two starts in Week 21.
12-team mixed leagues
Julio Teheran (vs. COL, vs. NYY)
Although the 2015 version of Teheran has looked nothing like the pitcher who registered a 2.89 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP just one season ago, the Braves righty has quietly posted a 2-0 record to go along with a 2.45 ERA, a 0.97 WHIP and a 24-to-4 K/BB ratio through his first four starts this month. Despite both ranking in the top third of the Majors in runs scored, the Rockies and Yankees have not swung the bats particularly well of late, ranking in the bottom half in runs, batting average and OPS in August. Also of note: Teheran will be making both of his starts at home, where he has gone 6-1 with a 2.44 ERA -- compared to a 2-5 record and a 6.32 ERA away from Turner Field. All in all, owners of the 24-year-old should not hesitate to start him.
Jered Weaver (@DET, @CLE)
Boasting a 2.08 ERA and 0.87 WHIP in three starts since returning from the disabled list, Weaver hits the road next week to face a pair of lineups that rank in the bottom half of the American League in both runs scored and OPS since the All-Star break. The veteran righty has battled health woes and inconsistency for much of this season, but his recent performance, coupled with his established track record, suggest that a strong finish to 2015 is well within the realm of possibility. As long as the matchups are not especially unfavorable, consider Weaver an automatic start for two-start weeks. Next week is no exception.
Video: CWS@LAA: Weaver throws 6 1/3 scoreless innings
Charlie Morton (@MIA, vs. COL)
Morton limited the Mets to two earned runs on four hits across 6 1/3 innings to go along with a season-high nine strikeouts on Saturday before following that up with eight strikeouts in Thursday's win against the Giants. His matchups next week are quite favorable, as the Marlins rank 12th in the National League in runs and 11th in OPS, while the Rockies' offense has struggled away from Coors Field, ranking 14th in the Senior Circuit on the road in both runs and OPS. If available, Morton is a quality addition to any 12-team mixed league roster.
Patrick Corbin (vs. STL, vs. OAK)
Although he struggled in a no-decision on Thursday against the Reds, Corbin appears to have shaken off the rust from his 18-month absence due to Tommy John surgery. At this point, it is safe to consider him a viable starting option in all mixed leagues, especially in two-start weeks -- and especially next week. The Cardinals and A's rank 28th and 29th, respectively, in the Majors in runs scored since the All-Star break.
Video: ARI@ATL: Corbin goes 6 2/3 scoreless frames in win
Deeper mixed leagues
Derek Holland (vs. TOR, vs. BAL)
Making his first start since early April and just his second of the season, Holland pitched well on Wednesday, tossing 6 1/3 innings of two-run ball with six strikeouts against the Mariners. Considering the extended layoff, there's a possibility that Holland is on the waiver wire even in deeper mixed leagues. That will not be the case for much longer, so owners in need of starting pitching help should look to add him, regardless of league format. That said, Holland is a risky play for next week, the matchup against the Blue Jays being particularly challenging. In mixed leagues of 12 or fewer teams, I'd play it safe and leave him benched. But if Holland gets through next week in good shape, I would trust fully him going forward. In his last DL-free season back in 2013, the Rangers southpaw registered a 3.42 ERA to go along with 189 strikeouts, so he's already proven himself to be a reliable mid-rotation fantasy starter.
Video: SEA@TEX: Holland holds Mariners to two runs in return
Adam Morgan (vs. NYM, vs. SD)
For now, Morgan is still more of a very deep mixed league or NL-only league option. However, through his first 10 big league starts, the rookie lefty sports a 3.92 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP, so he is certainly someone to monitor. Factoring in that the Mets rank last in the Majors in runs on the road, and Morgan's strong outing against the Padres earlier this month (one earned run in six innings), don't be surprised if he continues to impress next week.
All statistics are accurate through the completion of Wednesday's games.