Justin Verlander, SP, Detroit Tigers
Week 6 Double Starters (May 7th – May 13th)
Each and every Thursday throughout the season, the following week’s double start options will be listed below. They are listed in the order of my own personal preference and how they would be used in my own lineups.
The top tier of guys should be in your lineup regardless of who they are pitching against. You drafted them to be the core of your rotation, and they need to pitch for you. Occasionally, starters with terrific matchups in both starts will find their way into this group.
In deeper mixed leagues, the second tier of guys should most likely find a place in your rotation as well. In shallower leagues, perhaps you could play the matchups with this group.
The bottom tier of pitchers listed should be on your bench or started with extreme caution. Don’t say that you or your ratios weren’t given proper warning.
Disclaimer: Many things can change between Thursday and Monday, including rainouts, injuries, juggling of rotations, etc. This information has been provided to the best of my knowledge and ability as of Thursday afternoon.
Start your Aces
Justin Verlander: @ Mariners, @ Athletics
Ricky Romero: @ Athletics, @ Twins
Jared Weaver: @ Twins, @ Rangers
Roy Halladay: vs. Mets, vs. Padres
Carlos Zambrano: @ Astros, vs. Mets
James Shields: @ Yankees, @ Orioles
Rick Porcello: @ Mariners, @ Athletics
Tommy Hanson: @ Cubs, @ Cardinals
Lance Lynn: @ Diamondbacks, vs. Braves
Jonathan Niese: @ Phillies, @ Marlins
Joe Saunders: vs. Cardinals, vs. Giants
Ted Lilly: vs. Giants, vs. Rockies
Play the Matchups
Jarrod Parker: vs. Blue Jays, vs. Tigers
Edwin Jackson: @ Pirates, @ Reds
Juan Nicasio: @ Padres, @ Dodgers
Matt Harrison: @ Orioles, vs. Angels
Edinson Volquez: vs. Rockies, @ Phillies
Daniel Bard: @ Royals, vs. Indians
Neftali Feliz: @ Orioles, vs. Angels
Ivan Nova: vs. Rays, vs. Mariners
Justin Masterson: vs. White Sox, @ Red Sox
Phil Humber: @ Indians, vs. Royals
Marco Estrada: vs. Reds, vs. Cubs
Felix Doubront: @ Royals, vs. Indians
Bronson Arroyo: @ Brewers, vs. Nationals
J.A. Happ: vs. Marlins, @ Pirates
On the Pine
Jonathan Sanchez: vs. Red Sox, @ White Sox
Josh Tomlin: vs. White Sox, @ Red Sox
Barry Zito: @ Dodgers, @ Diamondbacks
Jake Arrieta: vs. Rangers, vs. Rays
Francisco Liriano: vs. Angels, vs. Blue Jays
Carl Pavano: vs. Angels, vs. Blue Jays
Brian Matusz: vs. Rangers, vs. Rays
Paul Maholm: vs. Braves, @ Brewers
Blake Beavan: vs. Tigers, @ Yankees
Notes
Justin Verlander isn’t only one of the most dominating pitcher’s in the game today, but he’s lined up to face two of the weakest offenses, in two of the best pitchers’ parks in the league. He should outperform every starter on this list for the week.
Speaking of Verlander’s solid two matchups, though not as strong of a pitcher Rick Porcello gets the same tasty two-step and should be started in all formats.
As far as double starts go, it doesn’t get more tantalizing than Ricky Romero’s two-step this week.
James Shields is squaring off against two good offenses, each in hitters’ parks, but he’s been far too dominant all season long to sit down.
Sure, Jake Arrieta looked improved in his last outing, but do you really want to trust him at Camden Yards against two very strong offenses? Pass. Oh, and the same thing goes for Brian Matusz.
As good as Jonathan Sanchez looked against the Tigers this week, he’s still an incredibly risky play in any format.
Jared Weaver will try to follow up his no-hitter with an encore performance against those very same weak-hitting Twins on Monday. That game should be must-watch.
Jarrod Parker sure looks like he belongs in the big leagues through his first two starts, and now gets two this week at the spacious Oakland Coliseum. He should be owned and active in all formats this week.
Tommy Hanson and Roy Halladay are each trying to rebound from difficult starts in a crazy matchup on Wednesday, but they both need to remain in your lineups this week.
Carlos Zambrano is my low percentage recommendation for the week. He’s pitched extremely well so far this season and gets two favorable matchups. He should be started in all formats, with the expectation of picking up a victory, 10+ strikeouts and solid ratios.
Bronson Arroyo has pitched surprisingly well in the early part of the season, and may also be worth a look as a cheap, low percentage play.
Speaking of underrated low percentage streaming options, J.A. Happ could be in play for those in deeper mixed leagues.
Joe Saunders isn’t going to finish the season with a 1.25 ERA, but while he’s dealing he should be owned and started in all leagues.
As good as Barry Zito’s ERA may look, don’t fall in the trap.
If you have any rotation related questions that you would like answered, just leave them in the comments below or message me on Twitter @DaveShovein and I’d be more than happy to lend my opinion!
Dave Shovein
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Happ, Porcello and Nicasio are scheduled to pitch this sunday, not sure why they are on this list.