Week 22 Fantasy Baseball: Two-Start Pitcher Insights

As Week 22 of the fantasy baseball season approaches, several pitchers are set to take the mound twice, presenting managers with both opportunities and challenges. Notable among them is Zac Thornton of the Mets, who has emerged as a reliable member of the rotation with a 3.04 ERA and 1.13 WHIP over nine starts. Despite facing two strong teams in OPS against right-handed pitchers, both of Thornton's matchups will occur in his home park, which could bolster his performance.

Andrew Alvarez of the Nationals has shown improvement recently, boasting a 2.42 ERA and 0.90 WHIP in August. However, his underlying metrics suggest that his success may not be sustainable, as his strikeout rate has dipped. With favorable matchups against the Rockies and Marlins, he remains a viable option for deeper leagues, albeit with limited upside.

Max Scherzer, now with the Blue Jays, has had a mixed bag of performances but is worth considering for his upcoming starts against the Royals and Mariners, teams struggling offensively. Meanwhile, Seth Lugo of the Royals has experienced a downturn after a brief resurgence, but he faces similarly weak offenses this week, making him a potential pick for desperate managers.

Jose Urquidy of the White Sox is a wildcard after a strong outing against the White Sox, but his injury history and previous struggles raise concerns about his consistency. Merrill Kelly of the Diamondbacks has had an inconsistent season, and while he may be an innings eater, his high ERA suggests he should only be considered by those in need of wins.

Lastly, Kumar Rocker of the Rangers has not found his footing this season, facing tough opponents in the White Sox and Brewers. His rising ERA and struggles make him a risky choice for fantasy managers looking for reliable production.