Though it is easy to insert two-start pitchers Clayton Kershaw, Johnny Cueto or Madison Bumgarner, despite his second-half struggles (4-5, 3.87 ERA, 1.200 WHIP), into your playoff rotation, it is not as easy to figure out others worth using as you enter what is likely your semifinal week.
When it comes to playing the matchups, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find a team that has an easier schedule than the Mets. After this weekend’s series against the Twins, they play the Braves, the Marlins and the Phillies (seven times).
That is why you should trust Noah Syndergaard, Bartolo Colon, Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo (4-0 with a 1.80 ERA and .211 opponent average in four starts before taking the mound Saturday).
Syndergaard is Roto Files top two-start option this week. Not only is he 4-1 with a 1.36 ERA, 42 strikeouts and a .175 opponent average over his past six starts, but he faces Atlanta (0-0, 2.37 ERA, 11 Ks in two career starts) and Philadelphia (4-0, 1.37 ERA, 30 strikeouts in four career starts). With the Mets in the wild-card hunt and playing their final homestand, Thor will demolish all who stand before him.
Gsellman, who has been pitching with a labrum tear in his non-pitching arm, has not had success against either the Phillies or Braves, but should, at the very least, be able to give you a two quality starts in front of the Citi Field crowd. His matchup against Julio Teheran (6-3, 2.44 ERA in 14 appearances against the Mets) is less attractive than facing Jake Thompson and the Phillies later in the week.
Here’s a look at some pitchers who can help and some who may hurt you this week:
- Kyle Hendricks has suffered one loss since June 13, going 11-1 with a 1.27 ERA, .193 opponent average and a 91:24 strikeout:walk ratio. He has allowed two earned runs or more just four times in his past 16 appearances.
- Ivan Nova is 5-0 with a 2.41 ERA, .236 opponent batting average, 43 strikeouts (including 11 his last time out against the pathetic Phillies) and just three walks in eight starts since joining the Pirates. Just be mindful of his upcoming schedule: Though his next start is Sunday against Cincinnati, the real challenge comes in his final two starts versus the Nats and Cubs. He is hot and has a great pitching coach, but this is still a pitcher with a career 4.27 ERA.
- Yangervis Solarte is red-hot, raising his average from .271 to .284 in his first 14 games this month. In that span, he went 29-for-56 (.357) with two homers, 15 RBIs and a .892 OPS. He is available in more than 65 percent of ESPN and Yahoo leagues.
- In 15 games since Aug. 29, Brandon Moss was hitting .059 with just three hits (in 51 at-bats), one homer, two RBIs and a really ugly .276 OPS. If you own him, bench him and consider these team names: Rather No Moss or Horrible Moss (that’s a play off the movie “Horrible Boss,” if you needed an explanation).
