If you are reading this article you are more than likely in the championship of your fantasy playoffs. So congratulations and good luck! Week 26 is the last full week of the season. It has been a pleasure providing you with the two-start pitchers every week this year. Thank you all for your support and questions throughout the summer.
I waited until the last moment to provide you with the two-start pitchers since managers are constantly changing pitching rotations. Before you make any moves, make sure to double-check the Fangraphs Probable Starting Pitchers Grid. Let’s take a look at the two-start pitchers for Week 26 (9/26-10/02)!
Week 26 Two-Start Pitchers
Must-Start: These pitchers should be started regardless of match-up. They are a must-start in all leagues until further notice.
Should-Start: These pitchers should start in most leagues. This is based on the pedigree of the pitcher and/or favorable matchups.
Risky Business: Only start these pitchers if you are in a deep roto or points league, desperate for counting stats, or feeling lucky.
Must Sit: Do not start these pitchers.
Must Start
| Pitcher | Start 1 | Start 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin Gausman TOR | NYY | BOS |
| Robbie Ray SEA | TEX | OAK |
| Zack Wheeler PHI | @ CHC | @ WAS |
| Lance Lynn CHW | @ MIN | @ SD |
| Tyler Anderson LAD | @ SD | COL |
| Logan Webb SF | COL | ARI |
Lance Lynn has fully bounced back and is a must-start pitcher once again. Over his last 67 innings, Lynn has a 2.18 ERA, 3.00 FIP, and a 3.14 xFIP with 67 strikeouts while only giving up 15 earned runs. Next week he hits the road for both matchups. He faces the Minnesota Twins (108 wRC+) and the San Diego Padres (100 wRC+).
Should Start
| Pitcher | Start 1 | Start 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Luis Severino NYY | @ TOR | BAL |
| Martín Pérez TEX | @ SEA | @ LAA |
| Blake Snell SD | LAD | CHW |
Blake Snell is coming off one of the best starts of his career. Last time out against the St. Louis Cardinals, Snell tied his career-high 13 strikeouts in seven shutout innings. Over the last month, Snell has a 2.63 ERA with 35 strikeouts and only six walks in 24 innings. He has two tough matchups next week as he takes on the Los Angeles Dodgers (117 wRC+) and the Chicago White Sox (124 wRC+). If you own Snell, hopefully, the Dodgers will rest some starters.
Risky Business
| Pitcher | Start 1 | Start 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Wacha BAL | BAL | @ TOR |
| Corey Kluber TB | @ CLE | @ HOU |
| Pablo López MIA | @ NYM | @ MIL |
| Marcus Stroman CHC | PHI | CIN |
| Chase Anderson CIN | @ PIT | @ CHC |
Marcus Stroman has a 4.12 xERA with a 6.4 BB% in 125.2 innings this year. Stroman is risky because he gives up a lot of hard contact and has very limited strikeout ability. With that said, lately, he has pitched well. In the month of September, he has a 3.00 ERA with a 1.00 WHIP and 24 strikeouts across 23 innings. Next week he stays home to take on the Philadelphia Phillies (103 wRC+) and the Cincinnati Reds (82 wRC+).
Must Sit
| Pitcher | Start 1 | Start 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Lyles BAL | @ BOS | @ NYY |
| Zack Greinke KC | @ DET | @ CLE |
| James Kaprielian OAK | @ LAA | @ SEA |
| Cory Abbott WAS | ATL | PHI |
| Germán Márquez COL | @ SF | @ LAD |
| Roansy Contreras PIT | CIN | @ STL |
| Kyle Bradish BAL | @ BOS | @ NYY |
| Bailey Ober MIN | CHW | @ DET |
For championship week, I believe Chase Anderson should ride the pine. However, Anderson does have a 3.61 xERA with a serviceable 23.7 K% on the season. Most importantly, Anderson has two friendly matchups on paper as he faces the Pittsburgh Pirates (83 wRC+) and the Chicago Cubs (97 wRC+).