Week 16 Two-Start Pitchers Update

Here is the latest update to Week 16 two-start pitchers. Again this list is subject to change going forward.

Pitchers not listed on last update: Wakefield, Bergesen, Enright.

Pitchers no longer scheduled for two starts: Baker, Duke.

Let’s take a look at Tim Wakefield. It’s hard for some fantasy owners to take Wakefield seriously given his advanced age and questionable role on the team, but the veteran knuckleball pitcher does deliver something that most fantasy players value – consistency.

Since 2005 here are Wakefield’s annual FIPs and we use this one because he does seem to have an ability to limit HRs:

4.75, 4.93, 4.67, 4.84, 4.58, 4.52 and a 4.73 this season.

Now those FIPs have not always delivered a consistent ERA, but when Wakefield was in the starting rotation he was an excellent bet to deliver double-digit Wins each season. This year Wakefield started out in the bullpen but he has been permanently in the rotation since May 22nd. Here’s how he’s fared since then:

5-2, 4.47 ERA, 4.64 FIP.

Wakefield simply gets the job done. The one troubling thing about Wakefield has been a decline in his already poor K-rate. For the previous five years, Wakefield posted K/9s in the 5.00 range. This year that number has dropped to 4.41, a noticeable change. Fans can be somewhat encouraged by Wakefield’s last start before the All-Star break, when he fanned seven batters over seven innings pitched in a win over the Blue Jays.

This week Wakefield has a start in Baltimore against Brad Bergesen, who has been ineffective this year as a starter and who is also trying to come back from being hit by a line drive. His second start this week is at home against the Mariners, the team last in the American League with a 3.21 rpg. Seattle also has the second-most strikeouts of any club in the AL.

The matchups seem favorable for Wakefield this week and as he is still unowned in most leagues, he is a potential streaming option for the period.