We go around baseball's pitching staffs and Fantasy's two-start pitcher options every Sunday of the season in the weekly Pitching Planner.
Staff reflections
Arizona Diamondbacks: Randy Johnson (back) officially shut it down for the season, meaning rookies Micah Owings and Yusmeiro Petit will remain in the rotation ... for now. Brandon Webb, who was struck by a line drive on his right forearm and his hip is feeling fine and is probable for his two-start week. Consider him a must-start in all leagues.
Atlanta Braves: Barring a trade for a starter before the deadline, Buddy Carlyle and Jo-Jo Reyes will remain in the rotation. Chuck James is a two-start pitcher, but he could lose the second start if a starting pitcher is slotted after Carlyle and Reyes pitch Wednesday and Thursday.
Baltimore Orioles: RHP Steve Trachsel has allowed at least four runs in seven of his past eight starts. He is scheduled to start Wednesday after the trade deadline, but he could be pitching elsewhere. Garrett Olson, who is red-hot in Triple-A, is ready to start in his place if a deal does go down. Consider Olson a sleeper in deeper leagues. He has allowed just one earned run in 13 innings since his demotion, striking out 16. Erik Bedard is a must-start two-start pitcher.
Boston Red Sox: Curt Schilling looked ready to step back into the Boston rotation, pitching five scoreless innings Thursday and striking out eight in his second rehab start for Triple-A Pawtucket. But he'll make at least one more minor league start before returning to the Red Sox on Aug. 5 at Seattle or more likely Aug. 6 at Anaheim. Josh Beckett is a two-start pitcher, assuming the Red Sox don't give him an extra day of rest to slot Schilling ahead of him. Kason Gabbard, starting Tuesday, Tim Wakefield, starting Wednesday, and Jon Lester, starting Thursday, will be pitching for their rotation spots this week. One will move out for Schilling, or get traded, but they all figure to start this week.
Chicago Cubs: All five starters will work in succession, including two-start pitchers Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis. The Cubs are one team that doesn't figure to tinker with the rotation around the trade deadline.
Chicago White Sox: Manager Ozzie Guillen is unsure if he will put RHP Gavin Floyd in the bullpen or in the starting rotation. He will talk to White Sox GM Ken Williams to make a decision. In two spot starts for the White Sox, Floyd is 0-1 with a 9.58 ERA. "Right now, we haven't made that decision yet. Hopefully (Sunday) we can figure out exactly what we want to do with this kid," Guillen said. His decision likely hinges on the White Sox's ability to trade Jose Contreras, who could also be moved to the bullpen. Contreras would be Fantasy viable again if he gets dealt to the Mets in the NL, but it would also mean he would lose his two-start week. Consider him a high-risk option. John Danks could slide up to Tuesday and be a two-start pitcher, if Contreras is dealt in the next 24 hours. Otherwise, Floyd will just make the start. It is not likely you will see the White Sox trade Jon Garland or Javier Vazquez.
Cincinnati Reds: Going into Sunday, Matt Belisle hasn't won in nine starts since May 29, but manager Pete Mackanin said the rotation won't change for a while, unless a July 31 deadline deal forces a move. Reds ace Aaron Harang will miss his next scheduled turn because of a sore lower back. Harang (10-3), who has won his last five decisions, said his back stiffened before he went into the bullpen to warm up for Saturday's game. "They thought it was better to take me out rather than take a chance on hurting my arm," said Harang, who's back has bothered him before, but never enough to keep him from pitching. "Hopefully, it's just one of those 48-hour tweaks." An MRI exam Sunday didn't find any structural damage, team spokesman Rob Butcher said. Harang, who was scheduled to start against the Nationals on Thursday, won't travel with the team to Washington. He could pitch in Pittsburgh next weekend. We think Harang will be able to go over the weekend, but he's too risky to start in Fantasy leagues. One guy who won't be an option to replace Harang is RHP Homer Bailey, who played catch and reported no problem with his strained groin Friday. Bailey got hurt while pitching for Triple-A Louisville and was put on the Triple-A DL. Kyle Lohse is slated to be a two-start pitcher, but he could lose that second start if Harang returns Sunday and/or the Reds slot a trade-deadline acquistion in their rotation ahead of Lohse.
Cleveland Indians: Jeremy Sowers seems to be fixing whatever needed fixing. The left-hander, demoted to Triple-A Buffalo on June 10 after going 1-6 with a 6.93 ERA in 12 starts, has allowed just one earned run in 14 innings over his past two starts. It is expected prospect Aaron Laffey will be the one who will replace demoted lefty Cliff Lee in the rotation this week, though. Lee and Sowers are candidates for trades, while Laffey is a sleeper in deeper leagues -- especially since he has good numbers in Triple-A and the Indians are a top contender with a great offense. The Indians will not be adding to their rotation, most likely, so Fausto Carmona is a two-start pitcher -- a must-start one.
Colorado Rockies: Manager Clint Hurdle set his rotation for later in the week, going with RHP Aaron Cook on Tuesday against Florida and RHP Josh Fogg on Wednesday. RHP Rodrigo Lopez's pitching arm remained sore a day after he was taken out of a game because of arm. "The soreness is centralized in the forearm," Hurdle said. "... We're leaning toward (Lopez missing his next start)." Jeff Francis could slide up to start Thursday in Lopez's place, while RHP Jason Hirsh could be recalled to start Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Don't use Lopez in any leagues. Hirsh is a potential option out of desperation in deeper NL-only formats. Cook is a two-start pitcher, barring a trade-deadline acquistion. Ubaldo Jimenez figures to stay in the rotation at this point.
Detroit Tigers: The Tigers placed LHP Kenny Rogers (left elbow inflamation) on the 15-day DL, retroactive to July 26. They recalled RHP Jordan Tata from Triple-A Toledo to take his place, which includes a two-start Fantasy Week 18 (July 30-Aug. 5). Tata is a young arm with potential. Consider him a two-start sleeper in deeper AL-only leagues, perhaps deeper mixed leagues if you're a risk-taker. Tata could be skipped in the rotation for the second start, because the Tigers have a day off Thursday, so he is no certainty to make two starts. He will have to pitch well. The Tigers are cold right now, but their offense can make any five-inning pitcher a winner.
Florida Marlins: The return of right-hander Josh Johnson has been delayed by a stiff elbow, and he'll be examined next week by specialist Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. Johnson complained of stiffness the day after a three-inning rehabilitation start Wednesday for Single-A Jupiter, Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said. Assuming the Marlins don't make a deal, Scott Olsen, Byung-Hyun Kim, Rick Vanden Hurk, Dontrelle Willis and Sergio Mitre will remain on turn in the rotation. Olsen will be a two-start pitcher -- albeit a risky one.
Houston Astros: RHP Brandon Backe threw three innings against live batters Saturday, the next step on his road back from Tommy John surgery. Backe will make the first of six scheduled rehab starts for Double-A Corpus Christi on Thursday. Backe had surgery last September on his throwing elbow and doctors said Backe would need 12-18 months to fully recover. Manager Phil Garner expects Backe to rejoin the Astros by Sept. 1, though his first start would come later. "That's actually probably ahead of where I thought he might've been," Garner said. RHP Roy Oswalt matched his season high with 10 strikeouts in Saturday's victory. It was the 10th time Oswalt has recorded at least 10 strikeouts. He also earned his 10th win on Saturday. Oswalt will start Thursday or Friday after having his past start moved back. Barring a tweak to the rotation after the deadline, rookie Chris Sampson is a two-start pitcher for deeper leagues.
Kansas City Royals: Right-hander Leo Nunez was recalled Sunday by the Royals from Triple-A Omaha of the Pacific Coast League to join the rotation for the time being. "He just needs to throw good low strikes," manager Buddy Bell said. With no days off on the schedule, both Gil Meche and Jorge De La Rosa are two-start pitchers.
L.A. Angels of Anaheim: Kelvim Escobar and John Lackey were both given an extra day's rest before their next start, which makes them must-start two-start pitchers this week. RHP Dustin Moseley joined the rotation for injured Bartolo Colon (elbow) and might stick around for awhile, barring a trade acquisition or recall of Ervin Santana. "Dustin has the versatility to step out of the pen and start, and he did a terrific job for us starting earlier this season," manager Mike Scioscia said. "It's a concern, to take a guy from 50 pitches to 100. But if he's pitch-efficient, he'll have enough of a pitch count to get deep enough into a game, for what our needs are." All Angels starters, including recently recalled Joe Saunders, are solid options in any Fantasy league -- especially if the Angels finally get a big bat before the trade deadline and don't add a pitcher.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Brad Penny (abdominal) will be able to start Tuesday night. Mark Hendrickson will start Wednesday night, followed by Brett Tomko on Thursday and Chad Billingsley on Friday against Arizona. Derek Lowe (groin) is penciled in to return Saturday, while Randy Wolf (elbow) had a setback in his rehab and is out indefinitely. Penny is an advisable-to-must-start two-start pitcher -- assuming the Dodgers don't add a starter to slot after Tuesday.
Milwaukee Brewers: All five starters will work in succession, including two-start pitcher Jeff Suppan, who is struggling but a viable start in deeper leagues.
Minnesota Twins: All five starters will work in succession, including two-start pitchers Scott Baker and Carlos Silva. They should only be considered in deeper AL-only leagues.
New York Mets: They could add a starter at the deadline, which would likely bump struggling Jorge Sosa out of the rotation. Tom Glavine is expected to be a two-start pitcher, one on the verge of career victory No. 300 and a solid start in all leagues.
New York Yankees: Manager Joe Torre is looking forward to the possible return this week of RHP Jeff Karstens, who has been on the 60-day DL with a broken leg. Karstens allowed no runs and two hits in six innings in a rehab start for Triple A Scranton/Wilkes Barre on Friday. Starting pitcher Kei Igawa was optioned to Triple-A Scranton Friday. Igawa, who was 2-3 with a 6.79 ERA in 12 games, took the loss Thursday at Kansas City, allowing seven hits and five runs in 5 2/3 innings. While Karstens is likely to be recalled, it should be in relief if Phil Hughes makes it through his July 30 rehab start fine. Hughes is currently in line to return to the Yankees rotation Aug. 4. He's risky for that start in Fantasy leagues, but he is a must-add right now for his potential. Mike Mussina is the team's lone two-start pitcher. Despite his struggles this season, he's an advisable option in those matchups.
Oakland Athletics: All five starters will work in succession, including two-start pitchers Joe Blanton and Dan Haren. RHP Esteban Loaiza is moving forward in his rehabilitation from injuries to his neck and knee. Loaiza threw Friday and could see game action as soon as Wednesday. Manager Bob Geren said Loaiza will either throw another simulated game in Oakland on Tuesday, or will go on a rehab start with Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday. Loaiza has not pitched this season. RHP Chad Gaudin is winless in his four starts since the All-Star break with a 7.89 ERA. He was 8-3 with a 2.88 ERA in 18 starts before the break. Gaudin threw his first career complete-game Saturday but lost. Dallas Braden or Lenny DiNardo are the likely ones on the bubble if and when Loaiza and/or Rich Harden (shoulder) can return this season.
Philadelphia Phillies: All five starters will work in succession, including two-start pitchers Cole Hamels and Adam Eaton.
Pittsburgh Pirates: RHP John Van Benschoten was sent to Triple-A Indianapolis a day after his latest poor outing. Van Benschoten, a former first-round pick, was 0-5 with a 9.76 ERA in seven starts this year. Tony Armas Jr. will take his spot in the rotation. LHP Tom Gorzelanny, who left Wednesday's game because of shoulder stiffness, reported no problems Thursday. He should get a start this week for deeper Fantasy leagues, but consider him a risk. Red-hot Paul Maholm is a two-start sleeper for deeper leagues, especially with those matchups.
San Diego Padres: The Padres placed RHP Chris Young on the 15-day DL and called up Tim Stauffer from Triple-A Portland. Young has a strained oblique muscle. "He's feeling better," manager Bud Black said. "He's just continuing therapy. He's moving around a little bit better, but not able to really play catch or anything." Young's 1.82 ERA leads the NL. If the Padres don't like what they see with Stauffer, Clay Hensley could rejoin the rotation out of the bullpen. All five starters will work in succession, including two-start pitcher Justin Germano.
San Francisco Giants: RHP Russ Ortiz (strained forearm) is on a rehab assignment as a starter and could be back in the majors after if all goes well and the Giants decide to deal veteran Matt Morris before the deadline. Consider Morris a risky start this week. Noah Lowry, a two-start pitcher, has also been mentioned in deals, but it's less likely the Giants deal a solid young arm.
Seattle Mariners: All five starters will work in succession, including two-start pitcher sleeper Miguel Batista.
St. Louis Cardinals: Manager Tony La Russa said RHP Brad Thompson, who left his last start because of a blister on his hand, might have to go on the DL. Thompson's response: No way. "The blister's not an issue at all," he said. "I came out of the game because I walked two guys in that inning and was probably going to come out anyway." Interesting, because Anthony Reyes' first win for the St. Louis Cardinals since the World Series opener will earn him another start. "He'll pitch next week," manager Tony La Russa said. Reyes' next turn figures to come at the expense of Mike Maroth (0-4 with a 9.20 ERA) or Thompson. "I've been up and down all year, so wherever I've got to pitch is where I've got to pitch," Reyes said after Saturday night's game. "I'm not going to get down on myself. This is the place to pitch and I'd love to be here." Thompson said the blister wouldn't keep him from pitching, but pitching coach Dave Duncan wasn't so certain. "It's in contact with the ball, and any finger that's in contact it's significant," Duncan said. "It's not a big deal because it wasn't a major blister, but at the same time it's an issue." Reserve Maroth and Thompson in those deeper NL-only leagues they are owned. Reyes is a top prospect sleeper for any Fantasy league. Adam Wainwright is a two-start pitcher sleeper, regardless of who Reyes replaces in the rotation.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays: Andy Sonnanstine is a likely two-start pitcher, even though the Devil Rays have a day off Thursday. It is unlikely the Devil Rays skip any of their current rotation members at this point. He's a high-risk option.
Texas Rangers: Manager Ron Washington said LHP John Rheinecker, who has made two spot starts this season, would start Wednesday at Cleveland. Rheinecker held Seattle to one unearned run on six hits in seven innings in a start Tuesday in a doubleheader. He has assumed the No. 5 starter's role vacated by the struggles of Robinson Tejeda and the injury woes of Vicente Padilla (shoulder), who could make his final rehab start Wednesday. Brandon McCarthy is a two-start pitcher, albeit a risky one.
Toronto Blue Jays: RHP A.J. Burnett (shoulder strain) threw three simulated innings Friday and will start a minor league rehab assignment Wednesday. Gustavo Chacin has been demoted to the minor leagues, so Jesse Litsch and Josh Towers will be pitching for one rotation spot at this point. Dustin McGowan is a two-start pitcher for use in deeper Fantasy leagues.
Washington Nationals: The Washington Nationals put right-hander Jason Bergmann on the 15-day DL on Friday with a tight left hamstring and planned to recall right-hander Joel Hanrahan from Triple-A Columbus, so he can make his major league debut Saturday. Hanrahan pitched well and Billy Traber did not Sunday, so expect Hanrahan to stick around in Traber's rotation spot. Matt Chico is a two-start pitcher, but only viable in deep NL-only leagues.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
Fantasy Week 18 (July 30-Aug. 5)
| This week's matchups | |||
| AL early | NL early | AL late | NL late |
| TOR@TB | PHI@CHC | BAL@TB | PHI@MIL |
| KC@MIN | CIN@WAS | KC@NYY | CIN@PIT |
| LAA@SEA | STL@PIT | LAA@OAK | STL@WAS |
| DET@OAK | COL@FLA | BOS@SEA | HOU@FLA |
| TEX@CLE | HOU@ATL | TEX@TOR | COL@ATL |
| BAL@BOS | NYM@MIL | CLE@MIN | NYM@CHC |
| CHW@NYY | ARI@SD | CHW@DET | ARI@LAD |
| SF@LAD | SF@SD | ||
| Bold indicates a four-game series. | |||
| The following teams play seven games this week: Chicago Cubs, Kansas City, L.A. Angels, Minnesota, Oakland and Philadelphia. | |||
Two-start pitchers
| This week's two-start pitchers | ||
| Must-start options | ||
| Two-starter | Start No. 1 | Start No. 2 |
| Cole Hamels | at CHC Lilly | at MIL Gallardo |
| Josh Beckett | vs. BAL Bedard | at SEA Batista |
| Dan Haren | vs. DET Verlander | vs. LAA Lackey |
| Erik Bedard | at BOS Beckett | at TB Sonnanstine |
| John Lackey | at SEA Weaver | at OAK Haren |
| Brandon Webb | at SD Germano | at LAD Penny |
| Kelvim Escobar | at SEA Batista | at OAK Blanton |
| Fausto Carmona | vs. TEX McCarthy | at MIN Silva |
| Advisable options | ||
| Brad Penny | vs. SF Lowry | vs. ARI Webb |
| Joe Blanton | vs. DET Rogers | vs. LAA Escobar |
| Tom Glavine | at MIL Suppan | at CHC Marquis |
| Ted Lilly | vs. PHI Hamels | vs. NYM Maine |
| Mike Mussina | vs. CHW Contreras | vs. KC De La Rosa |
| Adam Wainwright | at PIT Maholm | at WAS Chico |
| Noah Lowry | at LAD Penny | at SD Germano |
| Questionable options | ||
| Chuck James | vs. HOU Sampson | vs. COL Cook |
| Kenny Rogers | at OAK Blanton | vs. CHW Contreras? |
| Gil Meche | at MIN Baker | at NYY Hughes? |
| Dustin McGowan | at TB Sonnanstine | vs. TEX McCarthy |
| Jason Marquis | vs. PHI Eaton | vs. NYM Glavine |
| Jeff Suppan | vs. NYM Glavine | vs. PHI Eaton |
| Paul Maholm | vs. STL Wainwright | vs. CIN Lohse |
| Scott Olsen | vs. COL Cook | vs. HOU Sampson |
| Miguel Batista | vs. LAA Escobar | vs. BOS Beckett |
| Justin Germano | vs. ARI Webb | vs. SF Lowry |
| Jose Contreras | at NYY Mussina | at DET Rogers |
| Aaron Cook | at FLA Olsen | at ATL James |
| Scott Baker | vs. KC Meche | vs. CLE Laffey |
| Adam Eaton | at CHC Marquis | at MIL Suppan |
| High-risk options | ||
| Kyle Lohse | at WAS Chico | at PIT Maholm |
| Chris Sampson | at ATL James | at FLA Olsen |
| Carlos Silva | vs. KC De La Rosa | vs. CLE Carmona |
| Brandon McCarthy | at CLE Carmona | at TOR McGowan |
| Andy Sonnanstine | vs. TOR McGowan | vs. BAL Bedard |
| Jorge De La Rosa | at MIN Silva | at NYY Mussina |
| Matt Chico | vs. CIN Lohse | vs. STL Wainwright |
Pitch a question
Cody Petersen, Oak Park, Calif.: I have both Ted Lilly and John Maine on my roster, and this upcoming week they will both face each other. Lilly is a two-start pitcher, and they both have been performing well. Do you suggest I start both, or do I substitute one for Dontrelle Willis or Andy Pettitte?
Emack: Maine and Lilly are solid starts. Let Willis straighten himself out for a few more starts, while Pettitte is not quite as dominant as Maine and doesn't have Lilly's benefit of two starts.
You can e-mail Emack your Fantasy Baseball pitching questions to DMFantasyBaseball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: Pitching Planner in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state. Be aware, due to the large volume of submissions received, we do not guarantee personal responses to all questions.
