Sorry to Blake Snell and Luis Castillo, but Saturday’s Major League starting pitching schedule may be lacking in household names, but it more than makes up for it in value. With only one month left in the season, this is perfect for those of us seeking for a lift for our fantasy staffs. There are lots of unsung heroes likely still available on your waiver wire that may make a major impact today. As always, we’ve got advice on who to start, who to sit, and who to stream in our daily starting pitcher rankings to help you sort it all out.
rankings for Saturday, September 2’s starting pitcherspitchers streamingThe Los Angeles Angels’ Griffin Canning — In his first legitimate start since late July, Canning excelled, striking out nine Mets in seven innings of one-run ball. The struggling Angels aren’t the best club to look for victories against right now, but the Oakland A’s are one of the few opponents the Halos are actually favorites to beat. Since Oakland’s lineup has been terrible lately and the Coliseum is a highly accommodating venue for pitchers, Canning has a lot of potential if he can rediscover the feel for all of his breaking pitches.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck Houck showed off an incredibly nasty slider while holding the feared Dodgers to just one run over four innings despite a dismal WHIP. On Saturday, Houck should have an easier time reaching the crucial five-inning mark against a Royals team that has somewhat cooled off at the plate after an unexpectedly frisky start to August. Additionally, Kansas City lacks the impact lefty bats that could make Houck pay for his lack of a true third pitch.
Cleveland Guardians’ Logan Allen The Rays offense has recently put up generally respectable numbers, but they have a history of falling silent for stretches of time. I’m not sure what to make of them right now. After all, they allowed a very average Cal Quantrill to put up a decent start last night, and rookie pitcher Cody Allen has been significantly superior to Quantrill this season, allowing two runs or fewer in four of his previous five appearances.
Here are your complete starting pitching rankings for fantasy baseball on Saturday, September 2 without further ado.