AMERICAN LEAGUE RECOMMENDED TWO-START PITCHERS
Justin Verlander (T.B., OAK) – Despite some shaky starts, Verlander remains one of the top pitchers in the American League. His 11-4 record and 3.49 ERA should be reason enough to keep him going.
Jesse Litsch (NYY, @K.C.) – Litsch has been a revelation to the Blue Jays this season. The 22-year-old Florida native has an impressive 1.71 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP in the five starts since being recalled to the rotation.
Andy Pettitte (@TOR, @CLE) – I realize this is a risky pick, but Pettitte has been terrific of late. Over his last five starts, the left-hander has won three games, allowing only 11 runs.
Curt Schilling (@LAA, @BAL) – This is a lean week in the AL, that’s why Schilling gets the nod. Having said that, the Red Sox right-hander, who was activated from the DL in time to start against the Angels on Monday, hasn’t yielded a run while striking out 15 in three rehab starts.
FORGET THEM
John Danks (CLE, SEA) – Aside from his paltry 6-8 second record, Danks has also allowed 22 runs in his last five starts.
Steve Trachsel (SEA, BOS) – Consider Trachsel’s last outing – where he didn’t allow an earned run in six innings against Boston – an aberration. Prior to that game, Trachsel gave up at least four runs in six straight games.
Edwin Jackson (@DET, @TEX) – There are too many reasons why Jackson should be benched this week but his 6.56 ERA is a good start.
NATIONAL LEAGUE RECOMMENDED TWO-START PITCHERS
Jake Peavy (@STL, @CIN) – Peavy has stormed back from a four-game losing streak with two quality starts. The Padres’ ace allowed just one run in 14 innings during his two wins.
Tim Lincecum (WAS, PIT) – This kid has been simply outstanding for the Giants this year. In his last seven starts, the rookie phenom has surrendered only seven runs while winning four times.
Oliver Perez (@ATL, @FLA) – Perez is one of the reasons the Mets continue to hold off the Phillies and Braves in the NL East. Perez has won three of his last four starts, allowing only seven runs during that stretch.
Rich Hill (@HOU, @COL) – Hill has only won once in his last four games, but that’s been his only negative. Hill has given up only eight earned runs in that time and is a mainstay in the Cubs’ rotation.
FORGET THEM
Braden Looper (S.D., LAD) – Looper was crushed by the Pirates in his last start, allowing seven earned runs in only four innings. He’s also has just two wins in his last seven starts.
Anthony Reyes (S.D., LAD) – Let me throw out two stats at you: 1-10, 6.07 ERA.
Byung-Hyun Kim (@PHI, @NYM) – Kim is 6-5 with a 4.63 ERA with the Marlins and Rockies this season, which isn’t good enough in my book.
QUICK HITS
Alex Rodriguez became the youngest player in major league history to reach the 500 home run plateau Saturday against the Kansas City Royals. He took the first pitch from Kyle Davies in the first inning and deposited it just past the foul pole in left field. Rodriguez (35 HRs, 105 RBIs) looks like a shoe-in to earn another AL MVP Award.
In the same game, rookie pitcher Philip Hughes was roughed in his return to the Yankees starting rotation. Hughes was doing fine until the fifth inning, when he allowed four runs.
Although he gets lost the shuffle of great first baseman, Minnesota slugger Justin Morneau is having another terrific season. The Canadian infielder has followed up his AL MVP season by hitting 28 dingers and 89 RBIs while maintaining a .294 average.