One last set of two starters before we hit the All-Star break. Looks can be deceiving, but the options are more attractive than last week. The Sugar Cookies are an unusual group this week, seeing a mix of struggling stars, surprising youngsters, and at least one old standby I didn’t expect to see at that level again. I admit to doubting that, but Streamonator loves his matchups, and recent results give reason for optimism.
Anyway, let’s get to it.
The following are our guesses at the time of writing as to who will start two games this week, but the weather, injuries, and secret team management mean they are just that: guesses. To stay as up-to-date as possible, consult Rudy Gamble’s invaluable Streamonator.
Chocolate Chip Cookies (A Must-Start)
They are the kings of the cookie world for a reason. A warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie makes you feel good. Kind of like setting your plans you know you’re getting a double this week from these guys.
| It’s a jar | The beginning of the beginning | The Second Beginning |
|---|---|---|
| Zack Wheeler, Phi | LAD | OAK |
| Chris Sale, Atl | @ARI | @SD |
| Logan Gilbert, Sea | @SD | @LAA |
| Zac Gallen, Ari | ATL | TOR |
Sugar Cookies (Must Start)
They went well. You could certainly do a lot worse than having these guys on your list, but don’t expect it to be spectacular.
| It’s a jar | The beginning of the beginning | The Second Beginning |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Abbott, Cin | COL | MIA |
| Ronel Blanco, Hou | MIA | TEX |
| Shota Imanaga, ChC | @BAL | @STL |
| Frankie Montas, Cin | COL | MIA |
| Jose Quintana, NYM | WSH | COL |
| Jack Flaherty, Det | CLE | LAD |
| Christian Scott, NYM | @PIT | COL |
| Carlos Rodon, NYY | @TB | @BAL |
| Jake Irvin, Wsh | @NYM | @MIL |
| Brian Bello, Bos | OAK | KC |
- Streamonator has Rodon as the third best choice this week. but his latest series of debuts doesn’t inspire anything close to that confidence in me. I want to put him even lower than this, but he’s made me look like a fool before.
- In contrast, the machine is significantly less Irvin than me. I understand why, but he’s been working all season. I’m happy to let it ride for the first two weeks.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (Can Start)
This is not for everyone. These are the jars that can be a happy surprise, or they can ruin your church. Step slowly.
| It’s a jar | The beginning of the beginning | The Second Beginning |
|---|---|---|
| Mitch Keller, Pit | NYM | @CHW |
| Dean Kremer, Bal | CHC | NYY |
| Ryan Pepiot, TB | NYY | CLE |
| Miles Mikolas, StL | @WSH | CHC |
| Yusei Kikuchi, Sea | @SF | @ARI |
| Gavin Williams, Cle | @DET | @TB |
| Colin Rea, Mil | The PIT | WSH |
| David Festa, Min | @CHW | @SF |
| Jordan Hicks, SF | TOR | MIN |
| Keider Montero, Det | CLE | LAD |
| Charlie Morton, Atl | @ARI | @SD |
| Ben Lively, Cle | @DET | @TB |
- Three of Keller’s last four moves were difficult. Before that he had a 6 game hitting streak. He’s frustrated because when he’s on he’s on fire and when he’s off he’s off is turned off, and there is no rhyme or reason when it turns from one to the other. I would start him if I had him this week, but I would feel a little nervous about it. So it’s a tier.
- Streamonator actually has Bailey Ober lined up to start the week in Minnesota, but he’s stopped by more recently than Festa. Because of that, I bet Festa is the one pulling double duty.
- Change “Bailey Ober” to “Kenta Maeda,” “Minnesota” to “Detroit,” and “Festa” to “Montero” from the previous blurb and read it again.
- Morton is this week’s honorable mention Brave who will get two starts if they decide to throw a random spot from someone this week. More often than not, that guy doesn’t start twice. Be prepared.
Fortune Cookies (Don’t Start)
Yes, technically cookies. Hold on, what does that little piece of paper say? “Bad times pass.” Oh. Oh well.
| It’s a jar | The beginning of the beginning | The Second Beginning |
|---|---|---|
| John Gray, Tex | @LAA | @HOU |
| Davis Daniel, LAA | TEX | THE SEA |
| Mitchell Parker, Wsh | STL | @MIL |
| Trevor Rogers, Mia | @HOU | @CIN |
| Andre Pallante, StL | KC | CHC |
| Chris Flexen, ChW | MIN | The PIT |
| Joey Estes, Oak | @BOS | @PHI |
| Martin Perez, Pit | @MIL | @CHW |
| Roansy Contreras, LAA | TEX | THE SEA |
| Cal Quantrill, Col | @CIN | @NYM |
| Yilber Diaz, Ari | ATL | TOR |
| Dakota Hudson, Col | @CIN | @NYM |
- Rogers has been worse than good this season, although he has looked better lately. I could understand the temptation to use him this week, but I don’t recommend it.
- Pallante is penciled in to start two games based on the Cardinals doubleheader scheduled for Saturday. But, seeing how often teams call someone to handle the duties of one of those games, this berry indeed should not be considered suitable for compression.
- Yes, I know what Estes did in his last move. No, I don’t trust him to repeat it with those matchups.
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