A wise fantasy baseball player never rests. They’re never satisfied with their team and are always on the hunt for the player that can help them in the present and future. For this article, we’ll focus on the present, as we present the top pitcher streamers who’ll be making two outings this week.

We do this every week, because deep down we all know those last two or three guys taken in drafts won’t be with us the whole way through. Mix and match is the name of the game and maximizing these players’ values is the goal. As we focus on pitchers owned in 50% or fewer leagues on Fleaflicker, here are the top five for week two.

Editor’s Note: RotoBaller’s fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups list is updated every single day. Our awesome writers bring you analysis on hot or emerging starting pitchers, and also all other fantasy positions. You can also download our waiver wire iPhone app for free, and easily stay updated.

 

Top 5 Two Start Pitcher Streamers

Aaron Nola, PHI

vs San Diego (4/11), vs Washington (4/16)

The Aaron Nola hype train has been rumbling since last year, when the 22-year-old made his debut in late July. In 13 starts, he only gave up four runs or more just four times. He finished with a 6-2 record, but surprisingly, he hasn’t caught the attention of most fantasy baseball managers. In fact, he’s only owned in 32% of Fleaflicker leagues.

Nola’s season debut was strong, giving up just one run in seven innings of work against the Cincinnati Reds. Next week he’ll begin with a Monday matchup against James Shields and the San Diego Padres. The Padres got shut out three games in a row by the Dodgers to begin the year. Nola should be able to take care of business at home in game one.

In his second start of the week, he’ll take on the visiting Nationals, a stronger opponent. While this may be a sign of trouble, Nola’s final start of 2015 was in Washington, where he tossed five shutout innings against Bryce Harper and company. Nola should be able to produce this week, providing a pair of quality starts.

 

Nick Tropeano, LAA

@ Oakland (4/11), @ Minnesota (4/17)

Nick Tropeano, 25, has had a couple of stretches in the big leagues the past two years. He’ll get another one shortly. With Andrew Heaney on the DL, the Angels recalled the right-hander for two starts this upcoming week. The good news is that he’ll take on the Oakland A’s in his first start. Tropeano faced them twice last year, giving up just one run over 12.2 IP. His last start against them was particularly impressive as he struck out 11.

The bad news is that he’ll be taking on Sonny Gray, one of the top pitchers in the American League. This may not guarantee a victory, but Tropeano clearly knows how to pitch to Oakland, and he should produce a quality start. His second start of the week will be at Target Field against the Minnesota Twins. The Twins have begun their season with an 0-3 record and the offense has only produced two runs in each of the three games. Tropeano’s opponent that day will be Kyle Gibson, who was out of control in his season debut. Currently owned in just two percent of Fleaflicker leagues, Tropeano should be a solid streaming option this week.

 

Jonathon Niese, PIT

@ Detroit (4/11), vs Milwaukee (4/16)

In his Pittsburgh Pirates debut this week, Jonathon Niese was far from solid. Taking on the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park, he was tagged for four earned runs in five innings. He did pick up seven strikeouts, however, and was only really burned by a Jedd Gyorko home run. Niese will get two shots at redemption this week. The first will come Monday afternoon at Comerica Park against the Tigers. While the Tigers have a potent offense, Niese has never faced them.

Perhaps the best thing Niese has going for him is Detroit’s starting pitcher, Shane Greene. Last year, Greene was an overall failure. His 5.05 home ERA should work in Pittsburgh’s favor. It may not be pretty, but Niese has a decent chance of earning a victory.

In his second start of the week, he’ll take on the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC. Milwaukee is expected to fight with the Reds for last place in the NL Central, so this is a game the Pirates should win. Additionally, Niese will face off with Taylor Jungmann, a pitcher that has been erratic since his debut. Owned in just 11% of Fleaflicker leagues, Niese is one of the better two start streamer options for the week.

 

Anibal Sanchez, DET

vs Pittsburgh (4/12), @ Houston (4/17)

After a sub-par 2015 season, Anibal Sanchez’s stock dropped significantly heading into this season, now owned in just 20% of Fleaflicker leagues. Coming off a win in his season debut agains the Marlins, Sanchez will get two more shots at victory this week. His second start of the season will come on Tuesday at home against the Pirates. Last year, Sanchez won seven of his 10 victories at home, clearly comfortable pitching at Comerica. Coming off a positive start to the season, Sanchez should be able to keep the momentum going at home.

His second start of the week will be at Minute Maid Park against the upstart Houston Astros. This might not go as well for Sanchez, who was rocked by Houston last season. While he was tagged for seven runs in less than six innings, it should be worth noting that he recorded 11 strikeouts against the young Astros. Going against Mike Fiers, who was roughed up by the Yankees in his season debut helps the 32-year-old Venezuelan. It may not be pretty, but Sanchez will have a shot at winning both of his games this week.

 

Juan Nicasio, PIT

@ Detroit (4/12), vs Milwaukee (4/17)

Already 29 years old, Juan Nicasio made his Pirates debut this past week to much acclaim. The former Rockies and Dodgers pitcher struck out seven while giving up just one run on two hits in his first start. The six inning performance against the Cardinals was a victory, his first as a starter since May of 2014.  This week he’ll make his first start in Detroit against the aforementioned Anibal Sanchez. Owned in 19% of Fleaflicker leagues, he’s a decent gamble to take in Detroit coming off his impressive debut.

His second start of the week looks like an easier task. Like his fellow two streamer Jon Niese, Nicasio will be taking on a weak Milwaukee Brewers team slated to finish in the bottom of their division. The opposing pitcher, Tyler Cravy, is 0-8 with a 5.70 ERA for his career. Nicasio won’t need to be special to win on Sunday, always a good sign for a streamer.

 

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