This article is part of our Weekly Pitcher Rankings series.
As always, remember that rotations are subject to change, so if you see something that looks incorrect, assume that it was a change that occurred since this was written and feel free to politely bring it up in the comments, and I'll let you know where the new arm slots.
For the week May 18-24
AMERICAN LEAGUE
For the week May 18-24
AMERICAN LEAGUE
START
1. Corey Kluber - at CWS, CIN Note: Hoped you enjoyed the tiny buy-low window, I know some of you took advantage |
2. Chris Sale - CLE, MIN |
3. Sonny Gray - at HOU, at TB Note: The slider is driving his K% surge and it's starting to look legitimate |
4. Chris Archer - OAK |
5. Felix Hernandez - at TOR Note: Looking to avenge the 4.7 IP/8 R (4 ER) late-Sept. dud from last yr that basically cost him the Cy |
6. David Price - HOU |
7. Anibal Sanchez - MIL, HOU Note: MIL regressing back their level: 6th-best wOBA vs. RHP in May after 25th in Apr |
8. Jose Quintana - CLE, MIN |
9. Michael Pineda - TEX Note: More inclined to credit KC rather than blast Pineda; he's fine and still really awesome |
10. Garrett Richards - at BOS Note: Seems to be getting sharper with each passing start |
11. Dallas Keuchel - OAK Note: First start in four that isn't against a top 5 in wRC+ vs. LHP; OAK is 27th, went 9 scoreless vs. them |
12. Scott Kazmir - at TB |
13. Jeff Samardzija - MIN |
14. |
As always, remember that rotations are subject to change, so if you see something that looks incorrect, assume that it was a change that occurred since this was written and feel free to politely bring it up in the comments, and I'll let you know where the new arm slots.
For the week May 18-24
AMERICAN LEAGUE
SIT
NATIONAL LEAGUE
SIT
MLB TOP 100
For the week May 18-24
AMERICAN LEAGUE
START
1. Corey Kluber - at CWS, CIN Note: Hoped you enjoyed the tiny buy-low window, I know some of you took advantage |
2. Chris Sale - CLE, MIN |
3. Sonny Gray - at HOU, at TB Note: The slider is driving his K% surge and it's starting to look legitimate |
4. Chris Archer - OAK |
5. Felix Hernandez - at TOR Note: Looking to avenge the 4.7 IP/8 R (4 ER) late-Sept. dud from last yr that basically cost him the Cy |
6. David Price - HOU |
7. Anibal Sanchez - MIL, HOU Note: MIL regressing back their level: 6th-best wOBA vs. RHP in May after 25th in Apr |
8. Jose Quintana - CLE, MIN |
9. Michael Pineda - TEX Note: More inclined to credit KC rather than blast Pineda; he's fine and still really awesome |
10. Garrett Richards - at BOS Note: Seems to be getting sharper with each passing start |
11. Dallas Keuchel - OAK Note: First start in four that isn't against a top 5 in wRC+ vs. LHP; OAK is 27th, went 9 scoreless vs. them |
12. Scott Kazmir - at TB |
13. Jeff Samardzija - MIN |
14. Trevor Bauer - at CWS, CIN Note: Could be a top 20 overall SP with some consistency, but still quite good even as we wait for him to find it |
15. Collin McHugh - at DET |
16. Danny Salazar - at CWS Note: The HRs still worry me especially as the 0.88 WHIP rises, but loving the K and BB rates |
17. Carlos Carrasco - CIN Note: He's had some inconsistency, but also getting some of the bad luck that bit Kluber; I'd buy |
18. Jake Odorizzi - OAK |
19. Rick Porcello - LAA |
20. Phil Hughes - at CWS Note: His 4.45 ERA in the last five is a bit deceiving as 7 of the 16 ER have come in 2 of 32.3 IP; better days ahead |
21. Nathan Eovaldi - at WAS |
22. Jesse Chavez - at TB |
23. Drew Hutchison - LAA, SEA Note: The Drews are going to tease, but the talent keeps you coming back (2.45 ERA, 15 Ks, 2 BBs in last two covering 11 IP) |
24. Drew Pomeranz - at HOU, at TB Note: Outside of both being on the road, AL lefties can't get a much better slate |
25. C.J. Wilson - at TOR, at BOS Note: Not walking anyone (11 BB in 48 IP; 7 of those in two starts); *big* spike in throwing the change for strikes, can it hold? |
26. Yovani Gallardo - at BOS, at NYY |
27. Nate Karns - at ATL, OAK Note: First four: 14 BB, 5 HR; last four: 7 BB, 1 HR; I'm intrigued |
28. Wei-Yin Chen - SEA |
29. Alfredo Simon - HOU Note: Basically a poor man's Bartolo Colon so not quite the elite command and more volatility, but better than most believe |
30. J.A. Happ - at BAL |
31. Miguel Gonzalez - SEA Note: This is first start outside of the division; he's still a 3.50ish ERA arm, but improved GB rate has curbed some of his HR issues |
32. Jesse Hahn - at HOU |
33. Alex Colome - OAK Note: Rough one vs. NYY, but I'm still interested in the youngster and his 16.0 K:BB ratio |
34. Chris Young - STL Note: Kind of with the perfect team again this year as they really only need 5-6 IP each time, no need to push him at all |
35. Edinson Volquez - STL |
36. Clay Buchholz - TEX Note: I remain ever-terrified of that 9 ER wrecking ball hanging overhead, but he's shown real upside plus AL pitching is kinda lame |
37. Ubaldo Jimenez - at MIA Note: He and Clay share a wrecking ball |
38. Ricky Nolasco - at PIT |
39. Carlos Rodon - CLE |
40. Roenis Elias - at BAL |
41. Shane Greene - MIL Note: Stay tuned for news on the elbow, but at least the command has returned after the three-start downturn |
42. Yordano Ventura - CIN Note: It's not good right now and there are reasons for legitimate concern |
43. Wandy Rodriguez - at BOS |
44. Trevor May - at CWS Note: Skills are there for much more, but still too hittable in the zone |
45. Kyle Lobstein - MIL, HOU |
46. Jered Weaver - at TOR |
SIT
47. Taijuan Walker - at BAL, at TOR Note: Slowly chiseling his 8.74 ERA down, but this is a rough two-start slate |
48. Colby Lewis - at NYY Note: Too good to be in the 70s anymore, but I'm still skeptical; success feels entirely related to 5% HR/FB which is a career-best |
49. Hector Santiago - at TOR Note: He's been great thus far, but lefty-mashing TOR in their park for guy who's had HR issues before is scary |
50. James Paxton - at TOR Note: Does anyone else call him "Jam Pax" in your head as a nickname? No? Just me? OK, then. |
51. Danny Duffy - STL |
52. Wade Miley - TEX, LAA Note: Not missing any bats which is particularly frustrating as last year's K rate looked real |
53. Kyle Gibson - at CWS Note: You just can't hold a sub-3.00 ERA with *this* much contact; 6 Ks at DET were 2 fewer than previous four starts combined |
54. Mike Pelfrey - at PIT |
55. Matt Shoemaker - at TOR Note: HRs are killing him (4 multi-HR outings; two 3-HR outings) and he's going to TOR |
56. R.A. Dickey - LAA Note: The volatility of the knuckler: five starts of 4+ ER, three of which have been 6+ ER |
57. Marco Estrada - LAA |
58. Nick Martinez - at NYY Note: Slowest regression ever, but it's still coming |
59. Joe Kelly - TEX Note: So much for those Ks: 29% in Apr, 10% in May |
60. Lance McCullers Jr. - OAK, at DET Note: An exciting arm who could deliver an impact, but this is a rough debut slate (2nd & 3rd place teams in wRC+ vs. RHP) |
61. Erasmo Ramirez - at ATL Note: Of course he has a 6.66 ERA; I'm not falling for the 5 IP of 1-hit ball vs. NYY |
62. Mark Buehrle - SEA |
63. Bud Norris - at MIA |
64. Scott Feldman - at DET |
65. Adam Warren - at WAS |
66. CC Sabathia - TEX Note: TEX quietly smashing lefties this yr with 113 wRC+ vs. LHP (4th in MLB); their .195 ISO is second-best |
67. Chris Capuano - TEX |
68. Jeremy Guthrie - CIN |
69. John Danks - CLE |
70. Ross Detwiler - at BOS |
71. Aaron Sanchez - LAA, SEA Note: He's lucky to have a 4.26 ERA so bail now before it gets worse |
72. Roberto Hernandez - OAK, at DET |
73. Steven Wright - LAA |
74. Bruce Chen - at CWS Note: This could end up being Shaun Marcum given how Chen has fared in his two starts |
75. Chris Tillman - SEA, at MIA Note: Two starts from him right now is a terrifying proposition |
NATIONAL LEAGUE
START
1. Matt Harvey - STL, at PIT Note: He's been every bit as good as the hype suggested this spring training |
2. Max Scherzer - PHI |
3. Gerrit Cole - NYM |
4. Clayton Kershaw - at SF Note: Still not overwhelming the opposition, but also still zero reason to worry about anything |
5. Zack Greinke - SD Note: He's actually kind of underrated to be honest; I'd consider a buy-high even with the MLB-best 1.52 ERA |
6. Johnny Cueto - at KC, at CLE Note: Read that CIN will use a 4-man rotation for the 5-gm wk which puts Iglesias and Lorenzen out |
7. James Shields - CHC, at LAD |
8. Michael Wacha - at NYM, at KC Note: His 7-K effort at CLE matches his total from previous three starts |
9. Jake Arrieta - at ARI Note: Even with back-to-back 4 ER outings, he had 13 Ks and 2 BB in the 10.3 IP so the 8 IP, 10-K gem wasn't a shock |
10. Lance Lynn - at KC |
11. Madison Bumgarner - LAD |
12. Andrew Cashner - at LAD |
13. Jordan Zimmermann - PHI Note: I think some of the Strasburg Stink has lingered on JZ, but he's got a 2.53 ERA in his last 5 |
14. Jon Lester - at ARI Note: Remember when CIN got him for 6 ER in his second start? He's allowed 10 ER in his last five combined (30 Ks in 31.3 IP) |
15. A.J. Burnett - NYM |
16. Francisco Liriano - MIN Note: Absolutely smothering righties this year: .148/.241/.254 line in 137 PA |
17. Jason Hammel - at SD, at ARI Note: Early skills said ERA was way too high at 5.19, last four: 1.86 ERA, 25 Ks, and 5.0 K:BB ratio in 29 IP |
18. Jacob deGrom - STL |
19. Shelby Miller - MIL |
20. Bartolo Colon - STL Note: Control is never in question, but command isn't elite some nights leaving him open to duds |
21. Cole Hamels - at COL, at WAS Note: I can't get psyched about a two-start week with one in COL given his HR issues; still gotta use him, but not thrilled |
22. Julio Teheran - MIL |
23. Gio Gonzalez - NYY Note: It's been really good or really bad with 15 of his 20 ER confined to three starts; this is a buying opportunity |
24. Tyson Ross - CHC |
25. Chase Anderson - at MIA |
26. Stephen Strasburg - PHI Note: I understand the desire to bench his 6.06 ERA, but this matchup is too good a chance to recoup some of the loss |
27. Mike Leake - at CLE |
28. Wily Peralta - at ATL |
29. Rubby De La Rosa - at MIA, CHC Note: The first and sixth highest K% vs. RHP teams for Rubby and his 23% K rate |
30. Carlos Martinez - at NYM Note: Young arms are super-fun: 0, 2, 7, 7, 2 ER in his last five good for a 6.00 ERA with 30 Ks in 27 IP |
31. Alex Wood - MIL |
32. Anthony DeSclafani - at CLE Note: I think he will remain capable, but unspectacular the rest of the way (3.60ish ERA?) |
33. Mat Latos - ARI Note: Has a 2.94 ERA with 28 Ks in last six (33.7 IP) since that 0.7 IP/7 ER vs. ATL; I'm sure ATL will smash him now on Saturday |
34. Archie Bradley - at MIA Note: Eager to see how he fares Saturday in return from the liner |
35. Noah Syndergaard - at PIT Note: Impressive debut despite the crooked numbers; stick with him |
36. Carlos Frias - at SF, SD |
37. Jimmy Nelson - at DET, at ATL |
38. Dan Haren - ARI, BAL |
39. Kyle Lohse - at DET Note: Looks like the Lohse we expected in last five: 3.66 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 28 Ks in 32 IP; tough matchup, but start him |
40. Brett Anderson - at SF |
41. Jon Niese - STL, at PIT Note: The ERA will continue to rise a bit, but he's capable enough, especially in a two-start week |
42. Aaron Harang - at COL, at WAS |
43. Mike Fiers - at DET, at ATL |
44. Tim Hudson - LAD, at COL |
45. Ian Kennedy - at LAD Note: Much better than his 5.92 ERA, but it might not shine through in this matchup; LAD has become terrifying for non-aces |
46. Kyle Hendricks - at SD |
47. Travis Wood - at SD |
48. Jorge De La Rosa - PHI Note: He's got some nasty stuff working, but he isn't commanding it just yet |
49. A.J. Cole - NYY Note: Looks he'll be Fister's fill-in and not Tanner Roark |
50. Matt Garza - at ATL |
51. David Phelps - ARI |
52. Jarred Cosart - ARI, BAL Note: Meh, he's whatever |
53. Vance Worley - MIN |
54. Mike Foltynewicz - TB, MIL Note: The strikeouts alone are worth it in a two-start week, but temper your ERA expectations |
SIT
55. John Lackey - at NYM, at KC Note: Awful on the road (5.82 ERA) and the skills don't suggest much improvement (0.9 K:BB ratio) |
56. Chris Heston - at COL Note: Pitching brilliantly most times out, but this was the site of his first shellacking of the year |
57. Tim Lincecum - LAD Note: The 2.43 ERA is a mirage, perhaps by as much as two full runs |
58. Mike Bolsinger - SD |
59. Jeff Locke - NYM |
60. Josh Collmenter - CHC |
61. Tom Koehler - BAL |
62. Odrisamer Despaigne - CHC |
63. Jason Marquis - at KC |
64. Tyler Lyons - at NYM |
65. Jeremy Hellickson - at MIA, CHC Note: He has allowed 3+ ER in six of seven starts; made it through 6+ IP just twice |
66. Eric Stults - TB |
67. Ryan Vogelsong - at COL |
68. Chad Billingsley - at COL |
69. Christian Bergman - SF Note: They need someone for Fri DH vs. SF; he's my guess, but does it really matter? |
70. Eddie Butler - PHI |
71. Jordan Lyles - PHI, SF |
72. Kyle Kendrick - SF |
73. Jerome Williams - at COL |
74. Sean O'Sullivan - at WAS |
75. Chad Bettis - PHI, SF Note: Two starts in COL for the career 6.90 ERA (in 74 MLB IP)? This'll go well |
MLB TOP 100
1. Matt Harvey - STL, at PIT Note: He's been every bit as good as the hype suggested this spring training |
2. Corey Kluber - at CWS, CIN Note: Hoped you enjoyed the tiny buy-low window, I know some of you took advantage |
3. Chris Sale - CLE, MIN |
4. Sonny Gray - at HOU, at TB Note: The slider is driving his K% surge and it's starting to look legitimate |
5. Max Scherzer - PHI |
6. Gerrit Cole - NYM |
7. Clayton Kershaw - at SF Note: Still not overwhelming the opposition, but also still zero reason to worry about anything |
8. Zack Greinke - SD Note: He's actually kind of underrated to be honest; I'd consider a buy-high even with the MLB-best 1.52 ERA |
9. Chris Archer - OAK |
10. Felix Hernandez - at TOR Note: Looking to avenge the 4.7 IP/8 R (4 ER) late-Sept. dud from last yr that basically cost him the Cy |
11. David Price - HOU |
12. Johnny Cueto - at KC, at CLE Note: Read that CIN will use a 4-man rotation for the 5-gm wk which puts Iglesias and Lorenzen out |
13. James Shields - CHC, at LAD |
14. Michael Wacha - at NYM, at KC Note: His 7-K effort at CLE matches his total from previous three starts |
15. Jake Arrieta - at ARI Note: Even with back-to-back 4 ER outings, he had 13 Ks and 2 BB in the 10.3 IP so the 8 IP, 10-K gem wasn't a shock |
16. Anibal Sanchez - MIL, HOU Note: MIL regressing back their level: 6th-best wOBA vs. RHP in May after 25th in Apr |
17. Jose Quintana - CLE, MIN |
18. Michael Pineda - TEX Note: More inclined to credit KC rather than blast Pineda; he's fine and still really awesome |
19. Garrett Richards - at BOS Note: Seems to be getting sharper with each passing start |
20. Dallas Keuchel - OAK Note: First start in four that isn't against a top 5 in wRC+ vs. LHP; OAK is 27th, went 9 scoreless vs. them |
21. Scott Kazmir - at TB |
22. Jeff Samardzija - MIN |
23. Trevor Bauer - at CWS, CIN Note: Could be a top 20 overall SP with some consistency, but still quite good even as we wait for him to find it |
24. Collin McHugh - at DET |
25. Danny Salazar - at CWS Note: The HRs still worry me especially as the 0.88 WHIP rises, but loving the K and BB rates |
26. Carlos Carrasco - CIN Note: He's had some inconsistency, but also getting some of the bad luck that bit Kluber; I'd buy |
27. Lance Lynn - at KC |
28. Madison Bumgarner - LAD |
29. Andrew Cashner - at LAD |
30. Jordan Zimmermann - PHI Note: I think some of the Strasburg Stink has lingered on JZ, but he's got a 2.53 ERA in his last 5 |
31. Jon Lester - at ARI Note: Remember when CIN got him for 6 ER in his second start? He's allowed 10 ER in his last five combined (30 Ks in 31.3 IP) |
32. A.J. Burnett - NYM |
33. Francisco Liriano - MIN Note: Absolutely smothering righties this year: .148/.241/.254 line in 137 PA |
34. Jason Hammel - at SD, at ARI Note: Early skills said ERA was way too high at 5.19, last four: 1.86 ERA, 25 Ks, and 5.0 K:BB ratio in 29 IP |
35. Jacob deGrom - STL |
36. Shelby Miller - MIL |
37. Bartolo Colon - STL Note: Control is never in question, but command isn't elite some nights leaving him open to duds |
38. Jake Odorizzi - OAK |
39. Rick Porcello - LAA |
40. Phil Hughes - at CWS Note: His 4.45 ERA in the last five is a bit deceiving as 7 of the 16 ER have come in 2 of 32.3 IP; better days ahead |
41. Cole Hamels - at COL, at WAS Note: I can't get psyched about a two-start week with one in COL given his HR issues; still gotta use him, but not thrilled |
42. Julio Teheran - MIL |
43. Gio Gonzalez - NYY Note: It's been really good or really bad with 15 of his 20 ER confined to three starts; this is a buying opportunity |
44. Tyson Ross - CHC |
45. Chase Anderson - at MIA |
46. Stephen Strasburg - PHI Note: I understand the desire to bench his 6.06 ERA, but this matchup is too good a chance to recoup some of the loss |
47. Mike Leake - at CLE |
48. Wily Peralta - at ATL |
49. Rubby De La Rosa - at MIA, CHC Note: The first and sixth highest K% vs. RHP teams for Rubby and his 23% K rate |
50. Carlos Martinez - at NYM Note: Young arms are super-fun: 0, 2, 7, 7, 2 ER in his last five good for a 6.00 ERA with 30 Ks in 27 IP |
51. Nathan Eovaldi - at WAS |
52. Jesse Chavez - at TB |
53. Alex Wood - MIL |
54. Anthony DeSclafani - at CLE Note: I think he will remain capable, but unspectacular the rest of the way (3.60ish ERA?) |
55. Mat Latos - ARI Note: Has a 2.94 ERA with 28 Ks in last six (33.7 IP) since that 0.7 IP/7 ER vs. ATL; I'm sure ATL will smash him now on Saturday |
56. Archie Bradley - at MIA Note: Eager to see how he fares Saturday in return from the liner |
57. Noah Syndergaard - at PIT Note: Impressive debut despite the crooked numbers; stick with him |
58. Drew Hutchison - LAA, SEA Note: The Drews are going to tease, but the talent keeps you coming back (2.45 ERA, 15 Ks, 2 BBs in last two covering 11 IP) |
59. Drew Pomeranz - at HOU, at TB Note: Outside of both being on the road, AL lefties can't get a much better slate |
60. C.J. Wilson - at TOR, at BOS Note: Not walking anyone (11 BB in 48 IP; 7 of those in two starts); *big* spike in throwing the change for strikes, can it hold? |
61. Yovani Gallardo - at BOS, at NYY |
62. Nate Karns - at ATL, OAK Note: First four: 14 BB, 5 HR; last four: 7 BB, 1 HR; I'm intrigued |
63. Carlos Frias - at SF, SD |
64. Jimmy Nelson - at DET, at ATL |
65. Dan Haren - ARI, BAL |
66. Kyle Lohse - at DET Note: Looks like the Lohse we expected in last five: 3.66 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 28 Ks in 32 IP; tough matchup, but start him |
67. Brett Anderson - at SF Note: |
68. Wei-Yin Chen - SEA |
69. Alfredo Simon - HOU Note: Basically a poor man's Bartolo Colon so not quite the elite command and more volatility, but better than most believe |
70. J.A. Happ - at BAL |
71. Miguel Gonzalez - SEA Note: This is first start outside of the division; he's still a 3.50ish ERA arm, but improved GB rate has curbed some of his HR issues |
72. Jesse Hahn - at HOU |
73. Alex Colome - OAK Note: Rough one vs. NYY, but I'm still interested in the youngster and his 16.0 K:BB ratio |
74. Chris Young - STL Note: Kind of with the perfect team again this year as they really only need 5-6 IP each time, no need to push him at all |
75. Edinson Volquez - STL |
76. Clay Buchholz - TEX Note: I remain ever-terrified of that 9 ER wrecking ball hanging overhead, but he's shown real upside plus AL pitching is kinda lame |
77. Ubaldo Jimenez - at MIA Note: He and Clay share a wrecking ball |
78. Carlos Rodon - CLE |
79. Ricky Nolasco - at PIT |
80. Roenis Elias - at BAL |
81. Shane Greene - MIL Note: Stay tuned for news on the elbow, but at least the command has returned after the three-start downturn |
82. Jon Niese - STL, at PIT Note: The ERA will continue to rise a bit, but he's capable enough, especially in a two-start week |
83. Aaron Harang - at COL, at WAS |
84. Mike Fiers - at DET, at ATL |
85. Tim Hudson - LAD, at COL |
86. Ian Kennedy - at LAD Note: Much better than his 5.92 ERA, but it might not shine through in this matchup; LAD has become terrifying for non-aces |
87. Kyle Hendricks - at SD |
88. Travis Wood - at SD |
89. Jorge De La Rosa - PHI Note: He's got some nasty stuff working, but he isn't commanding it just yet |
90. A.J. Cole - NYY Note: Looks he'll be Fister's fill-in and not Tanner Roark |
91. Matt Garza - at ATL |
92. David Phelps - ARI |
93. Jarred Cosart - ARI, BAL Note: Meh, he's whatever |
94. Vance Worley - MIN |
95. Mike Foltynewicz - TB, MIL Note: The strikeouts alone are worth it in a two-start week, but temper your ERA expectations |
96. John Lackey - at NYM, at KC Note: Awful on the road (5.82 ERA) and the skills don't suggest much improvement (0.9 K:BB ratio) |
97. Chris Heston - at COL Note: Pitching brilliantly most times out, but this was the site of his first shellacking of the year |
98. Tim Lincecum - LAD Note: The 2.43 ERA is a mirage, perhaps by as much as two full runs |
99. Mike Bolsinger - SD |
100. Jeff Locke - NYM |