The Good, The Bad, and The Two-Start Pitchers September 17 Sep 17, 2012 | More

Position Players to Start

Justin Upton has had a productive season, turning in respectable numbers in most categories. This week Upton prepares to face off with several pitchers who he has had a great deal of success against. With a career .333 (21-for-63) batting average to go along with four home runs, Upton belongs in your lineup. The stats are even more impressive if you take away the struggles Upton has had over his career against Colorado’s Jhoulys Chacin, against whom he has gone 0-for-12.

Andre Ethier has rebounded after a terrible August and has hit the ball well in September. Ethier gets matchups this week with pitchers who he has hit five home runs against in his career. If the power success isn’t enough to convince you, then his career .375 (21-for-56) batting average should be enough to sway you to confidently start him in your outfield this week.

Justin Morneau has been hitting the ball well lately in putting the finishing touches on a solid rebound season. Morneau has a very strong set of matchups before him this week and he should continue to build on his strong performance this season. Morneau boasts seven career home runs to go along with a batting average of .350 or better against five of his six foes this week. Make sure he is active in your lineup this week.

Position Players to Avoid

Pedro Alvarez is on pace to smack 30 home runs in his first full season in the major leagues, but of late he is struggling. Alvarez has been playing through some nagging injuries and the results reflect it. This week looks to more of the same for Pittsburgh’s third baseman. Find another option to plug in your lineup this week as Alvarez tries to regroup and get back on track.

After a productive first half, Arizona outfielder Jason Kubel has struggled through the second half and particularly of late. Kubel has found himself being sat more often lately as his offensive contributions have suffered. This week Kubel has a tough set of matchups. Considering the reduced role, recent struggles and upcoming matchups I suggest you sit Kubel down this week.

Alex Gordon has had a good season, but he has seen his production dip lately. Gordon comes in to this week with a better than .250 average against one of the starting pitchers that he figures to face this week. Don’t expect a big week from the Kansas City outfielder and look to fill your outfield with another option.

Two-Start Pitchers

Two favorable matchups:

Ian Kennedy, Arizona

Max Scherzer, Detroit

Split decision:

Tim Hudson, Atlanta

Ryan Dempster, Texas

A.J. Burnett, Pittsburgh

Kyle Lohse, St. Louis

Jordan Zimmerman, Washington

Double trouble:

Doug Fister, Detroit

Ervin Santana, Los Angeles Angels

One-Start Wonders

Even though these guys get only one start this week, all signs point to them having the opportunity to register good numbers. Make sure to have them active.

Jon Lester, Boston

Josh Beckett, Los Angeles Dodgers

Yovani Gallardo, Miwaukee

Kris Medlen, Atlanta

Kyle Kendrick, Philadelphia

Jarrod Parker, Oakland

Wade Miley, Arizona

Bronson Arroyo, Cincinnati

Matt Harrison, Texas

Wait Until Next Week

James Shields, Tampa Bay

Ryan Vogelsong, San Francisco