Photo by: SD Dirk

Through the first two starts of the season, Clayton Kershaw is 0-1 with a 5.84 ERA and a 1.70 WHIP, neither Stephen Strasburg and Max Scherzer have recorded a win for the Nationals and only Jordan Zimmermann has recorded a win for any of the Nats starters. However, Scott Kazmir is 2-0 with a sub-1 ERA and 18 strikeouts, Shane Greene is 2-0 and has yet to allow a run in either start, going eight innings in each one.

I, personally, always seem to have a tough time with pitchers over the years playing fantasy baseball. I tend to start guys when they should have been sat, sat guys when they should have been started, and never can figure out the right time to add/drop the right guy and the reason is that I never listen to my gut feeling. What I have done is put together a list of guys that you should keep an eye on, add, and who might break out.

Add:
Trevor Bauer – Trevor Bauer has made two starts for the Indians so far this season, going 1-0 posting a 0.00 ERA and 17 strikeouts. Bauer has had some command issues so far, walking eight batters, which could be a cause for concern. I do, however, believe that Bauer needs to be owned in all formats.

Shane Greene – Like Bauer, Greene has yet to give up a run in two starts this season going eight strong innings in both starts. Unlike Bauer, however, Greene has only managed eight strikeouts but has only walked one batter and given up only seven hits. He has had great control thus far for the Tigers, and has really developed into a fine starting pitcher. He’s not quite on my list for breakout pitchers, but he’s definitely off to one of the best starts, if not the best start, in all of baseball.

Drew Pomeranz – Pomeranz is another pitcher that dominated in his first start this season against a tough Mariners team at home. He starts tonight at Houston, who leads the league in strikeouts so far in this young season, which should bode well for Pomeranz. If he isn’t owned, he should be added now, and would also be a great option in DFS leagues tonight.

Breakout Candidate:
Nick Martinez – Dating back to last season, Nick Martinez has been lights out. Going back to 2014, Martinez has now pitched eight straight games allowing less than two runs per start. I wasn’t sold on Martinez after his first start, but after shutting out the Angels last night, I am convinced that Martinez could be on the verge of breaking out, as he has been as consistent as possible over his last few starts.

Matt Shoemaker – Shoemaker had a great rookie campaign for the Angels last season, picking up 16 wins once moved to the starting rotation. Shoemaker has allowed three earned runs in each of his first two starts, but he has been very consistent going back to last season. He ran into trouble in the first inning against Texas, where all three runs came across the plate, but settled in quickly. I believe Shoemaker is poised for a great season for the Angels.

Jake Odorizzi – Odorizzi has been excellent in two starts for the Rays so far this season, going 2-0 with an ERA of 0.68 against two very tough lineups (Baltimore and Toronto). Pitching in the AL east can be somewhat of a disadvantage because of the strength of the division, but Odorizzi has made short work of it so far. His next start is Saturday against the Yankees.

Guys to watch:
Bartolo Colon – Colon had a great season for the Mets in 2014, and is off to a good start so far in 2015. He is, however, 43 years old and has to wear down some time. That could be this season, or it could never happen. Colon would be worth the add if all of the guys listed above aren’t there, but he could be a dangerous guy to own depending on who the Mets are playing.

Anthony DeSclafani – DeSclafani has been great for the Reds in two starts, posting a 1.38 ERA and 11 strikeouts. He was so bad last season in Miami that he wasn’t listed as a guy to add or a breakout candidate just yet, but if this continues, he should be added.

Aaron Harang – Harang started off 2014 with the Braves just has he has started 2015 with the Phillies. He’s 1-1, but his one loss came in a effort where he only allowed one run and was just out-performed by Jacob deGrom. Harang is someone that could be another solid option this season if he pitches like he did for Atlanta in 2015, but he’s inconsistent as well. Feel free to add him and start him if the matchup seems favorable, but don’t hesitate to drop him afterward.

All stats courtesy of MLB.com