Cole could come up big this week

There are a few aces scheduled to start twice each during Week 12, but there are also some other starters who are facing tough matchups. Let’s discuss five projected two-start pitchers and what to expect from them based on their opponents.

Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees: at CLE, at TOR

Cole allowed four runs over 5 1/3 innings against the Guardians in his last start. He was taken deep three times, which were the first home runs he had allowed this season. Prior to that outing, he had pitched 12 2/3 scoreless innings over his first two starts since returning from Tommy John surgery. The good news is that he has a 0.89 WHIP over 18 innings, walking just four batters while recording 14 strikeouts.

The Yankees have been slowly building up Cole. After he threw 72 pitches in his first start, he increased that total to 83 pitches in his last outing. Even with those restrictions, he pitched at least 5 2/3 innings in each start. The Guardians and Blue Jays both rank in the bottom half of baseball in runs scored, so even though Cleveland roughed him up a bit in his last start, deploy Cole with confidence in fantasy next week.

Logan Webb, San Francisco Giants: vs. WAS, vs. CHC

Webb threw seven shutout innings against the Brewers in his last outing, which was just his second start since coming off the injured list. His 4.25 ERA for the season is disappointing, but he has a 3.97 xERA and has allowed just 0.6 HR/9. His 26.2% strikeout rate last season might have been an anomaly, given his 20.3% strikeout rate this year and his career mark of 22.7%. Still, he can be successful because he limits home runs, doesn't walk many batters, and has a career 6.6% barrel rate allowed.

Both of Webb's starts next week will be at home, where he has a career 2.93 xFIP and 1.15 WHIP. On the road, he has a 3.39 xFIP and a 1.25 WHIP. The Nationals aren't an easy matchup, but the Cubs have been scuffling at the plate, scoring three or fewer runs in 10 of their last 18 games. As Webb looks to finish with an ERA below 3.50 for the sixth straight season, two home starts next week could help his cause.

Zac Gallen, Arizona Diamondbacks: at MIA, at CIN

Gallen was hit hard again, allowing five runs (four earned) over five innings against the Dodgers in his last start. Across his last seven starts, he has given up 32 runs (28 earned) over 35 2/3 innings. Not only is his strikeout rate on pace to decline for the fourth straight season, but it has dropped all the way to 15.0%. His inability to miss bats has contributed to his bloated 1.52 WHIP.

Gallen was once one of the more valuable pitchers in fantasy. However, it's important not to overrate him based on his past production. He has been trending downward for a couple of seasons, and his lack of strikeouts really hurts his fantasy upside. Both of his starts next week will come on the road, where he has a 1.90 WHIP this year. It's best to keep him on your bench in fantasy.

Payton Tolle, Boston Red Sox: at TB, vs. TEX

After beginning the season at Triple-A, Tolle has made eight starts for the Red Sox. He threw six shutout innings against the Orioles in his last outing, lowering his ERA to 2.28. What's encouraging is that his 2.30 xERA supports his strong performance. He has a 0.97 WHIP, which is an area in which he also excelled in the minors. Last year, he posted a 0.99 WHIP across three levels.

Tolle will face two teams next week that struggle against left-handed pitchers. The Rays have a .676 OPS versus southpaws, while lefties have limited the Rangers to a .636 OPS. Overall, the Rangers have scored the sixth-fewest runs in the majors. Look for Tolle to continue being a valuable fantasy option.

Grayson Rodriguez, Los Angeles Angels: vs. HOU, vs. TB

A first-round pick by the Orioles in 2018, Rodriguez hasn't been able to live up to his potential. Injuries have played a role, including causing him to miss all of last season. The Orioles shipped him to the Angels during the winter, but he hasn't looked any better with his new squad. Over four starts since returning from injury, he has allowed 20 runs across 18 innings. His 11 walks have contributed to his 1.94 WHIP. His strikeout rate is just 19.8%, and he has allowed a 50.0% hard-hit rate.

The schedule isn't doing Rodriguez any favors next week. First up are the Astros, who have scored the 10th-most runs in baseball. Rodriguez's inability to miss bats could be especially troublesome against the Rays, who strike out the fewest times in baseball. Even in deeper formats, starting Rodriguez in fantasy comes with too much risk.

Mike Barner has been covering fantasy sports since 2007. His work has appeared in Sports Illustrated, Yahoo, SportsLine and RotoWire. Mike was also a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.