It's now playoff time for most leagues, which means fantasy baseball is quickly coming to an end. We have three Injury Watch's this week, however, none of them are vital to having success in your league's playoffs, so I won't spend too much on them. Nonetheless, the first IW comes courtesy of the Bay area where Oakland A's starter Sean Gallagher has been suffering from symptoms of a tired arm. He's scheduled today at Detroit, but regardless, he's not someone you'd rely on unless you're desperate and in a deep AL-only league. Staying in the American League, we go to the Emerald City where Seattle Mariners pitcher Carlos Silva has been dealing with a back injury. He's in line to start next Monday at Kansas City. Despite being on par to get two starts next week, Silva is someone best left alone by everyone in any league. Finally, our last IW is in the National League where Marlins' starter Chris Volstad is recovering from a contusion in his right leg. He's expected to return next week to make a start on Tuesday against the Astros, but this injury makes him a risky play for Week 25. Unless you're in a bind at pitcher, it might be best to leave Volstad on your bench, as you don't want to take risks when in your league's playoffs.

On a side note, I do have one email this week, and it comes to me from Rob over at harrisinteractive.com.

Rob writes: Hi Scott! Well, it's playoff time. I'm sure you're busy, but I have a question. Do you think it's worth picking up Scherzer? If so, who would you drop?

Thanks for emailing, Rob! No, I wouldn't bother. Your pitchers are fine as is, and at this point in the season, you don't want to gamble with your team by playing someone you haven't counted on all season. Who knows how well Scherzer will pitch. Leave Max alone and stick with what got you there. Good luck!


You're a part of this column too! Like Rob, if you have any questions you'd like answered, don't hesitate to email me with them at scottmickels@fantasyplaymakers.com.  I'm more than happy to help you out and get your team's rotation pointed in the right direction. Now, without further ado, on to the two-start pitchers!

NOTE: These starts are not set in stone. They can change for any variety of reasons; managerial moves, injuries, rain-outs, etc. Please keep in mind they are probable.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

NO-BRAINERS

Scott Kazmir, TB: vs. BOS, vs. MIN
Francisco Liriano, MIN: @ CLE, @ TB

ADVISABLE OPTIONS

Kevin Slowey, MIN: @ CLE, @ TB
Andy Sonnastine, TB: vs. BOS, vs. MIN

OTHERS TO KEEP IN MIND

Alfredo Aceves, NYY: vs. CHW, vs. BAL
Kyle Davies, KC: vs. SEA, vs. CHW
Kevin Millwood, TEX: vs. DET, vs. ANA
Andy Pettitte, NYY: vs. CHW, vs. BAL

TRY TO AVOID

Clayton Richard, CHW: @ NYY, @ KC

INJURY WATCH

Sean Gallagher, OAK: vs. ANA, vs. SEA
Carlos Silva, SEA: @ KC, @ OAK

NATIONAL LEAGUE

NO-BRAINERS

Dan Haren, ARI: vs. SF, @ COL
Derek Lowe, LA: @ PIT, vs. SF
C. C. Sabathia, MIL: @ CHC, @ CIN

ADVISABLE OPTIONS

Matt Cain, SF: @ ARI, @ LA
Brett Myers, PHI: @ ATL, @ FLA
Mike Pelfrey, NYM: @ WAS, @ ATL

OTHERS TO KEEP IN MIND

Doug Davis, ARI: vs. SF, @ COL
Hiroki Kuroda, LA: @ PIT, vs. SF
John Lannan, WAS: vs. NYM, vs. SD
Ted Lilly, CHC: vs. MIL, vs. STL
Braden Looper, STL: @ CIN, @ CHC
Ramon Ramirez, CIN: vs. STL, vs. MIL

TRY TO AVOID

Brad Hennessey, SF: @ ARI, @ LA
Livan Hernandez, COL: vs. SD, vs. ARI
Ross Ohlendorf, PIT: vs. LA, vs. HOU
James Parr, ATL: vs. PHI, vs. NYM
Odalis Perez, WAS: vs. NYM, vs. SD

INJURY WATCH

Chris Volstad, FLA: vs. HOU, vs. PHI

Scott Mickels, FPM Staff Writer/Editor, Member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association