Every day fantasy baseball enthusiasts turn to the latest pitcher rankings to decide which arms to lock into their lineups.
The rankings are split into four clear buckets — Auto-Start, Probably Start, Questionable Start and Do Not Start — giving managers a quick visual cue for risk versus reward.
How the rankings are built
Behind the scenes the author blends detailed matchup analysis with projections from the PLV model, a metric that captures a pitcher’s skill set in a single number. An accompanying table shows how opposing offenses rank by Process+, a statistic that reflects how well a lineup executes its game plan.
Streaming pitchers has become a staple of competitive leagues, and the author’s streaming record is calculated using a strict set of performance thresholds. The system rewards consistency while flagging matchups that could swing either way.
Key matchups for the week of May 17-19
On May 17 the model flags a trio of starters who face middling offenses, suggesting they belong in the Probably Start tier, while a fourth pitcher with a tough road environment is pushed into Questionable Start. The next day, a pair of left-handers draw favorable lineups and move into Auto-Start, whereas a veteran with a recent injury slips into Do Not Start. By May 19 the algorithm highlights a high-strikeout candidate who will face a bottom-tier bullpen, making him a prime streaming target.
The author also notes that while the projections are grounded in data, they are not infallible. A degree of sympathy for the rankings is advised, as injuries, weather and unexpected lineup changes can alter outcomes.
Members of the PL Pro community receive extra tiers and deeper picks, giving them an edge in weekly matchups. The author’s ongoing duel with an algorithmic bot underscores the competitive spirit that drives the daily updates.
For those looking to stay ahead, the full set of rankings, the Process+ offense table and the streaming criteria are available on the Pitcher List site, where the latest pitcher list is posted each morning.