As Week 1 lineups barely lock, the conversation turns to Week 2. This transition happens quickly as the season kicks off on a Thursday, resulting in an awkward half-week that can be recognized as a separate scoring period or combined with Week 1. At CBS, we treat this as an independent period, leading to another lineup deadline on Monday, recognized as Week 2.

This article is pertinent only if your league has embraced the shorter Week 1. The subsequent sleeper pitchers will target you in Week 2, leading us back to the present if a new article surfaces for your upcoming week—regardless of numbering issues.

Here’s a breakdown of sleeper pitchers for Week 2 (March 31-April 6), specifically for those rostered in fewer than 80% of CBS Sports leagues, aimed at enhancing your pitching presence.

Sleeper Pitchers for Week 2

1. Drew Rasmussen (Tampa Bay)
     Rostered: 51%
     Matchup: vs. PIT, at TEX
   Drew Rasmussen’s control and ground-ball percentage have kept him at a low ERA. He hosts a solid matchup against the Pirates shortly in Week 2.

2. Kris Bubic (Kansas City)
     Rostered: 52%
     Matchup: at MIL, vs. BAL
   Kris Bubic has established solid strikeout capabilities and may surprise with his return to starting in the rotation.

3. Chris Paddack (Minnesota)
     Rostered: 12%
     Matchup: at CHW, vs. HOU
   Chris Paddack’s performance in spring raises excitement; his matchup against the White Sox offers a promising start.

4. Reese Olson (Detroit)
     Rostered: 66%
     Matchup: vs. CHW
   Reese Olson’s presence has been noted over Chris Paddack, and is often regarded as the safer choice.

5. Justin Verlander (San Francisco)
     Rostered: 74%
     Matchup: vs. SEA
   Verlander has effectively pitched in the spring and is likely to shine against the Mariners.

6. Kumar Rocker (Texas)
     Rostered: 63%
     Matchup: at CIN, vs. TB
   Rocker presents a boom-or-bust scenario, with significant upside potential in his two starts.

7. David Peterson (N.Y. Mets)
     Rostered: 57%
     Matchup: at MIA, vs. TOR
   Peterson’s controlled play last season offers promising options as he faces the Marlins.

8. A.J. Smith-Shawver (Atlanta)
     Rostered: 31%
     Matchup: vs. MIA
   Smith-Shawver’s spring performance has elevated interest, especially against the Marlins.

9. Cade Povich (Baltimore)
     Rostered: 15%
     Matchup: vs. BOS, at KC
   Povich has effectively claimed a spot in the Orioles rotation, making him a sneaky value play.

This week’s cohort of sleeper pitchers offers various opportunities to rejuvenate your lineup with incredible potential for growth throughout the season.