What I always check before each game is my opponent's current status. I can see which starters are actually ready for the game in question. When the opponent's lineup comes down with the starter listed, I know if it is accurate or not. Often a starter is listed who is not ready to go, and I have to make an assessment of who will actually start by the information I have received on the opponent's current status which I had just viewed. In most cases there is only 1-2 starters ready to go to pick from for the game in question.
I have seen a series of games where each game the same starter is listed by my opponent (usually a LHP). It makes me wonder if the opponent is intentionally doing this to get a mismatch on the platoon system for advantage. I have been burned in games many times by such situations. By checking my opponent's status right before playing a game, I have been able to usually get the right platoon in the game to be played. Good luck!
As to getting the max innings out of a top starter, I suggest going with a 5 man rotation, listing him as an "ace starter," and setting the bullpen to least aggressive. If you use a 4 man rotation, your starter will be pulled to allow recovery on 3 days rest only.