Hello and welcome to the 14th installment of our weekly two-start pitcher article for the 2026 MLB season.
I will continue to be here every Friday to highlight some of the best two-start pitcher options in fantasy baseball leagues for the upcoming week providing my insights and recommendations on which options should be started or benched.
The fantasy baseball season is a marathon, not a sprint. As we creep toward the All-Star break, it’s easy to fall into bad habits and not spend as much time on teams that have struggled out of the gate, but now is not the time to panic or give up. Keep putting in the work and plugging away, striving to improve each week, and you’ll reap rewards at the end of this season.
This is a living document, so we'll update the options below as the weekend moves along.
Before we get into it, we'll start with a couple of notes on situations that may be unresolved or teams that may not have a two-start pitcher lined up for the upcoming week:
⚾️ Baseball is back! MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026! In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason, and much more.
Someone from the Cubs is likely to make two starts next week (vs. Padres, vs. Cardinals), but as of Friday afternoon we still have no idea who that will be. It won’t be Colin Rea or Matthew Boyd, that much is sure. With Edward Cabrera (hamstring)and Ben Brown (neck) hitting the injured list though, the Cubs are going to have to get creative. Both Javier Assad and Shota Imanaga pitched in Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Mets, so one of them is likely to get the ball on Monday with the other going on Tuesday. That leaves Jordan Wicks and David Peterson to try to get through the weekend on Saturday and Sunday against the Brewers in Milwaukee. Imanaga is an every-week start regardless of whether or not he goes twice. Assad would be much more appealing if he’s lined up to start Monday.
The Astros have shifted to a six-man rotation, at least for the time being, so with six games on tap for next week none of their hurlers are scheduled to pitch twice. If anything changes, or if someone gets skipped this time through, Peter Lambert would be the beneficiary and he would get a two-start week (vs. Twins, vs. Rays).
The Royals only play five games next week, so unless they plan on skipping someone in their rotation, no one is going to get a two-start week. If they do decide to adjust their rotation, Noah Cameron pitches on Tuesday and would draw the two-start week (vs. Rays, vs. Phillies). We’ll update here if anything changes.
The Mets are currently rolling with a six-man rotation and only have six games on the docket, so it’s unclear if anyone is going to pitch twice. They also canned manager Carlos Mendoza on Friday morning, so major changes to the rotation could be coming. Nolan McLean is scheduled to pitch on Monday and would draw the two-start week (at Blue Jays, at Braves) if the Mets do shake things up. There’s no actionable takeaway though as McLean should be an every week start in all leagues regardless of matchup.
Going Twice…
Note: Probable pitchers as of June 26 and are subject to change.
American League
▶ Strong Plays
Tarik Skubal, Tigers, LHP (at Yankees, at Rangers)
Since returning from the injured list, Skubal hasn’t been quite as good as he has been over the past two seasons – posting a 4.96 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and a 21/2 K/BB ratio over 16 1/3 innings in his three starts. He has served up six home runs during that stretch, a trend that’s unlikely to continue as he continues to shake off the rust. You can’t sit Skubal for a two-start week, even if it includes a matchup against the Yankees in New York. With the Tigers’ playoff hopes sinking by the day, he’ll have the added motivation of auditioning for interested clubs over his next few starts as the trade deadline approaches.
Ranger Suarez, Red Sox, LHP (vs. Nationals, at Angels)
The Red Sox as a club have been a major disappointment this season, but there has been nothing disappointing about what free agent acquisition Ranger Suarez has given them. Through 15 starts he holds a brilliant 2.83 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and an 84/25 K/BB ratio across 82 2/3 innings of work. He should be an every week start in all formats, so just sit back and enjoy the added production from a two-start week. As a bonus, the matchups fall in his favor this week and he’s likely to finally tally his fourth victory of the season.
Jacob deGrom, Rangers, RHP (at Guardians, vs. Tigers)
As the old adage goes, as long as deGrom is healthy enough to take the mound, he’s an elite option and should be locked into all fantasy lineups. That has been the case once again this season as the 38-year-old hurler has registered a 3.55 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and a 106/20 K/BB ratio across 88 2/3 innings through his first 16 starts. Just sit back and enjoy the added production from a two-start week this time around. He represents one of the top overall plays on the board this week.
Parker Messick, Guardians, LHP (vs. Rangers, vs. White Sox)
The 25-year-old southpaw has enjoyed tremendous success in his rookie campaign, going 7-4 with a 2.67 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and a 101/29 K/BB ratio across 94 1/3 innings through his first 16 starts. He seems to be getting better as the year goes on also, striking out at least nine batters in each of his last two starts – including a matchup against the White Sox. Those that have Messick should be using him every week, so there’s no real actionable takeaway here. He’s easily one of the top options on the board for this week.
Bryan Woo, Mariners, RHP (vs. Angels, vs. Blue Jays)
Woo hasn’t been quite as dominant as we have come to expect from him this season, pitching to a pedestrian 4.26 ERA with a strong 1.04 WHIP and a 92/18 K/BB ratio over 93 innings. His issues have come on the road recently, giving up five or more runs in each of his last three outings away from T-Mobile Park. Fortunately for fantasy managers, he’ll make two starts at home this week against offenses that rank in the middle of the pack. Expect Woo to do some work at correcting that ERA this week. It should be all systems go in all leagues for the Mariners’ right-hander.
Trey Yesavage, Blue Jays, RHP (vs. Mets, at Mariners)
So far, so good for Yesavage through his first 11 starts on the season. The 22-year-old right-hander holds a strong 3.56 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and a 58/30 K/BB ratio over 60 2/3 innings. It’s not quite the elite production that he flashed at the end of the 2025 season, but it’s been more than good enough for fantasy managers. He should be an every week start in all fantasy leagues until he gives us a reason to think otherwise. You just get the bonus of double the production and a pair of strong matchups to boot this week.
Griffin Jax, Rays, RHP (at Royals, at Astros)
Since making the jump to the Rays’ rotation at the end of April, Jax has put together a 2.40 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a 43/13 K/BB ratio over 45 innings in his 11 starts. That’s pretty great work. It’s even better when you account for most of the damage coming in one six-run disaster against the Tigers. Otherwise, he has allowed two earned runs or fewer in each of his other 10 starts. Look for the good times to continue this week, making Jax a very strong option in all leagues.
Ryan Weathers, Yankees, LHP (vs. Tigers, vs. Twins)
It has been exciting to see what Weathers can do when he’s able to stay on the mound. Through 15 starts on the season, he boasts a solid 3.95 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and a 95/24 K/BB ratio across 86 2/3 innings. He went through a tough stretch in late May through early June where he allowed five or more runs in three straight outings, but has righted the ship with two very strong outings his last two times out. One of those was against the Tigers who struggle mightily against left-handed pitching and who he’ll take on once again on Monday. He’s an easy start in all leagues this week.
Sean Burke, White Sox, RHP (at Orioles, at Guardians)
Burke has done a very nice job for the White Sox this season, posting a solid 3.71 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and an 87/30 K/BB ratio over 87 1/3 innings of work through his first 16 appearances (12 starts). He enters this two-start week in especially good form, allowing just one run in each of his last two starts while registering a 14/2 K/BB ratio over 13 2/3 innings against the Yankees in New York and the Guardians at home. Go ahead and ride the hot hand here as Burke looks like a very strong play in all league sizes this week.
Tanner Bibee, Guardians, RHP (vs. Rangers, vs. White Sox)
Despite the fact that he has won just two games on the season, Bibee has pitched very well overall – compiling a 3.78 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and an 81/29 K/BB ratio across 95 1/3 innings. Winning games is going to continue to be a struggle while the offense is without Jose Ramirez, but Bibee looks to be a rock solid option in all formats with two home starts on the docket. He should be started in all leagues without hesitation.
▶ Decent Plays
Gage Jump, Athletics, LHP (vs. Dodgers, vs. Marlins)
This one is tough and really depends on what you’re looking for. Jump has been one of the breakout stars of the 2026 season so far, registering a 2.06 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and a 35/10 K/BB ratio over 35 1/3 innings through his first six starts for the Athletics. The major problem this week is that he’s making both of his starts at home in West Sacramento, and the first one comes against the vaunted Dodgers’ offense. The strikeouts are going to be there regardless, and I think he easily soars into the double digits there for the week. That’s probably enough to use him in 15 teamers already. Just understand that there’s more ratio risk involved here than we’re used to seeing from Jump this season.
Shane Baz, Orioles, RHP (vs. White Sox, at Reds)
It has been a rough go for Baz as of late, giving up 11 runs (10 earned) over 17 innings in his last three starts. During that stretch he saw his ERA climb from 4.09 to 4.31. Now he has to battle a couple of offenses that hit well against right-handed pitching and his second start comes in a strong hitting environment in Cincinnati. If you’re not worried about ratios and want to use Baz as a full volume play to attack wins and strikeouts, that’s probably fine in all league sizes. Good ratios from him would just be a bonus this week and shouldn’t be the expectation.
Zebby Matthews, Twins, RHP (at Astros, at Yankees)
Aside from the inflated ERA, Matthews has done a nice job through his first eight starts for the Twins, compiling a 1.19 WHIP and a 39/11 K/BB ratio over 49 1/3 innings while notching three victories. Two disaster starts against the Tigers and Pirates – both on the road – are what has brought down his overall line. He’s coming off of a strong start at home against the Dodgers, which should inspire some confidence. He has struggled on the road though and now has to take on a pair of strong offenses in hitter’s parks. I could really go either way with this one. I’m fine betting on the talent winning out here, but be aware that one of these starts could turn into another seven-run explosion.
▶ At Your Own Risk
Ryan Johnson, Angels, RHP (at Mariners, vs. Red Sox)
Johnson has been pretty disastrous overall this season, registering an 8.84 ERA, 1.71 WHIP and a 15/9 K/BB ratio over 19 1/3 innings through his first six appearances (three starts). He did flash his upside his last time out though, firing six innings of one-hit, shutout baseball with eight strikeouts against the Orioles. Is that a trend that can continue this week? That’s up to you and your risk tolerance to decide. The matchups are actually pretty good and the strikeouts should be there even if he does struggle. I could understand taking the plunge in 15 teamers.
Erick Fedde, White Sox, RHP (at Orioles, at Guardians)
Maybe the White Sox are onto something having Fedde work behind an opener instead of as a traditional starter. Over his last four bulk outings, he holds a 2.20 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and a 14/6 K/BB ratio over 16 1/3 innings. He’s not giving you much length and he’s never really been an asset in strikeouts, so unless you’re hunting for wins it’s really tough to see the upside, especially with the WHIP damage that Fedde is likely to inflict.
National League
▶ Strong Plays
Braxton Ashcraft, Pirates, RHP (at Phillies, at Nationals)
Ashcraft has been an absolute stud for the Pirates and for fantasy managers through his first 16 starts on the season. He sits at 7-3 with a 3.07 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and a 107/22 K/BB ratio across 96 2/3 innings. For someone who was undrafted and plucked off the waiver wire in the majority of leagues, that’s excellent work. He enters his two-start week in good form also, having allowed just four runs in total over his last three starts while posting a 10/0 K/BB ratio in last week’s victory over the Mariners. There’s no reason that he should be sitting on any benches this week, start him with complete confidence.
Eduardo Rodriguez, Diamondbacks, LHP (vs. Giants, vs. Brewers)
Rodriguez was supposed to have made two starts this past week, but Thursday night’s rainout threw a wrench into those plans and pushed back his second outing. It’s not all bad though, as the rejuvenated southpaw gets to make a pair of home starts including a stellar draw against the Giants to start the week. He’s still an every week start in all leagues until he gives us a reason to think otherwise.
Sandy Alcantara, Marlins, RHP (at Rockies, at Athletics)
This one is fascinating to try to decipher. Alcantara has pitched decently overall this season, as his overall line has been dragged down by four disastrous outings in which he was shelled for six runs or more. Since the calendar flipped to June though, he has delivered five straight quality starts, lowering his ERA from 4.66 to 4.01 in the process. You’d like to think that trend continues this week, but he has to pitch in the two most hitter friendly ballparks in all of baseball in Coors Field and Sutter Health Park. When Alcantara is going well he can succeed in any environment and I’m inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt here. I’d throw caution to the wind and start him in all formats this week.
Eric Lauer, Dodgers, LHP (at Athletics, vs. Padres)
As we mentioned last week, the Dodgers finally get a seven-game week this week which means that Lauer is scheduled to make two starts. Any time we get a Dodgers’ pitcher going twice they’re a must-start for fantasy purposes. Since joining the Dodgers, Lauer has posted a brilliant 2.54 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and a 16/8 K/BB ratio across 28 1/3 innings. He was even used as a bulk reliever his last time out, which only adds to his win equity if that trend continues. He’s a very strong streaming option in all leagues this week.
▶ Decent Plays
Grant Holmes, Braves, RHP (vs. Cardinals, vs. Mets)
Overall this season Holmes has done a decent job for the Braves, posting a 4.17 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and a 65/37 K/BB ratio over 73 1/3 innings through his first 15 starts. He hasn’t made it out of the fifth inning since June 6 though and has really struggled with his command his last two times out. If he can get through five innings, he’s always a threat to earn a victory with the Braves’ offense backing him, but he hasn’t looked sharp recently. The matchups are good enough that I’d still probably roll the dice with him in 15 teamers and hope for the best. In 12’s it would really depend on what alternative options I had available.
Brandon Sproat, Brewers, RHP (vs. Reds, at Diamondbacks)
The overall numbers for Sproat this season have been underwhelming, but it looks like he actually may be rounding into the form that piqued the interest of fantasy managers coming into the season. The 25-year-old right-hander has allowed three earned runs or fewer in three of his last four starts and he’s coming off of a brilliant outing against the Reds in Cincinnati where he allowed just one hit and struck out 10 batters over six scoreless frames. The talent has always been there, and I’m inclined to roll with him until he shows any signs of slowing down.
Aaron Nola, Phillies, RHP (vs. Pirates, at Royals)
It’s disappointing to see what has become of Aaron Nola, who was once an ace-level option for fantasy purposes. Now, he’s nothing more than a source of strikeouts. He holds a miserable 5.58 ERA and 1.45 WHIP over 80 2/3 innings on the season, with his 82 punchouts the only thing that’s keeping him on the fringe of mixed league consideration. The matchups are intriguing enough this week that I’d be willing to go back to the well here. If he secures a victory and gets 10 strikeouts, it’ll be well worth the potential ratio hit.
Shane Drohan, Brewers, LHP (vs. Reds, at Diamondbacks)
Drohan has pitched well for the Brewers this season, registering a 3.12 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and a 52/17 K/BB ratio across 52 innings in 16 appearances (six starts). The ceiling isn’t terribly high here, but I don’t think there’s a major risk of ratio damage either if rolling him out for two starts. He should get you somewhere in the range of 8-12 strikeouts while posting decent ratios and giving you a shot at a victory. If you’re trying to stream two-start pitchers to add volume, he makes for a very attractive target this week.
Bubba Chandler, Pirates, RHP (at Phillies, at Nationals)
Could it be that we’re finally starting to see Chandler put it all together and figure out how to have sustained success at the big league level? Small sample size caveat, but over his last four starts, the right-hander has posted a 2.82 ERA and an 18/8 K/BB ratio over 22 1/3 innings, going at least five innings and surrendering two earned runs or fewer each time. The talent has never been in doubt, so I’m tempted to ride the hot hand here and roll with him in all leagues for this two-start week.
Rhett Lowder, Reds, RHP (at Brewers, vs. Orioles)
If you’re desperate for volume in deeper leagues and looking to gain ground in wins and strikeouts, Lowder isn’t the worst dart throw. His overall line on the season doesn’t look very appealing, but he has allowed just eight runs over 16 2/3 innings over his last three starts, going at least five innings and striking out at least five batters in all of them. That included a matchup against the Brewers his last time out. I think he could get you 10+ strikeouts and a shot at a victory this week, though his WHIP will probably leave a lot to be desired.
Tyler Mahle, Giants, RHP (at Diamondbacks, at Rockies)
It could be my own personal bias here, but I’m still desperately clinging to hope that Tyler Mahle can turn his season around and be the pitcher that we all thought he could be. He sits at 1-7 with a 5.49 ERA and 1.46 WHIP over 62 1/3 innings on the season. That’s terrible. The only category that he has been an asset in is strikeouts with 61. The matchups are tough too, taking on a pair of divisional opponents in extreme hitter’s parks. So why the optimism? After a long stint on the injured list, Mahle looked sharp this past week, firing 5 2/3 innings of scoreless baseball against the Athletics. It’s not much to go on, but it’s just enough that I’ll probably buy back in and roll the dice in 15 teamers.
▶ At Your Own Risk
Eury Perez, Marlins, RHP (at Rockies, at Athletics)
We saw mixed results from Perez in his first start back off of the injured list, as he allowed just one run on three hits over 4 2/3 innings against the Rangers. He only struck out one batter in that start though and was pulled after only 68 pitches. It was probably just the Marlins easing him back into action and he should be able to work deeper when he takes the mound on Tuesday. The problem is that he has to pitch at Coors Field and Sutter Health Park this week which is horrifying considering his issues giving up the long ball. There’s a chance he slides through unscathed this week, but the chances of him doing serious damage to your ratios are extremely high. I’d only use this one in leagues where I could handle the ratio damage or where I was in a tough spot and needed to take these types of chances.
Kyle Leahy, Cardinals, RHP (at Braves, at Cubs)
Leahy has struggled to find consistency this season, posting a middling 4.24 ERA, a catastrophic 1.51 WHIP and a 62/28 K/BB ratio over 76 1/3 innings through his first 15 starts. If the matchups were better, I’d consider him as a streaming option for his two-start week, but taking on the Braves and Cubs on the road is a bit terrifying. If your ratios are already in shambles and you don’t care about the WHIPping that he’s likely to provide, go ahead. Otherwise, I’d lean towards other alternatives this week.
JP Sears, Padres, LHP (at Cubs, at Dodgers)
Sears has pitched well in his lone start with the Padres this season and now gets another opportunity to pitch out of the rotation with Lucas Giolito heading to the injured list. He may wind up having some mixed league value at some point over the next few weeks, but these matchups are particularly brutal, having to take on the Cubs and Dodgers on the road. If you want to throw caution to the wind and hope for the best, go right ahead. Just understand the ratio risk you’re incurring when doing so.
Nick Lodolo, Reds, LHP (at Brewers, vs. Orioles)
Thus far, 2026 has been a season to forget for the Reds’ 28-year-old southpaw. In nine starts, he holds a miserable 5.59 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and a 38/18 K/BB ratio across 46 2/3 innings. That’s simply not going to cut it for fantasy managers. If there’s a glimmer of hope, he went four scoreless innings his last time out against the Brewers and struck out six. Maybe that’s him finally rounding back into form? Even so, he’s very difficult to trust at the moment, especially if you can’t even count on him going five innings. He’d leave him shelved if possible.
Griffin Canning, Padres, RHP (at Cubs, at Dodgers)
I had such high hopes that Canning could be a viable mixed league option once he was healthy enough to join the Padres’ rotation. He has been anything but. Through 10 appearances (eight starts) he sits at 1-5 with a hideous 7.38 ERA and 1.66 WHIP with 43 strikeouts in 42 2/3 innings. Maybe in neutral matchups you could talk yourself into using him as a volume option, but these matchups are the polar opposite of neutral. Having to battle the Cubs at Wrigley Field and the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium is simply asking for ratio damage. Stay away from this one.
Miles Mikolas, Nationals, RHP (at Red Sox, vs. Pirates)
Every time that Mikolas is scheduled to make two starts, he stares at fantasy managers from the waiver wire and tries to entice them into rolling the dice. It’s almost never a good idea. The 37-year-old hurler holds a 5.24 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and a 44/17 K/BB ratio over 77 1/3 innings on the season and has won a grand total of two ballgames. The upside in wins and strikeouts is low, and the risk of ratio damage is high. Do with that what you will.
Kyle Freeland, Rockies, LHP (vs. Marlins, vs. Giants)
Never Rockies. Especially not for two starts at Coors Field, regardless of how good the matchups look. Freeland owns a horrendous 7.50 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and a 61/17 K/BB ratio over 72 innings on the season. He has allowed five or more earned runs in three of his last five starts. There’s just no reason to do it. Stay far, far away.
Sean Sullivan, Rockies, LHP (vs. Marlins, vs. Giants)
Never Rockies. Especially not for two starts at Coors Field, regardless of how good the matchups look. Sullivan owns a horrendous 8.25 ERA, 1.92 WHIP and a 7/7 K/BB ratio over 12 innings on the season. There’s just no reason to do it. Stay far, far away.
Travis Bazzana
TJ Rumfield
Owen Caissie
Astros
Tigers
Reds
Pirates
Nationals
Orioles
Rangers
Blue Jays
Mariners
Diamondbacks
Rays
Phillies
Mets
Yankees
Red Sox
Royals
White Sox
Cubs
Brewers
Twins
Cardinals
Athletics
Angels
Dodgers
Padres
Braves
Giants
