Each week for the rest of the year, I’ll be here to break down and tier-rank all the two-start pitching options for the upcoming week. Two-start pitchers are especially important in weekly head-to-head leagues and season-long formats that only allow weekly lineup adjustments. I’ll break them down into four tiers:
- Auto-Starts
- Good Bets
- On the Fence
- Leave on the Bench
Auto-Starts
- Chris Sale (@MIL, vs. COL)
- Sale looks like a man on a mission again. After a rocky start, he’s now logged a 1.41 ERA with 40 strikeouts over his last 31.2 innings, and he kicked off June with a 10-K gem across six frames of one-run ball. Milwaukee ranks in the bottom 12 in OPS vs. lefties and struggles against high-end breaking stuff, while Colorado is arguably the best matchup out there, especially away from Coors. He’s a no-doubt start.
- Sale looks like a man on a mission again. After a rocky start, he’s now logged a 1.41 ERA with 40 strikeouts over his last 31.2 innings, and he kicked off June with a 10-K gem across six frames of one-run ball. Milwaukee ranks in the bottom 12 in OPS vs. lefties and struggles against high-end breaking stuff, while Colorado is arguably the best matchup out there, especially away from Coors. He’s a no-doubt start.
- Kris Bubic (vs. NYY, vs. ATH)
- Bubic continues to shine as a full-time starter, entering the week with a 1.43 ERA, strong strikeout numbers, and a growing track record of success, even in tougher matchups. The Yankees' lineup is no pushover, but Bubic held his own, giving up three runs before getting pulled halfway through the sixth the last time he faced them. His ability to mix pitches, limit damage (.222 xBA), and keep hitters off balance gives him staying power, even against power-heavy teams like New York. He’s earned your trust and should be a definite start in all formats.
- Bubic continues to shine as a full-time starter, entering the week with a 1.43 ERA, strong strikeout numbers, and a growing track record of success, even in tougher matchups. The Yankees' lineup is no pushover, but Bubic held his own, giving up three runs before getting pulled halfway through the sixth the last time he faced them. His ability to mix pitches, limit damage (.222 xBA), and keep hitters off balance gives him staying power, even against power-heavy teams like New York. He’s earned your trust and should be a definite start in all formats.
- Robbie Ray (@COL, @LAD)
- Ray has looked like a man on a mission lately, spinning a 1.70 ERA with a 1.72 FIP over his last eight starts and racking up 62 strikeouts in that span. But this week’s road trip through Coors and Dodger Stadium makes things complicated. The Dodgers rank in the top five in OPS vs. lefties, and Coors is Coors. Still, Ray has a 32.4% whiff rate on his slider and has held lefties to a .183 batting average. Bench him if you must, but I wouldn’t. When Ray is right, he tends to be one of the best in baseball regardless of the matchup.
- Ray has looked like a man on a mission lately, spinning a 1.70 ERA with a 1.72 FIP over his last eight starts and racking up 62 strikeouts in that span. But this week’s road trip through Coors and Dodger Stadium makes things complicated. The Dodgers rank in the top five in OPS vs. lefties, and Coors is Coors. Still, Ray has a 32.4% whiff rate on his slider and has held lefties to a .183 batting average. Bench him if you must, but I wouldn’t. When Ray is right, he tends to be one of the best in baseball regardless of the matchup.
- Logan Gilbert (@ARI, vs. CLE)
- Gilbert is trending toward a return after a 60-pitch rehab outing on Wednesday. If the Mariners bring him back Monday, he’ll be lined up for two starts. He was outstanding before the injury, posting a 2.37 ERA, 2.26 xERA, and elite strikeout-to-walk numbers across six starts. His ability to pound the zone (5.1% BB rate) and miss bats, especially with his splitter, makes him a high-upside option, even if there’s a slight pitch count. The Diamondbacks have one of the worst OPS marks vs. righties, and Cleveland’s lineup doesn’t pose much of a threat to Gilbert’s whiff-heavy profile. If he’s active, you’re starting him.
- Gilbert is trending toward a return after a 60-pitch rehab outing on Wednesday. If the Mariners bring him back Monday, he’ll be lined up for two starts. He was outstanding before the injury, posting a 2.37 ERA, 2.26 xERA, and elite strikeout-to-walk numbers across six starts. His ability to pound the zone (5.1% BB rate) and miss bats, especially with his splitter, makes him a high-upside option, even if there’s a slight pitch count. The Diamondbacks have one of the worst OPS marks vs. righties, and Cleveland’s lineup doesn’t pose much of a threat to Gilbert’s whiff-heavy profile. If he’s active, you’re starting him.
- MacKenzie Gore (@NYM, vs. MIA)
- Gore has finally translated his prospect pedigree into frontline production, delivering a 2.87 ERA. His strikeout metrics are insane: a 35.5% strikeout rate, 34.2% whiff rate, and 32.1% chase rate. His command still comes and goes, but few arms in baseball possess a better pure bat-missing arsenal. The Mets are middle-of-the-pack vs. lefties, and Miami ranks in the bottom three in almost every offensive metric. Ride the breakout.
Good Bets
- Andrew Abbott (@CLE, @DET)
- Abbott’s 2.18 ERA and 1.06 WHIP tell the story of a lefty in complete control. His strikeout rate has climbed to 27.6%, and he ranks in the 96th percentile in hard-hit rate allowed. Abbott’s fastball has held hitters under a .200 xBA, giving him the tools to neutralize even strong lineups. Detroit is not a great matchup this year, but I am believing in the Abbott breakout, and I would not sit him at all right now. Start with confidence.
- Abbott’s 2.18 ERA and 1.06 WHIP tell the story of a lefty in complete control. His strikeout rate has climbed to 27.6%, and he ranks in the 96th percentile in hard-hit rate allowed. Abbott’s fastball has held hitters under a .200 xBA, giving him the tools to neutralize even strong lineups. Detroit is not a great matchup this year, but I am believing in the Abbott breakout, and I would not sit him at all right now. Start with confidence.
- Freddy Peralta (vs. ATL, vs. STL)
- Peralta remains one of the trickiest fantasy arms to trust. His 2.90 ERA is impressive, but his strikeout rate has dipped to 25.1%, a notable decline from his peak, as it's been steadily falling year over year. Still, he’s allowing just a .235 xBA, and his middling fastball velocity is offset by elite spin. The Reds matchup is appealing, and the Braves, while dangerous, haven’t looked like world-beaters lately. I still trust him.
- Peralta remains one of the trickiest fantasy arms to trust. His 2.90 ERA is impressive, but his strikeout rate has dipped to 25.1%, a notable decline from his peak, as it's been steadily falling year over year. Still, he’s allowing just a .235 xBA, and his middling fastball velocity is offset by elite spin. The Reds matchup is appealing, and the Braves, while dangerous, haven’t looked like world-beaters lately. I still trust him.
- Clarke Schmidt (@KC, @BOS)
- It hasn’t been a smooth ride for Schmidt in 2025, but his 4.04 ERA is misleading, as his xERA sits at 3.07. He’s not blowing hitters away, but his skill set is intact. The Royals' matchup is solid, and if you’re willing to roll the dice at Fenway, there’s a decent ceiling here. Schmidt’s high walk rate can cause him to spiral, but if he can stay composed, the Yankees' offense boosts his win chances.
- It hasn’t been a smooth ride for Schmidt in 2025, but his 4.04 ERA is misleading, as his xERA sits at 3.07. He’s not blowing hitters away, but his skill set is intact. The Royals' matchup is solid, and if you’re willing to roll the dice at Fenway, there’s a decent ceiling here. Schmidt’s high walk rate can cause him to spiral, but if he can stay composed, the Yankees' offense boosts his win chances.
- Eury Pérez (@ PIT, @WSH)
- He’s back! Pérez is expected to return Monday, setting him up for starts against the Pirates and Nationals, two of the most favorable matchups in baseball. Even with likely pitch limits, his upside is immense. He is expected to be limited in his return, but we can’t forget his skills. It was a while ago now, but in 2023, he showed a 97th percentile fastball velocity, a 33.7% whiff rate, and an ERA around 3.00. He might not go six innings right away, but even four or five efficient frames from Pérez could net a win and elite ratios.
- He’s back! Pérez is expected to return Monday, setting him up for starts against the Pirates and Nationals, two of the most favorable matchups in baseball. Even with likely pitch limits, his upside is immense. He is expected to be limited in his return, but we can’t forget his skills. It was a while ago now, but in 2023, he showed a 97th percentile fastball velocity, a 33.7% whiff rate, and an ERA around 3.00. He might not go six innings right away, but even four or five efficient frames from Pérez could net a win and elite ratios.
On The Fence
- Zebby Matthews (vs. TEX, @HOU)
- Matthews’ 5.21 ERA masks early-season misfortune: a .375 BABIP and 61.9% strand rate aren’t sustainable. His 30.1% K rate ranks in the 89th percentile, and his 3.56 xERA points to better days ahead. Texas and Houston both rank in the bottom third of MLB in wRC+ vs. right-handers, giving Matthews two sneakily appealing matchups. If you believe in skills over results, and you should, fire him up.
- Matthews’ 5.21 ERA masks early-season misfortune: a .375 BABIP and 61.9% strand rate aren’t sustainable. His 30.1% K rate ranks in the 89th percentile, and his 3.56 xERA points to better days ahead. Texas and Houston both rank in the bottom third of MLB in wRC+ vs. right-handers, giving Matthews two sneakily appealing matchups. If you believe in skills over results, and you should, fire him up.
- Jack Leiter (@MIN, vs. CWS)
- Leiter is a young pitcher with electric stuff, showcasing elite extension along with 90th percentile velocity. That said, his 3.48 ERA doesn’t have the best numbers backing it up. His 11.3% walk rate and 19.7% strikeout rate are far from elite, and an xERA of 4.59 with a 4.71 xFIP are not pretty. But both the Twins and White Sox rank in the bottom 10 in walk rate and overall run production. Leiter’s fastball/slider combo looks nasty at times, and this favorable matchup could be a golden opportunity for a breakout week.
- Leiter is a young pitcher with electric stuff, showcasing elite extension along with 90th percentile velocity. That said, his 3.48 ERA doesn’t have the best numbers backing it up. His 11.3% walk rate and 19.7% strikeout rate are far from elite, and an xERA of 4.59 with a 4.71 xFIP are not pretty. But both the Twins and White Sox rank in the bottom 10 in walk rate and overall run production. Leiter’s fastball/slider combo looks nasty at times, and this favorable matchup could be a golden opportunity for a breakout week.
- Sawyer Gipson-Long (@BAL / vs. CIN)
- Gipson-Long’s season debut was not inspiring; he allowed three earned runs and couldn’t get out of the fourth against the White Sox. Still, it was his first start of the season, and the stuff is intriguing. In 2023, he didn’t pitch enough innings to qualify, but his K%, Chase%, and Whiff% were all elite. He didn’t have overwhelming fastball speed, but he made up for it with 99th percentile extension and a ton of arm-side movement on his changeup. A home start vs. the Reds offers a chance to bounce back, but consider him a deep-league streamer only.
- Gipson-Long’s season debut was not inspiring; he allowed three earned runs and couldn’t get out of the fourth against the White Sox. Still, it was his first start of the season, and the stuff is intriguing. In 2023, he didn’t pitch enough innings to qualify, but his K%, Chase%, and Whiff% were all elite. He didn’t have overwhelming fastball speed, but he made up for it with 99th percentile extension and a ton of arm-side movement on his changeup. A home start vs. the Reds offers a chance to bounce back, but consider him a deep-league streamer only.
- Luis L. Ortiz (vs. CIN, @SEA)
- The schedule alone makes Ortiz a juicy streaming option, home against a Reds team that’s bottom 10 in wRC+ on the road, then a trip to Seattle, where offense goes to die. Ortiz brings legit swing-and-miss upside, with a 15.2% swinging strike rate and a top-15 chase rate among qualified starters. He's still a bit volatile, primarily due to an 11.8% BB rate, but the matchups convince me he’s worth the risk this week.
- The schedule alone makes Ortiz a juicy streaming option, home against a Reds team that’s bottom 10 in wRC+ on the road, then a trip to Seattle, where offense goes to die. Ortiz brings legit swing-and-miss upside, with a 15.2% swinging strike rate and a top-15 chase rate among qualified starters. He's still a bit volatile, primarily due to an 11.8% BB rate, but the matchups convince me he’s worth the risk this week.
- Merrill Kelly (vs. SEA, vs. SDP)
- Aside from one clunker against the Yankees, Kelly has been rock-solid this year with a 3.43 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and a respectable 23.8% strikeout rate. His changeup has emerged as a legit out pitch, generating a 36% whiff rate, and his 32.9% chase rate ranks among the league’s elite. These aren’t easy matchups—Atlanta and Philadelphia can both punish mistakes—but Kelly’s command and poise have allowed him to navigate tough lineups all season. He’s already banked six wins on a good D-backs squad. You’re not chasing the ceiling here, but his floor is as stable as they come.
- Aside from one clunker against the Yankees, Kelly has been rock-solid this year with a 3.43 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and a respectable 23.8% strikeout rate. His changeup has emerged as a legit out pitch, generating a 36% whiff rate, and his 32.9% chase rate ranks among the league’s elite. These aren’t easy matchups—Atlanta and Philadelphia can both punish mistakes—but Kelly’s command and poise have allowed him to navigate tough lineups all season. He’s already banked six wins on a good D-backs squad. You’re not chasing the ceiling here, but his floor is as stable as they come.
- Yusei Kikuchi (vs. OAK / @BAL)
- Kikuchi’s surface stats, 3.23 ERA and 1.20 WHIP, are very good, but red flags are everywhere under the hood. During the preseason, when I picked Kikuchi as an undervalued target, I was excited about his strong 11.4 K/9 in Houston the previous year. I advised you to bank on that, while holding your nose through a probable subpar WHIP. What I didn’t expect was his K/9 dropping to 8.1 and his BB/9 more than doubling to a concerning 5.2. He’s showing an evident lack of control, and his batted ball data backs that up: he’s allowing a .357 xwOBA, a 40.8% hard-hit rate, and a 9.2% barrel rate. You can probably get away with starting him against the Athletics, but I worry about a blow-up in the future.
- Kikuchi’s surface stats, 3.23 ERA and 1.20 WHIP, are very good, but red flags are everywhere under the hood. During the preseason, when I picked Kikuchi as an undervalued target, I was excited about his strong 11.4 K/9 in Houston the previous year. I advised you to bank on that, while holding your nose through a probable subpar WHIP. What I didn’t expect was his K/9 dropping to 8.1 and his BB/9 more than doubling to a concerning 5.2. He’s showing an evident lack of control, and his batted ball data backs that up: he’s allowing a .357 xwOBA, a 40.8% hard-hit rate, and a 9.2% barrel rate. You can probably get away with starting him against the Athletics, but I worry about a blow-up in the future.
- Matthew Boyd (@ PHI, vs. PIT)
- Boyd is having an impressive year with a 3.01 ERA, along with a 3.30 xERA and 3.46 FIP. His HR/FB rate and LOB% do show he’s been getting a bit lucky, but a start vs. Pittsburgh gives me enough confidence to roll with him. That being said, I would advise caution against a tough opponent like Philadelphia on the road.
- Boyd is having an impressive year with a 3.01 ERA, along with a 3.30 xERA and 3.46 FIP. His HR/FB rate and LOB% do show he’s been getting a bit lucky, but a start vs. Pittsburgh gives me enough confidence to roll with him. That being said, I would advise caution against a tough opponent like Philadelphia on the road.
- Jeffrey Springs (@ LAA, @ KCR)
- Springs won’t win any beauty contests in your fantasy rotation, but he’s been quietly solid lately, posting a 3.58 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 22 strikeouts in May. His road ERA is almost two full runs better than at home due to the hitter-friendly nature of his ballpark, and now he gets two soft lineups on the road that both rank in the bottom 10 in wRC+ vs. lefties. His changeup has been his money pitch again, generating a 40.6% whiff rate, and it should play nicely against both the Angels and Royals. He’s not flashy, but if you need innings and a shot at two wins, Springs is a sneaky play.
- Springs won’t win any beauty contests in your fantasy rotation, but he’s been quietly solid lately, posting a 3.58 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 22 strikeouts in May. His road ERA is almost two full runs better than at home due to the hitter-friendly nature of his ballpark, and now he gets two soft lineups on the road that both rank in the bottom 10 in wRC+ vs. lefties. His changeup has been his money pitch again, generating a 40.6% whiff rate, and it should play nicely against both the Angels and Royals. He’s not flashy, but if you need innings and a shot at two wins, Springs is a sneaky play.
- Griffin Canning (vs. WSH, vs. TBR)
- Canning keeps defying expectations, now rocking a 2.90 ERA despite a 4.09 xERA and .252 xBA. His K rate is an average 22.8%, and he’s allowing a ton of fly balls (45.5%) but getting lucky with the lowest HR/FB rate of his career. Yet, he just blanked the Dodgers across six innings. The Nationals and Rays both rank in the bottom third in ISO, and neither walks much, which plays into Canning’s pitch-to-contact tendencies. Ride the hot hand if you’re chasing innings, but keep a short leash.
- Canning keeps defying expectations, now rocking a 2.90 ERA despite a 4.09 xERA and .252 xBA. His K rate is an average 22.8%, and he’s allowing a ton of fly balls (45.5%) but getting lucky with the lowest HR/FB rate of his career. Yet, he just blanked the Dodgers across six innings. The Nationals and Rays both rank in the bottom third in ISO, and neither walks much, which plays into Canning’s pitch-to-contact tendencies. Ride the hot hand if you’re chasing innings, but keep a short leash.
- Shane Baz (@ BOS, @ NYM)
- Baz gets two tough matchups this week, and that’s compounded by the fact that he’s been underwhelming this season with a 4.96 ERA and a 4.32 xERA. His stuff hasn’t quite returned to pre-injury form, velocity is down a tick, and hitters are barreling him up more often (11.4% barrel rate). Both the Red Sox and Mets hit righties well, making this a stay-away week unless you’re desperate.
- Baz gets two tough matchups this week, and that’s compounded by the fact that he’s been underwhelming this season with a 4.96 ERA and a 4.32 xERA. His stuff hasn’t quite returned to pre-injury form, velocity is down a tick, and hitters are barreling him up more often (11.4% barrel rate). Both the Red Sox and Mets hit righties well, making this a stay-away week unless you’re desperate.
- Ryan Gusto (vs. CHW / vs. MIN)
- Gusto’s pristine 0.93 ERA out of the bullpen hasn’t held up in the rotation (5.88 ERA as a starter), but his peripherals are nearly identical across roles, suggesting his issues may be more about sequencing and command lapses than talent. Do remember, though, he is not elite, as his xERA in total is 4.47. His fastball averages just 94 mph, but it has good carry and limits hard contact (30.6% HardHit rate). The White Sox are one of the worst-hitting teams across the board, and that alone makes him worth a look as a low-risk streamer.
- Gusto’s pristine 0.93 ERA out of the bullpen hasn’t held up in the rotation (5.88 ERA as a starter), but his peripherals are nearly identical across roles, suggesting his issues may be more about sequencing and command lapses than talent. Do remember, though, he is not elite, as his xERA in total is 4.47. His fastball averages just 94 mph, but it has good carry and limits hard contact (30.6% HardHit rate). The White Sox are one of the worst-hitting teams across the board, and that alone makes him worth a look as a low-risk streamer.
- Mitch Keller (vs MIA, @CHC)
- Keller continues to be fine, not great, not bad, with a 4.13 ERA and a 3.93 xERA. His 61 strikeouts in 76.1 innings are not great for fantasy, but he does go deep into games, going at least six innings in six straight starts. The Marlins' matchup is as friendly as it gets, but the Cubs are tougher. And unfortunately, as Paul Skenes has shown, no matter how good you are, it’s tough to win games as a Pirate. He’s a volume guy with a limited ceiling.
- Keller continues to be fine, not great, not bad, with a 4.13 ERA and a 3.93 xERA. His 61 strikeouts in 76.1 innings are not great for fantasy, but he does go deep into games, going at least six innings in six straight starts. The Marlins' matchup is as friendly as it gets, but the Cubs are tougher. And unfortunately, as Paul Skenes has shown, no matter how good you are, it’s tough to win games as a Pirate. He’s a volume guy with a limited ceiling.
Leave On The Bench
This is the “you must be desperate” group. Maybe you can justify one start here, but you’d have to squint hard, cross your fingers, and maybe say a prayer. Your best strategy? Just stay away.
- Jose Berrios (@STL / @PHI)
- Andrew Pallante (vs. TOR / @MIL)
- Nick Pivetta (vs. LAD / @ARI)
- Colin Rea (@PHI / vs. PIT)
- Cade Povich (vs. DET / vs. LAA)
- Brayan Bello (vs. TBR / vs. NYY)
- Mike Burrows (vs. MIA / @CHC)
- Sean Burke (@HOU / @TEX)
- Quinn Priester (vs. ATL / vs. STL)
- Chase Dollander (vs. SFG / @ATL)
- Miles Mikolas (vs TOR / @MIL)
