Next week looks to be another solid week in regard to fantasy baseball two-start pitchers. Some teams have their aces on the mound, while some have implemented a six-man rotation. The Mets, Athletics, and Twins have a start listed as “undecided” as of now, which could mean a bullpen game or a call-up is coming. I’ll update those starters when they’re announced.
When breaking down the pitching options available, I rank the remaining eligible pitchers into four different categories. The first tier is the “No-Brainers,” with ideal pitchers and matchups that require no thought to start. Then the “Next In Line” tier, which will include other optimal matchups but carries a sense of risk.
The third tier is the “Streamer” tier, which is what the name suggests: pitchers who can produce decent stats, but the matchups aren’t ideal, so start at your own risk. The last tier is the “Avoid” tier, which includes pitchers with terrible matchups or who have been pitching badly and can be left on the bench or on the waiver wire.
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MLB Two-Start Pitchers for June 15-21
My Favorite Two-Start Pitchers of the Week
Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies (vs Marlins, vs Mets)
Zack Wheeler has been impressive in his nine starts since returning from offseason surgery. He’s allowed two or fewer earned runs in seven of those starts, while posting an overall 2.22 ERA and a 53:12 strikeout-to-walk ratio. In his 12th MLB season, the righty is in the 97th percentile in chase percentage (37.5%) and the 95th percentile for pitching run value (12).
The Marlins and Mets are two top targets for pitching matchups. Even though they are in the middle of the pack in strikeouts, the Marlins rank 19th in OPS, and the Mets are 29th. A majority of the Marlins’ starters have faced Wheeler four or more times, but they only have a combined .595 OPS off him. Otto Lopez is 5-for-12 with a 1.045 OPS, but he’s the only Marlin batter who has consistent success against Wheeler.
The Mets’ starters have far more experience against the Phillies, but the Mets’ offense has been struggling this season. Look for Wheeler to stay hot versus two division foes.
Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees (vs White Sox, vs Reds)
Gerrit Cole missed the entire 2025 season due to needing Tommy John surgery. He’s returned strong, posting a 2.45 ERA with an 18:6 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his first four starts. It feels ridiculous to say, but the White Sox have the more worrisome lineup between them and the Reds.
The Reds rank 26th in batting average and strike out the second most against right-handed pitchers. The White Sox have the fourth-highest strikeouts against righties and rank 16th in batting average. Both the Reds and White Sox will have a majority of their starters facing Cole for the first time, which gives Cole a huge boost as well. The week looks bright for the 2023 Cy Young Award winner.
No-Brainers
Seth Lugo, Kansas City Royals (@ Nationals, vs Cardinals)
Chase Burns, Cincinnati Reds (vs Mets, @ Yankees)
MacKenzie Gore, Texas Rangers (vs Twins, vs Padres)
Dylan Cease, Toronto Blue Jays (@ Red Sox, @ Cubs)
Payton Tolle, Boston Red Sox (vs Blue Jays, @ Mariners)
Davis Martin, Chicago White Sox (@ Yankees, @ Tigers)
Next In Line
Kai-Wei Teng, Houston Astros (vs Tigers, vs Guardians)
Walbert Urena, Los Angeles Angels (@ Diamondbacks, @ Athletics)
Reid Detmers, Los Detmers (@ Diamondbacks, @ Athletics)
Nick Martinez, Tampa Bay Rays (@ Dodgers, vs Nationals)
Lucas Giolito, San Diego Padres (@ Cardinals, @ Rangers)
Shota Imanaga, Chicago Cubs (vs Rockies, vs Blue Jays)
Streamers
Andrew Alvarez, Washington Nationals (vs Royals, @ Rays)
Adrian Houser, San Francisco Giants (@ Braves, @ Marlins)
Grant Holmes, Atlanta Braves (vs Giants, vs Brewers)
Slade Cecconi, Cleveland Guardians (@ Brewers, @ Astros)
Ryne Nelson, Arizona Diamondbacks (vs Angels, vs Twins)
Jared Jones, Pittsburgh Pirates (@Athletics, @ Rockies)
Avoid
Ryan Gusto, Miami Marlins (@ Phillies, @ Pirates)
Michael Lorenzen, Colorado Rockies (@ Cubs, vs Pirates)
Robert Gasser, Milwaukee Brewers (vs Guardians, @ Braves)
Brandon Young, Baltimore Orioles (@ Mariners, vs Dodgers)
Jack Perkins, Athletics (vs Pirates, vs Angels)
Undediced, Minnesota Twins (@ Rangers, @ Diamondbacks)
Undecided, Athletics (vs Pirates, vs Angels)
Undecided, New York Mets (@ Reds, @ Phillies)
Projected six-man rotations during the week.
- Tigers
- Cardinals
- Mariners
- Dodgers
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