Two-Start Pitchers for Week 21 (August 11 – 17)

Less than two months remain in the fantasy baseball season, and we’re getting down to the wire. With each passing week, it becomes more crucial to identify ways to give our fantasy teams an edge. One way to gain an advantage is to keep track of the week’s two-start pitchers. Doing so not only gives us a leg up on the waiver wire, but it also helps pad our strikeout and win columns if we choose our two-start pitchers wisely.

This weekly write-up helps to determine the best two-start pitchers of the week. Some two-steppers are easy calls, while others require more thought. To help you decide, I rank the two-start pitchers into tiers and provide brief notes on each option.

Keep in mind that starting rotations often aren’t finalized until late in the weekend. As this write-up gets submitted on Saturday, you’ll want to check the league’s latest schedule of probable pitchers to make sure you’re up to date with the correct starters. With that, let’s look at the two-start pitchers for Week 21.

Don’t Overthink These Two-Start Pitchers

These are your set-it-and-forget-it arms for the week. Most are elite starting pitchers with strong matchups.

Garrett Crochet (SP — BOS)

First Start: @ HOU
Second Start: vs. MIA
Garrett Crochet brings high Ks and elite ratios to the table. He’s also looking for his seventh consecutive win. Must-start.

Nathan Eovaldi (SP — TEX)

First Start: vs. ARI
Second Start: @ TOR
Nathan Eovaldi just tossed eight frames of shutout ball against the Yankees to go with six punchouts. Scoreless outings have become routine for the veteran as he’s logged eight in his last 14 appearances. Eovaldi is seeking his eighth consecutive win this week and is a strong bet to snag it. Roll out Eovaldi with confidence in Week 21.

George Kirby (SP — SEA)

First Start: @ BAL
Second Start: @ NYM
George Kirby is back on track after a couple of bad outings. He’s been fantastic over his last three starts, posting an elite 2.00 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 23.3% K-BB rate across 18 frames. Kirby’s hefty 32.9% strikeout rate over those appearances continues a trend of increased Ks for the starter. He’s improved his strikeout rate each month, going from 19% in May to 27.7% July. Kirby is a go each week, and his added strikeouts are a nice bonus.

Logan Webb (SP — SFG)

First Start: vs. SDP
Second Start: vs. TBR
After a rocky patch of starts against the Dodgers, Blue Jays, and Mets, a couple of get-right games against the Pirates are just what Logan Webb needed. In back-to-back starts against Pittsburgh, Webb allowed a combined two earned runs across 11.2 frames while racking up a whopping 21 punchouts. Sure, it was the Pirates. But sometimes all it takes is a rebound game to get back on track. Up next, Webb gets a couple of home matchups against opponents that aren’t too intimidating. Fire up Webb as usual this week.

Roll With These Two-Start Pitchers

These are solid two-starters for the week. While they come with more risk than the arms above, you’re likely rolling with these two-steppers in Week 21.

Freddy Peralta (SP — MIL)

First Start: vs. PIT
Second Start: @ CIN
It’s been a mixed bag for Freddy Peralta over his last four starts. While there’s been plenty of strikeouts (10.89 K/9), there’s also been plenty of walks (5.68 BB/9). He issued 12 free passes in that 19-inning stretch, contributing to a bloated 1.63 WHIP and 5.21 ERA (4.38 SIERA). Blegh. However, there’s enough strikeout and win upside to roll the dice on Peralta this week. The Pirates are dead last in OPS against righties since June 1, and the Reds aren’t scary. There’s risk given Peralta’s recent performances, and I don’t love that his start against the Reds is at Great American Ball Park. But the reward is likely worth it.

Andrew Abbott (SP — CIN)

First Start: vs. PHI
Second Start: vs. MIL
Andrew Abbott is having a terrific season, sporting a 3.79 FIP and 1.13 WHIP across 26 starts this season (115.1 IP). His 7.73 K/9 is a little light, but we’ll happily take it given the smooth ratios. While Abbott hasn’t had many poor performances this year, it’s worth noting that he coughed up four runs against the Phillies and five runs against the Brewers earlier this year. That’s not to say we should hold Abbott out of lineups this week. Just be mindful that he carries more risk in Week 21 as home starts against both of these clubs will be challenging.

Spencer Strider (SP — ATL)

First Start: @ NYM
Second Start: @ CLE
The Brewers chased Spencer Strider after 4.2 frames in his last start after he coughed up five earned runs. While the outing isn’t indicative of Strider’s skills, he’s been fairly mediocre since the end of June. Free passes have particularly been a problem, as Strider’s 3.97 BB/9 has fed an inflated 1.43 WHIP and 4.17 ERA in that 45.1-inning span. The numbers aren’t awful, but it certainly helps that a 26.9% strikeout rate is attached. Given the high Ks, we still need to take advantage of Strider’s two-start weeks when they arrive — despite the disappointing numbers this year.

Jeffrey Springs (SP — ATH)

First Start: vs. TBR
Second Start: vs. LAA
Jeffrey Springs has been sneaky-good in his last 10 starts. He allowed two earned runs or fewer in all but two of those appearances, sporting a 2.93 ERA (4.21 SIERA) and 0.89 WHIP in those 58.1 innings. The strikeouts in that stretch are lacking (19.3%), but six quality starts and five wins somewhat make up for it. Springs is a solid two-stepper as the Rays and Angels are mediocre at best against southpaws.

Ryne Nelson (SP — ARI)

First Start: @ TEX
Second Start: @ COL
Ryne Nelson took over Corbin Burnes’ spot in the rotation and hasn’t looked back. In his 11 starts, Nelson is rocking a 3.03 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across his last 59.1 frames with a 54:19 K:BB. While his strikeout rate is nothing to sneeze at, Nelson just posted back-to-back eight-punchout games, with the eight Ks being a season-high. His matchups are more favorable than not, making Nelson a nice two-start option in 12-teamers — especially if his uptick in Ks sticks.

Ryan Pepiot (SP — TBR)

First Start: @ ATH
Second Start: @ SFG
Ryan Pepiot has had a solid 2025 season. He fans nearly a batter per inning and allowed more than three earned runs only three times in 24 starts. For the year, he’s sporting a 3.77 ERA and 1.18 WHIP across 136 frames with a 134:47 K:BB. Not too shabby. Pepiot is a strong two-start option this week, despite a less-than-ideal matchup at Sutter Health Park.

Ranger Suarez (SP — PHI)

First Start: @ CIN
Second Start: @ WAS
Ranger Suarez has been a trustworthy starter for most of the season. But he’s struggled of late, allowing 3+ earned runs in four of his last five starts and striking out batters at a below league-average 18.8% clip. The result is a bloated 5.40 ERA (4.28 SIERA) and 1.47 WHIP in that 30-inning stretch. Fortunately, Suarez’s two-step is a soft one, as both clubs are bottom eight in OPS against southpaws since June. While Suarez should still be in lineups, his poor performances add a layer of risk in Week 21.

How Lucky Do You Feel About These Two-Start Pitchers?

This is the tier of tough decisions, with most of these two-start options best suited for 15-team leagues. These are primarily riskier starters who could bloat your ratios if things go south. Tread carefully.

Zebby Matthews (SP — MIN)

First Start: @ NYY
Second Start: vs. DET
Zebby Matthews has alternated between strong and not-so-strong starts since coming off the IL in July. He holds a 5.12 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across those four starts (19.1 IP) with a 23:2 K:BB. While his ERA is unappealing on the surface, his estimators sit at a sub-3.00 mark to go with an elite 25.3% K-BB rate. An upcoming start against the Yankees is less than ideal. But Matthews also gets a re-match against a Tigers team that he held to one earned run (and a win!) in his last start. There’s ratio risk, but there’s also enough Ks and a strong skillset that Matthews could be worth the gamble.

Jose Soriano (SP — LAA)

First Start: vs. LAD
Second Start: @ ATH
On the whole, Jose Soriano has done a good job of curbing runs over the past couple of months. He’s limited opponents to two earned runs or fewer in nine of his last 13 starts (74.1 IP), posting a respectable 3.42 FIP and 1.29 WHIP with 72 strikeouts. Soriano draws a difficult matchup card this week, facing the Dodgers at home and then the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. But he should be able to limit some damage with his league-leading 66.7% ground ball rate while fanning a batter per inning. Soriano is a solid two-stepper this week in 15-teamers.

Logan Allen (SP — CLE)

First Start: vs. MIA
Second Start: vs. ATL
As a mid-4.00 ERA talent with an inflated WHIP and sub-par strikeout rates, it always feels like you’re playing with fire when you start Logan Allen. But this week, you should have a little more confidence slotting him into lineups. The Marlins are bottom-five in OPS against southpaws, and the Braves lineup is watered down. Allen is a solid play in deeper leagues, especially if you’re trying to notch some wins.

Jose Berrios (SP — TOR)

First Start: vs. CHC
Second Start: vs. TEX
Jose Berrios has stumbled recently, allowing home runs and multiple earned runs in all of his last five starts. His seven long balls in that stretch spiked his HR/9 from 1.04 to 2.59. The added runs also cut into Berrios’ innings, as he uncharacteristically pitched to the sixth frame only once in six outings. The result is an elevated 5.55 ERA (4.36 SIERA) and 1.52 WHIP across his last 24.1 innings. Given his shaky performances, Berrios’ upcoming matchup against the Cubs doesn’t give me the warm and fuzzies. But there’s some strikeout upside, and Berrios has snagged six wins in his last nine starts. That should be enough to warrant a start in deeper leagues.

Will Warren (SP — NYY)

First Start: vs. MIN
Second Start: @ STL
Will Warren’s 2.87 ERA in his last six starts looks pretty spiffy. But a 4.78 SIERA and 4.47 xFIP take some of the shine off. Additionally, free passes continue to be a problem. Warren has piled up 15 walks over those six starts, feeding an inflated 1.40 WHIP in that stretch. While regression is expected on the ERA front, it’s unlikely to materialize this week against the Twins and Cardinals. Warren offers some strikeout upside (7.47 K/9) along with win opportunity, making him a decent two-start option this week.

Cade Horton (SP — CHC)

First Start: @ TOR
Second Start: vs. PIT
Cade Horton has been cruising since July. He racked up five shutout starts over his last six outings (34.1 IP) while showcasing a 1.05 ERA (4.33 SIERA) and 0.93 WHIP. The rookie benefited from a .227 BABIP and 92% strand rate, but fantasy managers will take it. The nit to pick is that Horton doesn’t offer a ton of strikeouts (6.69 K/9) and frequently doesn’t make it to the sixth inning. However, he’s still a decent option in 15-teamers if you’re hunting for a win without getting your ratios rocked. A challenging matchup against the Blue Jays isn’t ideal, but it should get balanced out with a soft start against the Pirates.

Cade Cavalli (SP — WAS)

First Start: @ KCR
Second Start: vs. PHI
Cade Cavalli was terrific in his major league debut. He threw 4.1 frames of scoreless ball against the Athletics to go with six strikeouts. Most impressively, batters looked lost at the plate as Cavalli flexed a 21.6% swinging-strike rate on the day. I’m usually not gung-ho about throwing newly minted big-league pitchers into two-steps. But Cavalli could be worth the risk this week, at least in 15-teamers. He gets Ks and keeps the ball on the ground (66.7% GB%), a favorite pitcher combo of mine. While the Phillies could prove troublesome, the Royals are bottom-eight in OPS versus righties.

Chris Paddack (SP — DET)

First Start: @ CWS
Second Start: @ MIN
Chris Paddack had a poor debut with the Tigers. He surrendered four earned runs in four frames against his former team and laid a goose egg in Ks. Paddack is great at limiting walks, but he hasn’t been a reliable arm since mid-June. In his last 10 starts, he posted a 6.89 ERA and 1.43 WHIP across 49.2 innings with a 36:5 K:BB. Some positive regression should kick in, and Paddack should benefit from more run support in Detroit. But he still makes for a shaky option this week, despite favorable matchups.

Clay Holmes (SP — NYM)

First Start: vs. ATL
Second Start: vs. SEA
Clay Holmes is an inconsistent 4.00 ERA/1.30 WHIP arm who often gets the hook in the fifth inning. With a below league-average strikeout rate (18.7%), he doesn’t bring a ton to the table. Holmes is an okay two-start option given the middling matchups, but I wouldn’t be actively targeting him.

Forget About These Two-Start Pitchers

This tier is pretty straightforward. If you roll with these two-start pitchers, you’re playing with fire. Fuhgeddaboudit!

Bailey Falter (SP — KCR)

First Start: vs. WAS
Second Start: vs. CWS
Bailey Falter didn’t fare well in his Royals debut, coughing up seven earned runs against the Red Sox. While the Nationals present a nice bounce-back opportunity, it’s important to remember that Falter is a career 4.50 ERA arm who offers minimal strikeouts (5.52 K/9). If you’re chasing wins, Falter makes some sense this week. But otherwise, he’s a benchwarmer.

Dean Kremer (SP — BAL)

First Start: vs. SEA
Second Start: @ HOU
The earned runs have been piling up for Dean Kremer of late. He allowed 12 earned runs over his last three starts (17 IP) and has been a WHIP killer in the process with a 1.47 mark. While Kremer was still helpful in the strikeout department (16 Ks), he took a toll on the ratios. Expect more of the same this week, as the risk likely outweighs the reward.

Janson Junk (SP — MIA)

First Start: @ CLE
Second Start: @ BOS
Janson Junk brings elevated ratios and low strikeouts to the table. Over his last four starts, he registered a 7.20 ERA and 1.45 WHIP across 20 frames with a 12:4 K:BB. While some unluckiness was at play, a 4.82 SIERA and 4.84 xFIP still aren’t appealing. Plus, there’s not a lot to squeeze on the K front, with Junk’s 5.66 K/9 as a starter. Pass.

Miles Mikolas (SP — STL)

First Start: vs. COL
Second Start: vs. NYY
Miles Mikolas offers few strikeouts and inflated ratios. While he’s sometimes streamable in favorable matchups, an upcoming date with the Yankees takes him off the two-start table in Week 21.

Kyle Freeland (SP — COL)

First Start: @ STL
Second Start: vs. ARI
We rarely target Rockies starters for two-steps, and Kyle Freeland is no exception. His 5.53 ERA and 1.47 WHIP across 21 starts aren’t gonna cut it. Neither is his 16% strikeout rate.

Anthony DeSclafani (SP — ARI)

First Start: @ TEX
Second Start: @ COL
It’s been mixed results for Anthony DeSclafani since he joined the Diamondbacks’ rotation in August. But the main takeaway is that DeSclafani has been getting a quick hook, combining for only 6.2 innings in his two starts. Tony Disco may be worth a look down the line, but let’s see him string together a couple of stronger starts first.

Mitchell Parker (SP — WAS)

First Start: @ KCR
Second Start: vs. PHI
A 7.76 ERA, 1.88 WHIP, and 5.9% K-BB rate since July isn’t what we want from a two-stepper. Not to mention diminished win opportunity.

Andrew Heaney (SP — PIT)

First Start: @ MIL
Second Start: @ CHC
Andrew Heaney has made it to the fifth inning only twice in his last eight starts, while offering ballooned ratios and low Ks. Not what you want to roll out against a couple of the league’s top offenses.

Anthony Molina (SP — COL)

First Start: @ STL
Second Start: vs. ARI
Anthony Molina surrendered a whopping five dingers to the Blue Jays in his first start of the season. He’s an easy no-go this week.