Are you trying to decide who to start in your weekly fantasy baseball lineup? Or maybe you’re looking to improve your rotation? Or are you in a points league and looking for a good way to fill your RP spot? In any of those cases, this article is for you. Below, I have compiled a comprehensive ranked list of all 37 two-start pitchers for Week 5. Where roster percentage is low enough, I’ve also indicated which pitchers would make ideal streaming targets.
Two notes before you start scrolling: I didn’t include Tyler Glasnow. He’s scheduled to start on Tuesday for the Dodgers, but as of right now it looks like a six-man rotation will prevent him from making a second start on Sunday. Doesn’t matter too much. In any case, you’ll start him. Also, Cristopher Sanchez isn’t included either, despite a Tuesday start. That’s because it’s looking likely that Taijuan Walker will return from the IL later next week, creating a probably-temporary six-man rotation. Also doesn’t matter. Sanchez should be in your lineup regardless.
Don’t You Dare Bench These Two-Start Pitchers
Pablo Lopez SP Twins
Last start: Wednesday, April 17th @ Orioles – 6IP 1ER 2H 0BB 7K
2 starts next week: Tuesday, April 23rd vs. White Sox + Sunday, April 28th @ Angels
After two rough outings prior to Wednesday (eight earned runs in 9.2 innings), hopefully Pablo Lopez has things back under control. You should be excited for his start against the White Sox (last in wOBA), and confident about his start in Anaheim (middle-of-the-pack offense).
Tarik Skubal SP Tigers
Last start: Wednesday, April 17th vs. Rangers – 6.1IP 2ER (4R) 5H 1BB 6K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd @ Rays + Sunday, April 28th vs. Royals
Yes, start Tarik Skubal. Nothing else needs to be said.
Grayson Rodriguez SP Orioles
Last start: Tuesday, April 16th vs. Twins – 6IP W 2ER 4H 3BB 6K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd @ Angels + Sunday, April 28th vs. A’s
Grayson Rodriguez has been as solid as they come over his first four starts. Even better than the 24-year-old’s 2.63 ERA/1.17 WHIP: he’s posted three Quality Starts and three wins with the backing of Baltimore’s plentiful run production (2nd in runs per game). He’s pretty much a must-start in any week. With two juicy matchups, go ahead and be excited.
Jared Jones SP Pirates
Last start: Tuesday, April 16th @ Mets – 5IP 0ER 1H 0BB 7K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd vs. Brewers + Saturday, April 27th @ Giants
Is there a more exciting pitcher in fantasy baseball this season? Jared Jones is making it look easy. The 22-year-old needed just 59 pitches to get through five scoreless on Tuesday. He’s racked up 32 strikeouts over his first 23 big-league innings. And he’s even set a pitch-tracking-era record by generating 73 swinging strikes in his first four starts (according to Sarah Langs of MLB.com). The righty will face a big test against the Brewers (ranked 2nd in wOBA) on Monday, but will then draw the Giants (18th). Honestly, though, the matchups might not matter at this point. Start him if you got him. If he’s somehow available, what the heck are you waiting for?
Logan Gilbert SP Mariners
Last start: Tuesday, April 16th vs. Reds – 6.2IP W 1ER 3H 1BB 6K
2 starts next week: Tuesday, April 23rd @ Rangers + Sunday, April 28th vs. DBacks
Not much to say here. Logan Gilbert is really good. He’s pitching well (2.33 ERA/0.78 WHIP). And even though his opponents are pretty good next week (they rank 10th and 7th in wOBA, respectively), you shouldn’t be afraid to start him.
Dylan Cease SP Padres
Last start: Tuesday, April 16th @ Brewers – 6IP W 1ER 2H 5BB 7K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd @ Rockies + Saturday, April 27th vs. Phillies
The opponents/location won’t be ideal for Dylan Cease next week, but after four solid starts (1.99 ERA/0.93 WHIP/10.72 K/9), there’s nothing to suggest he can’t handle it.
Tanner Houck SP Red Sox
Last start: Wednesday, April 17th vs. Guardians – 9IP W 0ER 3H 0BB 9K
2 starts next week: Tuesday, April 23rd @ Guardians + Sunday, April 28th vs. Cubs
On the heels of his first complete game and shutout, Tanner Houck has now delivered three very impressive starts out of four. The Guardians (11th in wOBA) and the Cubs (8th) aren’t easy opponents, but given the level of dominance (1.35 ERA/0.90 WHIP/28 Ks in 26.2 innings), the 27-year-old is pretty much a must-roster and must-start pitcher at this point.
Reid Detmers SP Angels
Last start: Wednesday, April 17th @ Rays – 5.1IP 1ER (2R) 7H 1BB 4K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd vs. Orioles + Sunday, April 28th vs. Twins
Didn’t think I’d be trusting Reid Detmers against the Orioles this year, but here we are. That’s after putting up a 1.19 ERA/0.97 WHIP/11.9 K/9 over four starts. The underlying numbers and expected stats are believing the hype. Looking like a possible breakout here.
Ranger Suarez SP Phillies
Last start: Tuesday, April 16th vs. Rockies – 9IP W 0ER 7H 1BB 8K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd @ Reds + Sunday, April 28th @ Padres
Wow. Each start has gotten better for Ranger Suarez so far. The last two were dominant. And on Tuesday he threw a complete game shutout. With his walk rate down big time (4.2%), and his ground ball rate even higher than usual (63.5%), there’s no reason he can’t be the solid starter we saw in 2022 (3.65 ERA/3.78 xERA over 155 innings). The matchups aren’t easy, but while the lefty is hot he’s a must-start.
You Should Probably Start These Two-Start Pitchers
Kevin Gausman SP Blue Jays
Last start: Wednesday, April 17th vs. Yankees – 5IP 1ER 4H 3BB 6K
2 starts next week: Tuesday, April 23rd @ Royals + Sunday, April 28th vs. Dodgers
Though he wasn’t dominant, Kevin Gausman’s effort on Wednesday was sorely needed after two disasters in a row. He’s got some tough opponents next week (the Dodgers, especially, who rank 3rd in wOBA). So while you probably don’t have enough better options to bench him, the trepidation is understandable.
Michael King SP/RP Padres
Last start: Wednesday, April 17th @ Brewers – 7.2IP L 1ER 2H 2BB 10K
2 starts next week: Tuesday, April 23rd @ Rockies + Sunday, April 28th vs. Phillies
OK, the opponents/location won’t be ideal next week, but Michael King is coming off his best start. The 17 swinging strikes over 109 pitches was particularly nice to see. And this was against a Brewers team that had been raking (2nd in wOBA, 3rd in runs per game). His Majesty belongs in your lineup.
Reynaldo Lopez SP/RP Braves
Last start: Tuesday, April 16th @ Astros – 6IP W 0ER 4H 1BB 7K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd vs. Marlins + Sunday, April 28th vs. Guardians
What a start for Reynaldo Lopez! After Tuesday’s gem, the righty has yielded just one run over his first 18 innings. That’s three Quality Starts and with the Braves offense, two wins. The RP eligibility makes him a no-brainer for points leagues. And with the Marlins ranking 28th in wOBA, I’d take my chances with the 11th-ranked Guardians even in categories. If he’s still available in your league, be sure to scoop him up.
Marcus Stroman SP Yankees
Last start: Wednesday, April 17 @ Blue Jays – 5.1IP 2ER 6H 2BB 2K
2 starts next week: Tuesday, April 23rd vs. A’s + Sunday, April 28th @ Brewers
One constant in Marcus Stroman’s career has been his elite ground ball rate. So far it’s playing well in Yankee Stadium and should carry over to his start against the A’s next week. The Brewers have been mashing so far, but the risk seems worth it.
Brady Singer SP Royals
Last start: Wednesday, April 17th @ White Sox – 5IP 2ER 3H 3BB 5K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd vs. Blue Jays + Saturday, April 27th @ Tigers
Brady Singer has been excellent to begin the season (1.54 ERA/0.86 WHIP). All of the runs scored against him so far have been via the home run. Hopefully home-run suppressing parks (Kauffman Stadium ranked 25th in home runs yielded/Comerica Park ranked last) will help the trend continue.
Yusei Kikuchi SP Blue Jays
Last start: Tuesday, April 16th vs. Yankees – 6IP W 1ER 4H 1BB 9K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd @ Royals + Saturday, April 27th vs. Dodgers
Since the beginning of last season Yusei Kikuchi has a 3.66 ERA, a 3.63 xFIP, and a 9.98 K/9 rate. He’s been even better than that to start this season, too (2.08 ERA/12.1 K/9). Though his opponents next week are tough (did you know the Royals rank 13th in wOBA?), I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a fantasy rotation that couldn’t use him in any two-start week right now.
Hunter Greene SP Reds
Last start: Tuesday, April 16th @ Mariners – 4IP 1ER 4H 3BB 8K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd vs. Phillies + Saturday, April 27th @ Rangers
If you trust the expected-stat metrics, it looks like Hunter Greene should be doing much better. His xERA (2.56), for example, is almost two runs better than what we’ve seen play out (4.36 ERA). He’s still missing plenty of bats, though (30 strikeouts in 20.2 innings). Can’t imagine you have many better options, despite the decent opponents.
Zack Littell SP/RP Rays
Last start: Wednesday, April 17th vs. Angels – 5.2IP 3ER 8H 0BB 7K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd vs. Tigers + Sunday, April 28th @ White Sox
It’s been a pretty solid start for Zack Littell (2.14 ERA/9.43 K/9). His low walk rate (5.6%) and lack of hard contact (89th percentile hard-hit rate) have led to a wonderful 2.77 xERA. His RP eligibility makes him a great streamer for points leagues. And due to light-hitting opponents (Tigers are ranked 27th in wOBA, White Sox are dead last), I’m thinking you could do a lot worse in categories too.
Brandon Pfaadt SP DBacks
Last start: Wednesday, April 17th vs. Cubs – 7IP L 2ER (3R) 6H 0BB 6K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd @ Cardinals + Sunday, April 28th @ Mariners
It hasn’t been an ideal beginning for Brandon Pfaadt (5.23 ERA). But given that the xERA (3.64) is much better, he should at least be a safe points-league start. Given the light-hitting opponents in a two-start week (Cardinals ranked 24th in wOBA, Mariners 25th), you could do worse in categories.
Carlos Rodon SP Yankees
Last start: Tuesday, April 6th @ Blue Jays – 4IP L 3ER 5H 4BB 5K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd vs. A’s + Saturday, April 27th @ Brewers
It still doesn’t feel like we’re getting 2022 Carlos Rodon. The control has been the culprit, mostly (11 walks in 19.2 innings). It’s caused some short outings (fewer than five innings twice now). But his first start next week is juicy (A’s rank 29th in wOBA and runs per game). His second opponent is more intimidating (Brewers are 3rd in wOBA), so hopefully the results end up in your favor. In most leagues it would hard to bench him.
Michael Wacha SP Royals
Last start: Wednesday, April 17th @ White Sox – 6IP L 2ER 4H 2BB 4K
2 starts next week: Tuesday, April 23rd vs. Blue Jays + Sunday, April 28th @ Tigers
While healthy, Michael Wacha has been as steady as they come over the last couple of seasons (3.31 ERA since 2022). So far, the trend has continued (3.75 ERA/1.04 WHIP in four starts). He’s got two favorable matchups next week (Blue Jays 19th in wOBA, Tigers are 27th). Definitely a safe points-league play. Probably categories too.
In the Right Situation, These Two-Start Pitchers Make Sense
Andrew Abbot SP Reds
Last start: Wednesday, April 17th @ Mariners – 6IP L 2ER 4H 3BB 6K
2 starts next week: Tuesday, April 23rd vs. Phillies + Sunday, April 28th @ Rangers
Given Andrew Abbot’s decreased strikeouts (6.56 K/9) and horrid whiff and chase rates (both ranked in the single-digit percentile), I’d have a hard time trusting him next week outside of points leagues. In categories, let’s see if those numbers improve first.
Trevor Rogers SP Marlins
Last start: Wednesday, April 17th vs. Giants – 5.2IP 1ER 4H 0BB 6K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd @ Braves + Sunday, April 28th vs. Nationals
There’s some encouraging signs for Trevor Rogers. He did well against the Giants Wednesday, generating 14 swinging strikes on 93 pitches. He’s getting whiffs with the fastball which is always nice to see (28.2% rate so far). Though I sure don’t like that first matchup (Braves are 1st in wOBA and runs per game), it seems like you could do much worse in a deep league.
Paul Blackburn SP A’s
Last start: Wednesday, April 17th vs. Cardinals – 5.2IP 3ER 6H 5BB 7K
2 start next week: Tuesday, April 23rd @ Yankees + Sunday, April 28th @ Orioles
Underlying metrics suggest Paul Blackburn hasn’t pitched nearly as well as his 1.08 ERA. No surprise there. But his xERA is still a respectable 3.47. And his ground-ball rate would be a career high (54.9%). And the Oakland Coliseum is the 5th best environment for pitchers (Park Factors). Fine, he won’t get much run support, but he could be a solid deep-league/points pitcher if this continues. This week will be his first big test (Yankees 9th in wOBA, Orioles 6th) so for now managers in standard leagues should probably wait.
Erick Fedde SP White Sox
Last start: Wednesday, April 17th vs. Royals – 5.2IP W 0ER 3H 3BB 5K
2 starts next week: Tuesday, April 23rd @ Twins + Sunday, April 28th vs. Rays
Although Erick Fedde hasn’t been dominant like he was in Korea last season (MVP), he has been functional over four starts in America (3.10 ERA/1.33 WHIP). Given the favorable matchups next week (Twins are 26th in wOBA, Rays are 22nd), this seems like a decent enough points-league play. Not ready to go there in categories yet.
Keaton Winn SP Giants
Last start: Wednesday, April 17th @ Marlins – 6IP W 1ER 4H 1BB 4K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd vs. Mets + Sunday, April 28th vs. Pirates
Not too excited about Keaton Winn’s lack of strikeouts (7.27 career K/9). Also not too excited about his career ERA (4.48). But if you’re in some kind of deep points league, and you’re encouraged by the 26-year-old’s last two starts (just three runs in 11 innings with 10 Ks), I guess he’d make for an OK last resort. Two starts in his home stadium helps (6th most-favorable for pitchers according to Park Factors).
Lance Lynn SP Cardinals
Last start: Tuesday, April 16th @ A’s – 7IP W 1ER 5H 1BB 1K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd vs. DBacks + Sunday, April 28th @ Mets
Lance Lynn’s K rate (21.6%) seems to be going in the wrong direction. That, and some hard hits, have resulted in a 4.69 xERA. That’s almost two and half runs higher than the real thing (2.18). Sure feels like there might be a reckoning coming for the 36-year-old. Unless it’s a point league and you’re looking for volume, I’d tread lightly.
You Better Be Desperate To Start These Two-Start Pitchers
Jose Quintana SP Mets
Last start: Tuesday, April 16th vs. Pirates – 5IP 1ER 4H 3BB 4K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd @ Giants + Sunday, April 28th vs. Cardinals
It’s been a bend-but-don’t-break kind of season for Jose Quintana so far. That’s reflected in his 1.50 WHIP. He’ll get two bottom-half offenses next week though (Giants rank 18th in wOBA, Cardinals rank 24th), so perhaps the trend could continue. I don’t recommend, but among two-start pitchers in this desperation category, he might be the best you could stream in a deep points league.
JP Sears SP A’s
Last start: Tuesday, April 16th vs. Cardinals – 5IP 1ER 2H 3BB 2K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd @ Yankees + Saturday, April 27th @ Orioles
Despite getting better results the last two turns, JP Sears has not been generating many strikeouts (3.92 K/9 rate). His walk rate isn’t very good either (3.92 BB/9) after four starts. It certainly won’t be any easier the next two times out. The Yankees rank 9th in wOBA while the Orioles rank 6th. Better left on the waiver wire.
Chris Paddack SP/RP Padres
Last start: Tuesday, April 16th @ Orioles – 5.1IP L 9ER 12H 1BB 2K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd vs. White Sox + Saturday, April 27th @ Angels
Though his matchups next week are ideal, Chris Paddack got hit pretty hard on Tuesday. He wasn’t horrible before that, but not so great either (four earned runs in 8.2 innings). A wait-and-see approach seems like a good idea still.
Jordan Wicks SP Cubs
Last start: Wednesday, April 17th @ DBacks – 4.1IP 2ER 5H 1BB 5K
Tuesday, April 23rd vs. Astros + Sunday, April 28th vs. Marlins
Though his whiffs (30.6% rate) and strikeouts (28.2%) are up, Jordan Wicks had excelled at little else thus far. Even in a points league, it’s tough to start him with the Cubs being very conservative with innings. He’s thrown no more than 4.2 of them throughout four starts.
Wade Miley SP Brewers
Last start: Monday, April 15th vs. Padres – 3IP L 3ER (4R) 4H 2BB 2K
2 starts next week: Tuesday, April 23nd @ Pirates + Sunday, April 28th vs. Yankees
After getting struck on the leg, Wade Miley had an early exit on Monday. So he didn’t get to increase his pitch count much (66 pitches). He didn’t look too sharp, either. Definitely a pass for now.
Bailey Falter SP Pirates
Last start: Wednesday, April 17th @ Mets – 5IP L 2ER 4H 1BB 4K
2 starts next week: Tuesday, April 23rd vs. Brewers + Sunday, April 28th @ Giants
With the lack of strikeouts (career 7.34 K/9 rate), and a meager career ERA (4.70), there’s a very limited upside for Bailey Falter. I sure don’t want him in my lineup for that Brewers start (ranked 2nd in wOBA)
Joe Ross SP Brewers
Last start: Monday, April 15th vs. Padres – 4.2IP L 6ER (7R) 9H 2BB 4K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd @ Pirates + Saturday, April 27th vs. Yankees
Though Joe Ross was decent his first couple times out (two earned runs in 10 innings), Monday’s line was sure ugly. It would have to be a very deep points league.
Patrick Corbin SP Nationals
Last start: Tuesday, April 16th @ Dodgers – 6.1IP L 5ER 9H 4BB 5K
2 starts next week: Tuesday, April 23rd vs. Dodgers + Sunday, April 28th @ Marlins
Even if he wasn’t opposing the Dodgers next week, Patrick Corbin’s 20 earned runs in 18 innings is an easy deal-breaker.
Ben Lively SP/RP Guardians
Last start: Wednesday, April 17th @ Red Sox – 5IP L 2ER 3H 1BB 7K
2 starts next week: Tuesday, April 23rd vs. Red Sox + Sunday, April 28th @ Braves
Avoid Ben Lively, especially during a very challenging two-start week.
Austin Gomber SP Rockies
Last start: Tuesday, April 16th @ Phillies – 5.1IP L 3ER 6H 0BB 4K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd vs. Padres + Sunday, April 28th vs. Astros
It would be hard to trust any pitcher with two starts at Coors Field. Austin Gomber (career 4.90 ERA) is not an exception.
Jonathan Cannon SP White Sox
Last start: Wednesday, April 17th vs. Royals – 5IP 1ER 3H 1BB 3K
2 starts next week: Monday, April 22nd @ Twins + Saturday, April 27th vs. Rays
Jonathan Cannon made his Major League debut on Wednesday and fared well enough. Nevertheless, he might not even make his second start next week. Mike Clevinger will return from the IL soon.