This is the weakest group of two-start pitchers to this point in 2026, and many managers will want to instead dip into the one-start list. On the hitting side, the Mets and Orioles should provide short-term help, especially at catcher and in the outfield.
Two-Start Pitchers (listed in order of preference)
Randy Vásquez, Padres, 60% (vs. CHC, vs. CWS): Armed with an uptick in velocity, Vásquez is having his best season. The 27-year-old has allowed one or zero runs in four of five starts, while compiling an impressive 30:8 K:BB ratio. I normally omit pitchers with a roster rate over 50%, but with a dearth of options this week, I wanted to ensure that those in shallow leagues recognize Vásquez as their top target.
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Steven Matz, Rays, 23% (@ CLE, vs. SF): Matz ended a string of three effective starts when he allowed four earned runs over three innings last time out. He did everything in that start that he doesn’t usually do — allow multiple homers and issue too many (4) walks. The lefty has favorable matchups this week, as the Giants rank 29th in baseball in runs scored and the Guardians are an average matchup for southpaws. In a weak group, Matz can be started in 12-team leagues.
Jack Leiter, Rangers, 36% (vs. NYY, @ DET): A former elite prospect who logged solid results (3.86 ERA, 1.28 WHIP) in his first full season, Leiter was expected to take another step forward this year. So far, it hasn’t happened. His strikeout and walk rate are slightly better than they were last season, with his struggles stemming from an unfortunate .338 BABIP. There is reason to believe that Leiter will eventually turns things around, but a pair of challenging matchups makes him a fringe option in 12-team leagues.
Dustin May, Cardinals, 21% (@ PIT, vs. LAD): May hasn’t pitched as poorly as is suggested by his 5.84 ERA and 1.54 WHIP. He has been plagued by a .395 BABIP and a 64.2% strand rate despite allowing normal marks in average exit velocity and barrel rate. The righty has a solid 20:5 K:BB ratio, and his turnaround is already underway, as he has allowed exactly one earned run in each of his past three starts. Although the matchup against the Dodgers is reason for pause, May can still be considered in 12-team leagues.
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Tyler Mahle, Giants, 5% (@ PHI, @ TB): Mahle is coming off his best start to the season — seven shutout innings against the mighty Dodgers. This was the second time in five starts that he held an opponent scoreless, but he has also endured outings where he allowed five and eight earned runs. Mahle will need to improve his 26:14 K:BB ratio before he becomes more than a streamer, and his reasonable matchups this week make him a fringe option in 15-team leagues.
Connor Prielipp, Twins, 8% (vs. SEA, vs. TOR): Although he needed 82 pitches to finish four innings in his MLB debut, Prielipp had a successful start by allowing just two runs and producing a 6:0 K:BB ratio. The lefty did not fare well in the minors last year, but he was off to a solid start in Triple-A this season (2.30 ERA, 1.21 WHIP). While it’s too early to add him in most formats, Prielipp can be considered in 15-team leagues.
[Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Hitters to target this week]
Chad Patrick, Brewers, 16% (vs. ARI, @ WSH): Wise fantasy managers will look past Patrick’s 2.35 ERA and stay away due to his underlying skills. The right-hander has logged a lowly 11:8 K:BB ratio and has made it through five innings in just two of his five starts. The Nats rank third in runs scored, while the D-backs place ninth, and the difficult matchups are the final reason to leave him on the waiver wire.
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Jack Kochanowicz, Angels, 15% (@ CWS, vs. NYM): By getting oodles of groundballs, Kochanowicz can sometimes limit the damage of an inability to record strikeouts (career 5.1 K/9 rate). But as is evidenced by his 5.39 ERA and 1.50 WHIP, his recipe doesn’t usually lead to success. Although his matchups are reasonable, the righty belongs on waivers.
One-Start Streamers
In order, here are the best streamers for the week, with their start date and Yahoo roster rate in brackets.
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JR Ritchie vs. DET (Wednesday, 23%)
Favorable Monday-Thursday hitting matchups
Mets vs. Nationals: A series against three subpar right-handed starters from a Washington pitching staff that may be the worst in baseball could be just what the doctor ordered for New York’s disappointing lineup. Left-handed hitters Brett Baty (7%) and Carson Benge (10%) are in prime position to take advantage of this opportunity. Additionally, Francisco Alvarez (33%) is a good option for those who are streaming catchers.
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Orioles vs. Astros: Baltimore has good timing, facing a decimated Astros pitching staff that ranks last in baseball in ERA. With Houston starting right-handers in all three games, lefty swinging outfielder Dylan Beavers (2%) should hit in the heart of the lineup. Samuel Basallo (22%) has yet to reach his potential but has a real opportunity to shine in this series.