Fantasy managers will be treated to a deep list of two-start options this week. Even without an obvious headliner, there are at least five pitchers who warrant strong consideration and a few others who make sense in the right situation. On the hitting side, the Red Sox and Mets should meet the needs of anyone who is looking for immediate help.
Two-Start Pitchers (listed in order of preference)
Zebby Matthews, Twins, 15% (vs. LAD, vs. COL): Matthews has logged a 4.78 ERA that has been heavily influenced by a pair of 7-run disasters. The 26-year-old has notched a quality start in each of his other five appearances, and his 34:9 K:BB ratio is an impressive mark. Homer prevention has been the main problem for Matthews, both this season (1.7 HR/9 rate) and throughout his brief career. If he can survive a start against the high-scoring Dodgers at the outset of the week, he could thrive against a Rockies offense that typically struggles on the road.
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Andre Pallante, Cardinals, 42% (vs. ARI, vs. MIA): Pallante has always ranked among the league leaders in groundball rate, and is showing some skill improvements this year by producing a career-best 19.3% strikeout rate. Because he gives up plenty of contact, the right-hander will always be a weak option in the WHIP category. But he has become a serviceable innings eater on a team that has played better than expected, which makes him a viable option in 12-team leagues for two home starts this week.
Anthony Kay, White Sox, 13% (vs. CLE, vs. KC): Although he struggled in a tough matchup at Yankee Stadium last time out (4 IP, 4 ER), Kay has produced respectable results (3.77 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 40:14 K:BB ratio) in nine starts since the calendar flipped to May. The southpaw finished six innings just twice this season, and the combination of a poor 7.0 K/9 ratio and inability to work deep into games gives him a low ceiling. That being said, he has favorable matchups this week, especially with the Guardians working without José Ramírez.
Mitch Keller, Pirates, 31% (vs. SEA, vs. CIN): Keller is having a disappointing season that includes his worst ERA since 2021 and worst WHIP since 2022. While the right-hander must take responsibility for a small drop in his strikeout rate, the biggest reason for his struggles is a 63.1% strand rate that is the second-worst mark among qualified pitchers. Keller won’t make the cut in many leagues this week due to his bust potential, but with two starts at his pitcher-friendly home park, he is a better option than many will realize.
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Merrill Kelly, Diamondbacks, 41% (@ STL, @ TB): Kelly took a step backward in an inconsistent season when he gave up six runs on 11 hits over 5.1 innings against a mediocre Angels lineup last time out. The veteran has allowed two or fewer runs in half of his 12 starts, but unfortunately, he has surrendered five or more runs on five occasions. The result is a 5.81 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and a poor 42:28 K:BB ratio. Kelly is the ultimate boom-or-bust option in a week where he has mid-level matchups.
Zack Littell, Nationals, 9% (vs. PHI, @ BAL): There are a few reasons to pass on Littell, who ranks second in baseball in homers allowed and lacks strikeout abilities (5.2 K/9 rate). But it’s worth noting that since May 1, the veteran has gone 6-2 while posting solid ratios (3.83 ERA, 1.13 WHIP). Being backed by a high-scoring offense gives Littell some win potential, which means that he can be considered by managers who are desperate to make a move in that category.
Grant Holmes, Braves, 25% (@ SD, @ SF): Holmes’ most recent start was cut short due to a weather delay, which may have been for the best given that he had allowed three runs on four hits and three walks over two innings. The right-hander has been the definition of a rotation filler this season, logging unimpressive ratios (4.33 ERA, 1.40 WHIP) while failing to work past the fifth inning in six of his past eight starts. Holmes has favorable matchups this week, which makes him usable for those in deep leagues who have modest expectations.
Kumar Rocker, Rangers, 8% (@ MIA, @ TOR): Rocker is coming off arguably his worst start of the season, when he allowed six earned runs (seven total) over 3.1 innings in a loss to the Twins. The former top prospect remains a below-average starter in most areas, including his swing-and-miss abilities (7.3 K/9 rate) and control skills (3.9 BB/9 rate). Although his matchups this week are favorable, Rocker lacks the skills to climb high on this week’s deep list.
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Kyle Leahy, Cardinals, 4% (vs. ARI, vs. MIA): Overall, Leahy has no real strengths and one glaring weakness. The first-year starter has average control and below-average strikeout ability. He could likely survive those skills if opposing hitters weren’t regularly tagging him with hard contact. Until Leahy lowers his 11.5% barrel rate and 92.6 mph average exit velocity, he belongs on waivers in every mixed league.
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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Gage Jump @ SF (Wednesday, 39%)
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Walbert Ureña vs. ATH (Friday, 43%)
Favorable Monday-Thursday hitting matchups
Red Sox @ Rockies, vs. Yankees: Not only do the Red Sox play four games over the next four days, but they also get to ply their trade at offense-inducing Coors Field against a Rockies staff that ranks last in baseball with a 5.53 ERA. The team lacks an obvious streamer, but those in deep leagues can try Marcelo Mayer (4%). Caleb Durbin (11%) also deserves credit for turning around a poor season with a recent hot stretch.
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Mets vs. Cubs: New York should produce some strong volume plays when they face four right-handed starters over the next four days. Outfielders Carson Benge (45%) and A.J. Ewing (16%) both bat from the left side, making them the top players to add. They are especially appealing in categories leagues, thanks to their steals potential.