Finally, an excellent list of two-start pitchers. After a few weeks of trying to turn lemons into lemonade, we finally have a terrific list of hurlers to choose from. This week’s group has something for everyone — some pitchers at the top who could become permanent lineup members, and then a long list of those who can be streamed in a wide variety of league sizes.
On the hitting side, the Blue Jays and Rangers should provide short-term solutions.
Two-Start Pitchers (listed in order of preference)
Bryce Miller, Mariners, 42% (@ ATH, vs. ARI): Miller struggled last season to such a great degree (5.68 ERA, 1.41 WHIP) that many fantasy managers have forgotten that he was outstanding (2.94 ERA, 0.98 WHIP) in 2024. The 27-year-old has looked great in two starts since returning from a season-opening stint on the IL (1.64 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 10:2 K:BB ratio). His first start is challenging, as the Athletics are excellent against righties and their home park is rough for pitchers. Still, Miller is too talented to be passed over for a two-start week.
Ben Brown, Cubs, 34% (@ PIT, @ STL): Brown is known for compiling an impressive K:BB ratio but has often given up too much hard contact while failing to fool hitters with a two-pitch mix. He recently added a sinker, which has diversified his arsenal and encouraged the Cubs to give him another rotation opportunity. The results across three starts have been impressive (2.08 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 16:4 K:BB ratio). With a pair of reasonable matchups this week, he should be started in 10-team leagues.
Zebby Matthews, Twins, 31% (@ CWS, @ PIT): Matthews followed up a dazzling 2026 debut by striking out six over six innings of two-run ball last time out. He has similarities to Brown, as someone who has long been predicted for success thanks to an ability to log an impressive K:BB ratio. For Matthews, the difference this year is that he has significantly lowered his barrel rate, albeit across just two starts. He is scheduled to face two teams that have been more productive than expected but he still gets the benefit of the doubt in 12-team leagues.
Jansen Junk, Marlins, 7% (@ TOR, @ NYM): Junk produced a 2.82 ERA over his initial seven starts before falling on hard times by giving up 19 earned runs in his past three outings. In his defense, he faced the two highest scoring teams (Nats, Braves) and an effective Rays offense in those starts.
For someone who usually keeps the ball in the yard, he was unusually homer-prone when he allowed five long balls in those three appearances. The 30-year-old could get back on track when he faces a pair of bottom-10 offenses this week, but his low strikeout rate (6.6 K/9 rate) limits his ceiling and overall appeal.
Keider Montero, Tigers, 9% (vs. LAA, @ CWS): Montero has been steady but unspectacular while producing a 3.83 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. The right-hander rarely strikes batters out (5.8 K/9 rate), and much of his success can be traced to a .210 BABIP. He may not have the skills to take advantage of two strikeout-prone opponents this week, which makes him a fringe option in 12-team leagues.
Kumar Rocker, Rangers, 7% (vs. HOU, v. KC): Although his season-long stats are mediocre, Rocker is on a roll, having tossed 12.2 shutout innings in his past two starts. Still, with an unimpressive 10:7 K:BB ratio in those starts, the right-hander’s hot streak seems to be traced mostly to good fortune. The main reason to consider the 26-year-old is that he will make two home starts this week and owns some of the widest home-road splits in baseball, having logged a career 2.61 ERA at home and 7.02 mark on the road.
Jack Leiter, Rangers, 31% (vs. HOU, vs. KC): Leiter has been inconsistent this season, and after tossing seven innings of one-run ball against the Astros on May 15, he faltered last time out (5 IP, 4 ER), albeit at hitter-friendly Coors Field. Unlike his teammate and fellow former high draft pick Rocker, Leiter has not shown any affinity for his pitcher-friendly home park, where he will work twice this week. Although not a good option in categories leagues, Leiter can be considered in points formats on the strength of his 9.9 K/9 rate.
Spencer Miles, Blue Jays, 1% (vs. MIA, @ BAL): Miles is an exciting success story, who has gone from being a Rule 5 pick in December to posting terrific ratios (2.17 ERA, 1.03 WHIP) and earning a spot in Toronto’s rotation. The right-hander has solid control skills (2.5 BB/9 rate), plenty of swing-and-miss (9.0 K/9 rate) and hasn’t allowed a homer since April 6. He has reasonable matchups this week and could help managers with their ratios. Miles’ win potential remains low, as he has yet to log a 65-pitch appearance.
Carmen Mlodzinski, Pirates, 10% (vs. CHC, vs. MIN): Mlodzinski has produced some odd stat lines this year en route to a 3.96 ERA and 1.40 WHIP. Most recently, the 27-year-old has struck out just four batters while allowing just four earned runs across his past three starts. He was perhaps saved by facing unimpressive lineups (Rockies, Giants) in two of those starts, and this week he could struggle against two top-10 teams in runs scored. Managers in 12-team leagues can likely do better.
Sean Burke, White Sox, 15% (vs. MIN, vs. DET): After posting a 2.72 ERA across his initial five starts, Burke has fallen on hard times of late. The right-hander has produced an 8.10 ERA and 1.80 WHIP across his past three starts, while failing to finish the fifth frame in each appearance. Although his matchups are reasonable this week (the Twins are above average in runs scored and the Tigers are among the lowest scoring teams), he has struggled to the point where managers in 12-team leagues can do better.
Jack Kochanowicz, Angels, 7% (@ DET, @ TB): Kochanowicz is coming off a quality start against the Athletics in which he tied a season-high with seven strikeouts, but his overall portfolio (4.55 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 6.4 K/9 rate) is still too weak to make him an option in mixed leagues. Having a difficult matchup against the 34-16 Rays is the last straw to leave him on the waiver wire.
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One-Start Streamers
In order, here are the best streamers for the week, with their start date and Yahoo roster rate in parentheses.
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Connor Prielipp @ CWS (Wednesday, 16)
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Walbert Ureña @ TB (Friday, 16)
Favorable Monday-Thursday hitting matchups
Blue Jays vs. Marlins, @ Orioles: Although the Blue Jays continue to have a disappointing season at the plate, they could turn things around when they play two series against teams with a below-average ERA. And with all of their upcoming games coming against right-handers, lefty Daulton Varsho (37%) is by far their best option from the waiver wire. Jesús Sánchez (2%), Yohendrick Piñango (1%) and Andrés Giménez (20%) can be considered in deep formats.
Rangers vs. Astros: Although the Astros have shown improvement of late, they remain last in the majors in ERA. Texas is in a similar situation to Toronto, as their upcoming games will be played entirely against right-handed starters, which makes their streamers easy to identify. Joc Pederson (0%) is a great option, as he could hit leadoff or cleanup in every game. Ezequiel Duran (40%) should be considered as well, especially since he is easy to fit into a lineup thanks to being eligible at every position except catcher.
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