Welcome to the eighth edition of the 2026 two-start pitcher rankings! This week, we're diving into the projected two-start starters, categorizing them into four tiers: Set and Forget, Most Likely, Questionable, and Avoid. Let's explore the top players and uncover the gems that could boost your fantasy baseball lineup.
Set-and-Forget
- Dylan Cease, Bryan Woo, and Nolan McLean: These three pitchers are a safe bet for two starts this week, consistently delivering strong performances. Cease, Woo, and McLean are a solid foundation for your fantasy team.
- Jacob Misiorowski: Despite leaving his last start with leg cramps, Misiorowski pitched into the 7th inning and hasn't allowed a run in three starts (18.1 IP). His resilience makes him a reliable option.
- Shota Imanaga: Imanaga's dominance for the Cubs is evident with a 2.32 ERA, 2.24 xERA, and 2.86 FIP. His 28% K% and 0.90 WHIP showcase his ability to strike out batters and limit baserunners.
- Will Warren: Warren's performance against right-handed batters and his matchups against the Blue Jays and Rays make him a valuable addition to your lineup.
Most Likely
- Ryne Nelson: Despite an ERA of 5.40, Nelson's WHIP of 1.16 and K-BB% of 22.2% in May make him a strong contender. His matchups against the Tigers and Pirates will be crucial.
- Robbie Ray: Ray's strikeout ability (25% K%) and recent struggles against the Dodgers (1.8 HR/9) make him a risky but potentially rewarding choice.
- Parker Messick: Messick's impressive K% (28.3%) and WHIP (0.99) are notable. His matchups against the Tigers and Pirates, favoring left-handed batters, further enhance his value.
- Christian Scott: Scott's increasing pitch count and consistent performance make him a streaming option to watch. His K% of 28.6% and low BB% (12.9%) are impressive.
- Trevor Rogers: Rogers' return from the injured list and his ability to limit power-hitting Rays make him a viable option.
- Michael King: King's success against the Dodgers, despite a BB% and K% worse than his career averages, showcases his adaptability.
- Mitch Keller: Keller's high floor and ability to go deep in games make him a reliable choice, despite his BB% and K% being average.
- Shane McClanahan: McClanahan's recent scoreless starts and his ability to limit baserunners make him a valuable asset for your fantasy team.
- Sonny Gray: Gray's matchups against the Twins and Royals, who have low K% against righties, make him a solid choice.
- Nick Lodolo: Lodolo's K% against lefties and his potential for improvement make him a streaming option to consider.
- Framber Valdez: Valdez's ability to go deep into games and his xERA being lower than his ERA make him a reliable choice.
Questionable
- Reid Detmers: Detmers' success against left-handed batters and his ability to qualify as a reliever in weekly leagues make him a potential gem.
- JR Ritchie: Ritchie's high BB% and unsustainable LOB% make him a risky choice, despite his recent performance against the Nationals.
- Matthew Liberatore: Liberatore's struggles with WHIP and K% make him a cautious pick, especially in Cincinnati.
- Zac Gallen: Gallen's recent struggles and high WHIP make him a risky choice, but his matchups against the Giants and Rockies could be favorable.
- Max Meyer: Meyer's improved performance and ability to navigate challenging lineups make him a strong contender in this tier.
- Foster Griffin: Griffin's matchups against the Mets and Braves are tough, making him a less reliable option.
- Andrew Painter: Painter's low SwStr% and average fastball velocity make him a cautious pick, despite his success against Boston's righties.
- Mackenzie Gore: Gore's poor luck and low K% in Coors make him a risky choice, especially against the Angels.
- Chase Dollander: Dollander's velocity drop and early exit from his outing against Pittsburgh make him a questionable pick.
- Keider Montero: Montero's low BB% and below-average K% make him a streaming option, especially in QS leagues.
- Noah Schultz: Schultz's command issues and low floor make him a risky choice, despite his matchups.
- Max Fried: Fried's early exit due to an elbow injury and recent struggles make him a cautious pick.
- Seth Lugo: Lugo's struggles in recent starts and his reliance on keeping hitters off balance make him a risky choice.
Avoid
- Braxton Garrett: Garrett's struggles in his 2026 debut and matchups against the Braves and Mets make him a pass for now.
