The latest fantasy baseball preview from Scott White zeroes in on the two‑start pitchers who could make or break your weekly lineup. With the schedule compressed into a single week, the stakes are high and the opportunities are plentiful.
Must‑Start Arms
Among the standout options are Dylan Cease and Jesus Luzardo, both of whom draw favorable matchups that make them essential additions for any roster. Drew Rasmussen and Hunter Brown also earn must‑start status, while veterans Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón bring two starts apiece that could translate into solid point totals.
The upcoming schedules see Cease facing a mid‑tier National League lineup, while Luzardo meets a struggling American League opponent. Rasmussen’s two starts are against teams that have struggled to generate runs lately, and Brown’s pair of outings are against clubs with middling defenses. Cole and Rodón each enjoy home‑field advantage, adding a layer of predictability to their performances.
Streaming Candidates
Shane McClanahan and Michael Wacha sit in the advisable category, offering decent upside for those looking to fill a spot. Their matchups are not as dominant as the must‑start group, but they present enough upside to merit consideration in deeper leagues.
Pitchers to Bench
The no‑thanks list includes Grant Holmes and Michael King, whose recent form and opponent strength suggest they are better left on the bench. Foster Griffin, Andre Pallante and a handful of other arms also fall into this category, making them better suited for streaming alternatives.
Overall, the week’s two‑start pitcher landscape rewards those who prioritize matchups and recent form. By focusing on the top tier of arms and using the rest as flexible options, fantasy managers can maximize point production without over‑committing to risky starts.