Welcome to the 11th installment of our weekly two-start pitcher article for the 2026 MLB season. In this edition, we'll be diving into the top options for the second week of June, providing insights and recommendations for fantasy baseball managers. The fantasy baseball season is a marathon, not a sprint, and it's crucial to stay patient and consistent with your team. Now, let's get into the analysis.
American League
Strong Plays
Gerrit Cole, Yankees, RHP (at Guardians, at Blue Jays): Cole is back and better than ever, with a 2.00 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and a 14/4 K/BB ratio in his first three starts. The matchups are favorable this week, making him a top overall option. Personally, I think Cole's return to form is a fascinating development, and his performance against the Guardians and Blue Jays could be a game-changer for your team.
Payton Tolle, Red Sox, LHP (at Rays, vs. Rangers): Tolle has been on a roll, with a 2.28 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and a 51/13 K/BB ratio in his first eight starts. The Rays and Rangers struggle against left-handers, making Tolle an excellent option. From my perspective, his performance against these teams could be a significant boost to your fantasy team.
Emerson Hancock, Mariners, RHP (at Orioles, at Nationals): Hancock is on a roll, with two earned runs or fewer in each of his last four starts. The matchups are strong, and he should be started in all leagues. What makes this particularly fascinating is Hancock's ability to consistently perform well, even with the Mariners' rotation changes.
Gavin Williams, Guardians, RHP (vs. Yankees, vs. Tigers): Williams has been exceptional, with a 9-3 record, 3.20 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and a 94/25 K/BB ratio. The matchups are tough, but Aaron Judge's injury makes it a bit less daunting. Williams is an automatic start every week, and the two-start week provides added production.
Troy Melton, Tigers, RHP (vs. Twins, at Guardians): Melton has been a bright spot for the Tigers, with a 1.74 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, and a 9/6 K/BB ratio in his first three starts. While he may not sustain this pace, he's an excellent option against divisional foes. What many people don't realize is that Melton's performance could be a turning point for the Tigers' season.
Spencer Arrighetti, Astros, RHP (at Angels, at Royals): Arrighetti has been exceptional, with a 7-1 record, 1.94 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and a 46/27 K/BB ratio. The matchups are solid, and he should continue to deliver fantasy goodness. In my opinion, his performance against the Angels and Royals could be a key factor in the Astros' success.
Stephen Kolek, Royals, RHP (vs. Rangers, vs. Astros): Kolek has been terrific, with a 3.32 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and a 27/8 K/BB ratio. The matchups are middle of the pack, but the two-start week provides added value. What this really suggests is that Kolek's performance could be a hidden gem for fantasy managers.
Decent Plays
Davis Martin, White Sox, RHP (vs. Braves, vs. Dodgers): Martin has been one of the most surprising stories, with an 8-2 record, 2.61 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and a 73/17 K/BB ratio. The matchups are tough, but he's still a viable option. If you take a step back and think about it, Martin's performance against the Braves and Dodgers could be a significant boost to your team's wins.
Trevor Rogers, Orioles, LHP (vs. Mariners, vs. Padres): Rogers has been a waiver wire fodder, but his performance against the Mariners and Padres could be a turning point. The matchups are favorable, and I'd be willing to use him in all formats. What makes this particularly fascinating is Rogers' potential to rebound and become a solid option.
Taj Bradley, Twins, RHP (at Tigers, vs. Cardinals): Bradley has a strong overall line, but his recent performances have been concerning. I'd still roll with him in 15-teamers, but may shy away in 12's if I had a viable alternative. What this raises a deeper question: Can Bradley rebound and become a consistent option?
At Your Own Risk
Chris Bassitt, Orioles, RHP (vs. Mariners, vs. Padres): Bassitt hasn't quite stabilized the back end of the Orioles' rotation, with a 5.27 ERA and 1.63 WHIP. The matchups are mixed, and I'd probably stay away from this one. If you're chasing wins in deeper leagues, you could take the risk, but otherwise, it's best to avoid.
Grayson Rodriguez, Angels, RHP (vs. Astros, vs. Rays): Rodriguez has been inconsistent, with a 5.96 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in his last nine starts. The matchups are appealing, but if you're concerned with your ratios, it's best to keep him on the sidelines until he regains consistency.
Jeffrey Springs, Athletics, LHP (vs. Brewers, vs. Rockies): Springs has gone downhill after a strong start, with a 5.96 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in his last nine starts. The matchups are at home, but I find it difficult to trust him after his recent performances.
National League
Strong Plays
Cristopher Sanchez, Phillies, LHP (at Blue Jays, at Brewers): Sanchez has been remarkable, with a 1.46 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and a 103/17 K/BB ratio. The matchups are strong, and he should be an automatic start every week. What makes this particularly fascinating is Sanchez's ability to consistently perform well, even against tough opponents.
Paul Skenes, Pirates, RHP (vs. Dodgers, vs. Marlins): Skenes is a very strong option, with a 3.09 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 81 strikeouts. The matchups are tough, but he should be locked into lineups every week. In my opinion, his performance against the Dodgers and Marlins could be a key factor in the Pirates' success.
Kyle Harrison, Brewers, LHP (at Athletics, vs. Phillies): Harrison has been amazing, with a 7-1 record, 1.57 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and a 73/16 K/BB ratio. The matchups are strong, and he should be an automatic weekly start in all fantasy leagues. What this really suggests is that Harrison's performance could be a game-changer for the Brewers.
Logan Webb, Giants, RHP (vs. Nationals, vs. Cubs): Webb has been in better form after a stint on the injured list, allowing just one run over 11 1/3 innings. Trust his recent performance, and make sure he's active for a strong two-start week. What this raises a deeper question: Can Webb continue his recent form and become a consistent option for the Giants?
Decent Plays
Grant Holmes, Braves, RHP (at White Sox, at Mets): Holmes has been inconsistent, but the results have been positive, with a 3.86 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and a 57/27 K/BB ratio. The matchups are favorable, and I'd be starting Holmes with confidence in all league sizes. What this really suggests is that Holmes' performance could be a hidden gem for fantasy managers.
Andrew Abbott, Reds, LHP (at Padres, vs. Diamondbacks): Abbott has pitched well since his brutal start, with a 2.25 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and a 28/18 K/BB ratio. The matchups are a bit of a wash, but I'd be very comfortable rolling him out for this two-start week. What this really suggests is that Abbott's performance could be a turning point for the Reds.
Colin Rea, Cubs, RHP (at Rockies, at Giants): Rea hasn't been as dependable as in years past, but his recent performances have been encouraging. If you're looking to make up ground in wins and strikeouts in deeper leagues, he could be a viable option. What this really suggests is that Rea's performance could be a key factor in the Cubs' success.
Walker Buehler, Padres, RHP (vs. Reds, at Orioles): Buehler has been serviceable, but his performance hasn't quite risen to the level of mixed league viability. However, in two-start weeks with favorable matchups, he could be worth a look. What this really suggests is that Buehler's performance could be a hidden gem for fantasy managers in deeper formats.
Dustin May, Cardinals, RHP (at Mets, at Twins): May has done a decent job, with a 4.59 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and a 60/19 K/BB ratio. The matchups are favorable, and he's worth a look as a streaming option in deeper leagues. What this really suggests is that May's performance could be a turning point for the Cardinals.
At Your Own Risk
Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks, RHP (at Marlins, at Reds): Gallen hasn't been trustworthy, with a 5.32 ERA and 1.52 WHIP. The matchups are tough, and the ratio risk is very real. You could roll the dice, but it's best to avoid.
Tomoyuki Sugano, Rockies, RHP (vs. Cubs, at Athletics): Sugano has pitched decently, but he isn't likely to win many games and doesn't record strikeouts. There's no reason to do this to yourself. What this really suggests is that Sugano's performance could be a cautionary tale for fantasy managers.
