Two-start pitchers: Emerson Hancock leads a group of intriguing options as we barrel into June
Hello and welcome to the 10th installment of our weekly two-start pitcher article for the 2026 MLB season.
Personally, I think this is a great opportunity to dive into the world of fantasy baseball and explore some of the most promising two-start pitcher options for the upcoming week. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and with the right choices, you can make a significant impact on your fantasy team's success.
The Fantasy Baseball Season: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
As the fantasy baseball season unfolds, it's crucial to remember that it's a marathon, not a sprint. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the game and make impulsive decisions, but now is not the time to panic or give up. Keep putting in the work, plugging away, and striving to improve each week, and you'll reap the rewards at the end of the season.
This Week's Two-Start Pitchers: A Living Document
This article is a living document, and we'll update the options as the weekend progresses. Before we dive into the specifics, let's address some situations that may be unresolved or teams that may not have a two-start pitcher lined up for the upcoming week.
American League
Strong Plays
Cam Schlittler, Yankees, RHP (vs. Guardians, vs. Red Sox)
Cam Schlittler has been a standout performer this season, and his two-start week against the Guardians and Red Sox makes him an attractive option. With a 7-2 record, 1.50 ERA, and 0.85 WHIP in 12 starts, Schlittler has been a consistent force on the mound. His ability to strike out batters and control the game makes him a reliable choice for fantasy managers.
Emerson Hancock, Mariners, RHP (vs. Mets, at Tigers)
Emerson Hancock has been one of the most pleasant surprises in baseball this season. With a 2.78 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 63/15 K/BB ratio in 64 2/3 innings, Hancock has been a dominant force. His two-start week against the Mets and Tigers makes him an automatic start in all leagues. Don't be surprised if he continues to post elite ratios and racks up strikeouts.
José Soriano, Angels, RHP (vs. Rockies, at Dodgers)
José Soriano has had an impressive start to the season, with a 2.65 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 78/31 K/BB ratio in 71 1/3 innings. While his overall numbers have come back a bit, his strong matchup against the Rockies and Dodgers makes him an easy start in all leagues.
Joe Ryan, Twins, RHP (vs. White Sox, vs. Royals)
Joe Ryan has been a consistent performer for the Twins, with a 2.94 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 64 1/3 innings. His two-start week against the White Sox and Royals makes him a reliable option in all fantasy leagues.
Connelly Early, Red Sox, LHP (vs. Orioles, at Yankees)
Connelly Early has been exceptional for the Red Sox, with a 2.95 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 57/22 K/BB ratio in 61 frames. While his matchup against the Yankees in the Bronx isn't ideal, it's not enough to steer fantasy managers away from using him this week.
Jacob deGrom, Rangers, RHP (at Cardinals, vs. Guardians)
Jacob deGrom has been a reliable option whenever he's taken the mound. With a 3.77 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 70/12 K/BB ratio in 59 2/3 innings, deGrom is a must-start in all fantasy lineups. His two-start week against the Cardinals and Guardians makes him an attractive choice.
Griffin Jax, Rays, RHP (vs. Tigers, at Marlins)
Griffin Jax has been a different pitcher since transitioning back to the rotation, with a 1.29 ERA and 17/8 K/BB ratio in 21 innings. His two-start week against the Tigers and Marlins makes him a strong option in all leagues.
Kevin Gausman, Blue Jays, RHP (at Braves, vs. Orioles)
Kevin Gausman has been a rock for the Blue Jays, with a 3.13 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 66/12 K/BB ratio in 69 innings. While his matchup against the Braves is tougher than desired, it's not enough to bench him this week. He's an easy start in all leagues.
Decent Plays
Shane Baz, Orioles, RHP (at Red Sox, at Blue Jays)
Shane Baz has been inconsistent, but his last two starts have shown improvement. With just two runs allowed in 13 innings and a 15/5 K/BB ratio, Baz could approach double-digit strikeouts this week. His matchups against the Red Sox and Blue Jays are manageable, making him a safe start in all league sizes.
Noah Cameron, Royals, LHP (at Reds, at Twins)
Noah Cameron has struggled this season, but his last two starts have shown improvement. With just two runs allowed in 11 innings and a 12/3 K/BB ratio, Cameron could be a nice play in all mixed leagues. His matchup against the Reds in Cincinnati is no easy task, but it's understandable if you want to avoid the ratio risk.
David Sandlin, White Sox, RHP (at Twins, at Phillies)
David Sandlin has been a wild card this season, but his recent performances have been promising. With a 0.55 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 26/11 K/BB ratio in six minor league starts, Sandlin made a strong MLB debut against the Twins. His two-start week against the Twins and Phillies makes him an interesting streaming option in deeper mixed and AL-only formats.
At Your Own Risk
Mike Burrows, Astros, RHP (vs. Pirates, vs. Athletics)
Mike Burrows has been a major disappointment this season, with a 5.40 ERA and 1.45 WHIP. While his matchups against the Pirates and Athletics could provide an opportunity to right the ship, I'd be cautious in 12-teamers. If you're in a 15-team league and need the additional volume, you can roll the dice.
Connor Prielipp, Twins, LHP (vs. White Sox, vs. Royals)
Connor Prielipp has struggled in the big leagues, with a 5.13 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in seven starts. While the strikeouts have been there, everything else falls short. If you can absorb the ratio risk and are trying to make up ground in wins and strikeouts, fire away. Otherwise, it may be best to pass on this one.
Joey Cantillo, Guardians, LHP (at Yankees, at Rangers)
Joey Cantillo has had a decent season, with a 3.57 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 58 innings. However, his matchup against the Yankees and Rangers could spell disaster. While the matchups get easier over the weekend, I'm not sure I want to trust my ratios to that potential damage in the Bronx.
Gage Jump, Athletics, LHP (at Cubs, at Astros)
Gage Jump struggled in his big league debut, allowing four runs on nine hits in five frames. His two-start week against the Cubs and Astros doesn't get any easier, and with too much ratio risk, I'd be cautious outside of the deepest leagues.
National League
Strong Plays
Chase Burns, Reds, RHP (vs. Royals, at Cardinals)
Chase Burns has blossomed into one of the best pitchers in baseball, with a 7-1 record, 1.96 ERA, and 0.96 WHIP in 64 1/3 innings. His two-start week against the Royals and Cardinals makes him an attractive option in all leagues.
Kyle Harrison, Brewers, LHP (vs. Giants, at Rockies)
Kyle Harrison has been a standout performer for the Brewers, with a 6-1 record, 1.57 ERA, and 1.03 WHIP in 51 2/3 innings. His two-start week against the Giants and Rockies makes him a must-start in 100 percent of leagues.
Eduardo Rodriguez, Diamondbacks, LHP (vs. Dodgers, vs. Nationals)
Eduardo Rodriguez has had an outstanding season, with a 2.31 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 66 1/3 innings. While his matchups against the Dodgers and Nationals are difficult, he's earned enough of a leash to be started in all formats.
Landen Roupp, Giants, RHP (at Brewers, at Cubs)
Landen Roupp has been terrific for the Giants, with a 3.30 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 68/22 K/BB ratio in 60 innings. His two-start week against the Brewers and Cubs makes him an easy start in all league sizes.
Michael McGreevy, Cardinals, RHP (vs. Rangers, vs. Reds)
Michael McGreevy has been consistent, with a 2.98 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 60 1/3 innings. His two-start week at home against lineups that are underwhelming against right-handed pitching makes him a reliable option in all leagues.
Decent Plays
Bryce Elder, Braves, RHP (vs. Blue Jays, vs. Pirates)
Bryce Elder has been inconsistent, but his last week showed improvement. With just three runs
