Fantasy Baseball 2026: Two-Start Pitchers for May 25-31

Every one of the pitchers on this list has earned the right to be matchup-proof. They should be started regardless of format because of their ability to shut down opponents and rack up plenty of strikeouts.

Jacob Misiorowski (MIL) vs. STL, @ HOU

Chris Sale (ATL) @ BOS, @ CIN

Cam Schlittler (NYY) @ KCR, @ ATH

Trey Yesavage (TOR) vs. MIA, @ BAL

Nolan McLean (NYM) vs. CIN, vs. MIA

Chase Burns (CIN) @ NYM, vs. ATL — The Braves have the best offense in MLB against right-handed pitchers with a 121 wRC+. Just sayin.

Joe Ryan (MIN) @ CWS, @ PIT — The Pirates have the fourth-best offense against right-handed pitchers with a 112 wRC+.

Tanner Bibee (CLE) vs. WSH, vs. BOS — Bibee has a 2.10 home ERA, and Boston is the league’s worst team vs. right-handed pitchers with a paltry 84 wRC+!!

Bryce Miller (SEA) @ ATH, vs. ARI

Ben Brown (CHC) @ PIT, @ STL — Opponents are batting .123/.200/.123 against Brown in his road starts. The only question is whether he will pitch deep enough into the games to get a decision and/or be a factor. He’s worth a flier to find out. Just don’t burn a ton of FAAB to find out.

Kyle Bradish (BAL) vs. TBR, vs. TOR — Bradish has a 3.14 ERA at home, where opponents are batting .186/.276/.314 against him.

Zebby Matthews (MIN) @ CWS, @ PIT

Sean Burke (CHC) vs. MIN, vs. DET

Michael McGreevy (STL) @ MIL, vs. CHC

Matchup Factors to Consider and Streaming Advice

Home/Road Splits and Opponent Weaknesses

Landon Roupp (SFG) vs. ARI, @ COL — Neither the Snakes (91 wRC+) nor the Rockies (88 wRC+) are good against right-handed pitching. These are great matchups for Roupp. Go git ’e, Landon!!

Shane Baz (BAL) vs. TBR, vs. TOR — Baz has allowed a home run in seven of his ten starts, including his last five in a row. The Rays are a top-five offense against right-handed pitchers.

Edward Cabrera (CHC) @ PIT, @ STL — You can start him against these teams. Just be aware that his command has been spotty at best. His 20.7 K% is down five points off his career mark of 25.4% as a result and just isn’t missing bats like he should be. His fastball velocity is also down a couple of ticks. Finally, the Pirates are a top-five offense against right-handers.

Keider Montero (DET) vs. LAA, @ CHW — The Pale Hose (100 wRC+) are as average as it gets against right-handers, while the Angels (87 wRC+) are not even close.

Jack Leiter (TEX) vs. HOU, vs. KCR

Steven Matz (TBR) @ BAL, vs. LAA

Spencer Miles (TOR) vs. MIA, @ BAL — Injuries have limited Miles to just 36 (??!!) professional innings since 2022. That hardly seems possible. Yet, I cannot find anything that says otherwise.

Jesus Luzardo (PHI) @ SDP, @ LAD — The Friars have a 69 wRC+ against right-handers, but you definitely don’t want to mess with the Dodgers.

Two-Start Pitchers to Avoid for Week 9

Two-Start Pitchers With Poor Matchups or Performance Issues

These pitchers shouldn’t be on your radar at all, except perhaps as pitchers to avoid. We’re talking about giving these guys the widest possible berth under all circumstances.

Jansen Junk (MIA) @ TOR, @ NYM — Junk has allowed… (checks notes)… 21 earned runs over his last 22 innings pitched. Ummm. NO!

Zach Thornton (NYM) vs. CIN, vs. MIA — Some rookies don’t inspire confidence. Mr. Thornton would be one of those.

Carmen Mlodzinski (PIT) vs. CHC, vs. MIN

Merrill Kelly (ARZ) @ SF, @ SEA

Griffin Canning (SDP) vs. PHI, @ WSH

Kumar Rocker (TEX) vs. HOU, vs. KCR

Zack Littell (WSH) @ CLE, vs. SDP

Aaron Civale (ATH) vs. SEA, vs. NYY

Tatsuya Imai (HOU) @ TEX, vs. MIL

Anthony Kay (CHW) vs. MIN, vs. DET

Jack Kochanowicz (LAA) @ DET, @ TBR

Questions On 2-Start Pitchers, and Answers

Who are the top two-start pitchers for May 25-31, 2026?
The top tier includes matchup-proof options led by pitchers identified in the weekly rankings, with favorable two-start opportunities and strikeout upside.

Which pitchers have the most favorable two-start schedules this week?
Pitchers with favorable home and road splits, weaker opposing offenses, and strong recent performance profiles offer the strongest schedules this week.

Should I stream or start borderline two-start pitchers?
Borderline starters can be used selectively based on matchup quality, recent command trends, offensive opponent strength, and league format.

Which fantasy formats benefit most from two-start pitchers this week?
Managers in formats that reward volume can benefit most, while home-road splits and opponent offensive profiles remain important decision factors.