Fantasy Baseball 2-Start Pitcher Rankings: Cardinals, A's, Mets make rotation shuffles to open up more streaming options
A two-start list that looked weak a couple days ago improved over the weekend, as the Cardinals, Athletics and Mets made rotation shuffles that provided managers with new options. Overall, the list is now an average group that should meet the needs of those who are quick enough to grab the best options. On the hitting side, the Athletics are by far the best place to look for streamers.
Two-Start Pitchers (listed in order of preference)
Dustin May, Cardinals, 44% (vs. SD, @ KC): May is clearly the headliner of this group. Following two debacles to open the season, he has been terrific by logging a 2.89 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in his past 11 starts. And his success has been well-earned, as the right-hander has produced a 59:17 K:BB ratio while allowing just three homers over that 11-start stretch. May is a potential game-changer in all head-to-head formats going up against the teams that rank 30th and 24th in runs scored.
J.T. Ginn, Athletics, 48% (vs. PIT, vs. LAA): Although he faltered in his most recent start (5.2 IP, 5 ER), Ginn has otherwise fared well across 12 starts (2.94 ERA, 1.15 WHIP). The right-hander is far from dominant (65:30 K:BB ratio) but gets plenty of grounders, which allows him to keep the ball in the yard. That skill is essential at his hitter-friendly home park, which is where he will make both of his starts this week. Set to face a pair of strikeout-prone offenses, Ginn could make a notable impact and is one of this week's few desirable options.
Christian Scott, Mets, 24% (@ CIN, @ PHI): After allowing one run over a three-start stretch, Scott faltered last time out when he gave up four runs over 4.2 innings. He was burned by the long ball in that outing, allowing three homers after previously giving up one long ball over 36 innings. Still, the right-hander had a 6:1 K:BB ratio in that start and has produced a solid 47:19 mark overall. Scott will visit a pair of power-inducing parks this week, but his overall success thus far is good enough to get him into the lineup in 12-team leagues and some 10-team formats.
Grant Holmes, Braves, 26% (vs. SF, vs. MIL): By virtue of being an average starter with average matchups, Holmes has some appeal in 12-team leagues. But it's worth noting that the right-hander hasn't been at his best of late, as he didn't make it through five innings in two of his past three starts. His ceiling is mediocre, thanks to an average 8.0 K/9 rate, and he has been taken deep six times in his past four starts. Holmes will be happy to make both starts at home, as he has logged a career 3.18 ERA at Truist Park (4.74 ERA on the road).
Ryne Nelson, Diamondbacks, 51% (vs. LAA, vs. MIN): Nelson has been one of baseball's most inconsistent starters en route to posting a 5.19 ERA, as he has allowed two or fewer earned runs in half of his 14 starts but also has a trio of outings with 6+ earned runs. The latest disaster came in his most recent start, when the Marlins scored on him seven times. Nelson ranks fourth in baseball with 17 homers allowed, which is the main reason behind his volatility. He has average matchups this week, making him the ultimate boom-or-bust option.
Walbert Ureña, Angels, 41% (@ ARI, @ ATH): Ureña has been fortunate to log a 2.44 ERA, as he has walked at least three batters in seven of his 10 starts. His 4.02 FIP and 1.36 WHIP are better indicators of someone who is an average starter at best. Ureña's matchups are reasonable, as the Diamondbacks struggle against righties and his groundball lean could help him to survive his outing against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Those in points leagues can consider him.
Jack Perkins, Athletics, 3% (vs. PIT, vs. LAA): Perkins has an intriguing skill set but can't figure out a role. He was briefly the team's closer in late April and is now being tried as a starter. His 6.25 ERA will scare most managers away, but his 3.68 FIP and 10.8 K/9 rate shows that there is some upside here. Perkins has allowed eight earned runs over eight innings since moving back to the rotation, which is enough reason to avoid him in category leagues. But those in points formats should give the righty a look, as his strong swing-and-miss skills line up well against the two teams who lead the majors in whiffs.
Jared Jones, Pirates, 42% (@ ATH, @ COL): In the long run, Jones may be the most interesting hurler in this article. However, he hasn't been at his best in three starts since missing all of 2025, as he finished the fifth inning in just one outing. With reasonable matchups, I would recommend taking a chance on Jones and his substantial skill set. But with starts at the two toughest parks in baseball — especially against an Athletics team that leads the majors in home OPS — Jones is too risky this week.
Brandon Young, Orioles, 19% (@ SEA, @ LAD): Mostly due to a 53-point BABIP improvement, Young has enjoyed better success in his second season. The right-hander has been especially effective of late, notching a quality start and pitching into the seventh inning in each of his past four starts. With better matchups, Young would be an interesting dice roll in a scoring period with poor two-start options. Unfortunately, the Dodgers and Mariners rank first and eighth in OPS against righties. He's too risky in a category league, and his poor strikeout skills limit his ceiling in points formats.
One-Start Streamers
In order, here are the best streamers for the week, with their start date and Yahoo roster rate in brackets.
Gage Jump vs. LAA (Thursday, 31%)
Noah Cameron vs. STL (Thursday, 46%)
Randy Vásquez @ TEX (Friday, 35%)
Trevor McDonald @ TEX (Friday, 10%)
Zebby Matthews @ TEX (Tuesday, 15%)
Stephen Kolek vs. STL (Friday, 36%)
Merrill Kelly vs. LAA (Tuesday, 45%)
Jack Leiter vs. MIN (Thursday, 32%)
Griffin Jax vs. WSH (Friday, 32%)
Tatsyui Imai vs. CWS (Friday, 36%)
Keider Montero vs. CWS (Saturday, 9%)
Michael McGreevy @ KC (Friday, 42%)
Jeffrey Springs vs. LAA (Friday, 24%)
Kumar Rocker vs. MIN (Tuesday, 10%)
Favorable Monday-Thursday hitting matchups
Athletics vs. Pirates, Angels: Although they will face a respectable quartet of starters, hitters on the Athletics have a chance to use volume to their advantage during four games at their hitter-friendly home park. And with all four starters throwing from the right side, the streamers are obvious. Carlos Cortes (8%) should hit high in the lineup every game, which makes him the top option. In deeper formats, Henry Bolte (7%) and Zack Gelof (33%) can be considered.
Royals @ Nationals, vs. Cardinals: The Royals could get their underwhelming offense going when they play four games over the next four days, without an ace opposing them in any contest. With three lefties and one right-hander on the schedule, Lane Thomas (1%) is worth mentioning, as he could hit leadoff in the three games started by southpaws.
