Fantasy managers will be treated to a deep list of two-start options this week. Even without an obvious headliner, there are at least five pitchers who warrant strong consideration and a few others who make sense in the right situation. On the hitting side, the Red Sox and Mets should meet the needs of anyone who is looking for immediate help.
Zebby Matthews, Twins, 15% (vs. LAD, vs. COL): Matthews has logged a 4.78 ERA that has been heavily influenced by a pair of 7-run disasters. The 26-year-old has notched a quality start in each of his other five appearances, and his 34:9 K:BB ratio is an impressive mark. Homer prevention has been the main problem for Matthews, both this season (1.7 HR/9 rate) and throughout his brief career. If he can survive a start against the high-scoring Dodgers at the outset of the week, he could thrive against a Rockies offense that typically struggles on the road.
Andre Pallante, Cardinals, 42% (vs. ARI, vs. MIA): Pallante has always ranked among the league leaders in groundball rate, and is showing some skill improvements this year by producing a career-best 19.3% strikeout rate. Because he gives up plenty of contact, the right-hander will always be a weak option in the WHIP category. But he has become a serviceable innings eater on a team that has played better than expected, which makes him a viable option in 12-team leagues for two home starts this week.
Anthony Kay, White Sox, 13% (vs. CLE, vs. KC): Although he struggled in a tough matchup at Yankee Stadium last time out (4 IP, 4 ER), Kay has produced respectable results (3.77 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 40:14 K:BB ratio) in nine starts since the calendar flipped to May. The southpaw finished six innings just twice this season, and the combination of a poor 7.0 K/9 ratio and inability to work deep into games gives him a low ceiling. That being said, he has favorable matchups this week, especially with the Guardians working without José Ramírez.
Mitch Keller, Pirates, 31% (vs. SEA, vs. CIN): Keller is having a disappointing season that includes his worst ERA since 2021 and worst WHIP since 2022. While the right-hander must take responsibility for a small drop in his strikeout rate, the biggest reason for his struggles is a 63.1% strand rate that is the second-worst mark among qualified pitchers. Keller won't make the cut in many leagues this week due to his bust potential, but with two starts at his pitcher-friendly home park, he is a better option than many will realize.
Zebby Matthews, Twins, 15% (vs. LAD, vs. COL): Matthews has logged a 4.78 ERA that has been heavily influenced by a pair of 7-run disasters. The 26-year-old has notched a quality start in each of his other five appearances, and his 34:9 K:BB ratio is an impressive mark. Homer prevention has been the main problem for Matthews, both this season (1.7 HR/9 rate) and throughout his brief career. If he can survive a start against the high-scoring Dodgers at the outset of the week, he could thrive against a Rockies offense that typically struggles on the road.
Andre Pallante, Cardinals, 42% (vs. ARI, vs. MIA): Pallante has always ranked among the league leaders in groundball rate, and is showing some skill improvements this year by producing a career-best 19.3% strikeout rate. Because he gives up plenty of contact, the right-hander will always be a weak option in the WHIP category. But he has become a serviceable innings eater on a team that has played better than expected, which makes him a viable option in 12-team leagues for two home starts this week.
Anthony Kay, White Sox, 13% (vs. CLE, vs. KC): Although he struggled in a tough matchup at Yankee Stadium last time out (4 IP, 4 ER), Kay has produced respectable results (3.77 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 40:14 K:BB ratio) in nine starts since the calendar flipped to May. The southpaw finished six innings just twice this season, and the combination of a poor 7.0 K/9 ratio and inability to work deep into games gives him a low ceiling. That being said, he has favorable matchups this week, especially with the Guardians working without José Ramírez.
Mitch Keller, Pirates, 31% (vs. SEA, vs. CIN): Keller is having a disappointing season that includes his worst ERA since 2021 and worst WHIP since 2022. While the right-hander must take responsibility for a small drop in his strikeout rate, the biggest reason for his struggles is a 63.1% strand rate that is the second-worst mark among qualified pitchers. Keller won't make the cut in many leagues this week due to his bust potential, but with two starts at his pitcher-friendly home park, he is a better option than many will realize.
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