Jacob Misiorowski Headlines Strong Two-Start Pitchers for Upcoming Week

The 2026 MLB season is moving fast, with the quarter mark already behind us. As we dive into the eighth installment of our weekly two-start pitcher article, it’s time to highlight some of the best options for fantasy baseball leagues in the coming week. Each Friday, I’ll provide insights and recommendations on which pitchers to start or bench, helping you navigate your lineup with actionable data.

With five or six starts under their belts, we now have a clearer picture of pitchers’ performances. While a pitcher can occasionally achieve solid results through good fortune, sustaining that success over a longer stretch is more telling. This week promises an array of exciting two-start pitchers, but first, let’s address a few potential uncertainties surrounding some teams.

Jose Quintana is set to make two starts for the Rockies this week, facing the Rangers and the Diamondbacks. However, Chase Dollander’s status is uncertain after he exited Thursday’s game with arm tightness. It remains unclear whether the Rockies will call someone up from Triple-A or opt for a bullpen game, but any replacement would likely not be a strong streaming option.

The Dodgers have a six-game week, which means all their starters will pitch once, leaving no room for a two-start player. Last week, there was hope for Yoshinobu Yamamoto to make two starts, but with Blake Snell returning, it was Roki Sasaki who got the nod instead.

Meanwhile, the Yankees could have a second starter making two appearances this week, but the identity is still up in the air. Max Fried is tentatively scheduled, but he’s undergoing additional testing after leaving Wednesday’s start with elbow soreness. If he lands on the injured list, Elmer Rodriguez could step in, making him a potential streaming target. We’ll keep you updated as news develops.

The Phillies also have a two-start pitcher lined up, but it’s unclear who that will be. Andrew Painter is scheduled to start on Monday, but there are rumors the team may use Thursday’s off-day to give him a break, which would lead to Jesus Luzardo taking the two-start week instead. Regardless of Painter’s status, Luzardo is a solid start, while Painter should be avoided.

As for the Mariners, they might shift to a six-man rotation to accommodate Bryce Miller’s return. This would allow Luis Castillo to remain in the rotation, but it also means no Mariners pitcher is likely to start twice this week. Should Castillo be moved or if Miller faces setbacks, Bryan Woo is set to pitch on Monday, making him a candidate for a two-start week.

Going Twice…

Parker Messick, Guardians, LHP (at Tigers, at Phillies)
The 25-year-old has been a revelation this season, boasting a 5-1 record with a 2.35 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP across 53 2/3 innings. Both the Tigers and Phillies struggle against left-handed pitchers, making Messick a must-start in all formats.

Will Warren, Yankees, RHP (vs. Blue Jays, vs. Rays)
Warren is emerging as a reliable fantasy option, holding a 5-1 record and a 3.42 ERA with a 59/12 K/BB ratio. With the Yankees’ offense supporting him, he’s poised for strong outings this week.

Dylan Cease, Blue Jays, RHP (at Yankees, vs. Pirates)
Cease has been stellar with a 2.41 ERA and a league-leading 75 strikeouts. Despite a challenging matchup against the Yankees, his performance warrants a start in all leagues.

J.T. Ginn, Athletics, RHP (at Angels, at Padres)
Ginn has shown promise with a 3.12 ERA and solid performance in pitcher-friendly parks this week. He’s a strong option for fantasy managers looking for reliable starts.

Shane McClanahan, Rays, LHP (vs. Orioles, at Yankees)
Though McClanahan has been excellent, his matchup against the Yankees raises some concerns. Still, his ace-like performance makes him a worthwhile start.

Framber Valdez, Tigers, LHP (vs. Guardians, at Orioles)
Valdez is expected to shoulder a heavier load without Tarik Skubal. Despite a less-than-ideal ERA, he remains a trusted option for fantasy managers.

Trevor Rogers, Orioles, LHP (at Rays, vs. Tigers)
Rogers’ return from injury has been shaky, but favorable matchups this week make him a viable option for fantasy play.

Reid Detmers, Angels, LHP (vs. Athletics, vs. Rangers)
Detmers has been solid, and with favorable matchups against weaker offenses, he’s a streaming target in all league sizes.

Noah Schultz, White Sox, LHP (at Mariners, at Giants)
Schultz has shown potential aside from one rough outing. With favorable matchups, he’s a strong candidate for fantasy lineups.

Walbert Ureña, Angels, RHP (vs. Athletics, vs. Rangers)
Ureña has performed well as a rookie and could provide value in home matchups against the Athletics and Rangers.

Keider Montero, Tigers, RHP (vs. Guardians, at Orioles)
Montero has been effective in stabilizing the Tigers’ rotation, making him a strong option for fantasy managers.

Seth Lugo, Royals, RHP (vs. Red Sox, vs. Mariners)
Lugo’s recent struggles make him a risky start, but he remains a streaming option with potential upside.

MacKenzie Gore, Rangers, LHP (at Rockies, at Angels)
Gore’s inconsistency makes him a frustrating option. His upcoming matchups raise doubts about his reliability.

Stay tuned for updates as we navigate the weekend, and good luck with your fantasy decisions!

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.