Weekly Two-Start Pitchers: Week 17 Picks 2026

Outlook for Week 17

The 2026 campaign is already 17 weeks into a 27‑week stretch, and the weekly two‑start pitcher guide is now its 16th edition. With MLB locked in a labor dispute, the remainder of the season—and possibly the start of 2027—remains uncertain, making every reliable starter a valuable asset. This piece is updated as the weekend unfolds, so keep an eye on any last‑minute changes. Fantasy managers can still gain ground while waiting for news on the collective bargaining agreement.

Below is a breakdown of the most dependable two‑start options for this week, grouped by league and risk level. All stats are pulled from the latest team updates and reflect performance through the first half of the season.

American League – Strong Picks

Dylan Cease (Blue Jays) raked through the first half with a 2.56 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and a 148‑44 K/BB ratio over 98 ⅓ innings. He added an impressive outing in the All‑Star Game and enters the second half looking to push past the 200‑strikeout mark. Facing the Rays and Red Sox, both familiar divisional foes, gives him a comfortable environment for another pair of solid starts.

Parker Messick (Guardians) earned his first All‑Star nod after posting a 2.00 ERA in 19 starts, allowing four earned runs or fewer in every outing. He opens the week at home against the Twins before traveling to Tampa Bay, a matchup that could keep the run‑support flowing. Messick’s consistency makes him a lock for fantasy lineups, and the double‑start adds extra value.

Joe Ryan (Twins) has been an ace for Minnesota, sporting a 2.85 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 128/25 K/BB over 110 ⅓ frames. He worked 20 starts in the first half and continues to produce at an elite level. The Guardians and Athletics will test his stuff, but his track record suggests he’ll deliver quality innings and strike out opponents.

Drew Rasmussen (Rays) remains one of the most reliable starters in baseball, posting a 3.26 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 98/17 K/BB in 99 ⅓ innings. He has not missed a start this season and consistently limits damage. A trip to Toronto and a home game versus the Guardians give him familiar parks to work in for a pair of starts.

Payton Tolle (Red Sox) is a promising rookie, compiling a 3.11 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 87/25 K/BB across 84 innings. The 23‑year‑old southpaw has shown the ability to navigate high‑pressure situations and keepERAs low. Two home games against the Orioles and Blue Jays should provide a comfortable setting for continued success.

Jacob deGrom (Rangers) is always a top‑tier option when healthy, and this week he faces the White Sox and Mariners. Even if he isn’t at his historic best, his 3.49 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 122/22 K/BB over 100 ⅔ innings make him a dependable choice. A double‑start can turnedraft teams into elite run‑preventers when he’s available.

American League – Decent Picks

Jack Flaherty (Tigers) turned a corner after a brief IL stint, allowing just two runs in 16 ⅔ innings across his last three outings. Velocity spikes suggest the trend could continue, giving him upside in both mixed and standard leagues. The Cubs and Royals present favorable odds for two starts this week.

Nick Martinez (Rays) finished the first half 8‑2 with a 2.65 ERA and 1.12 WHIP, despite a modest 62 strikeouts. Consistency is his hallmark, and the Blue Jays and Guardians offer balanced offenses to keep his win total climbing. A pair of starts adds depth for any roster.

Michael Wacha (Royals) posted a 3.77 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 96/34 K/BB in 119 ⅓ innings, proving he can sustain quality work over a full season. He matches up well against the Giants and Tigers, two teams that tend to fall behind early. Two starts give him extra chance for run‑support.

Kevin Gausman (Blue Jays) has cooled off since June, sitting at a 6.23 ERA in eight starts, but he still fires strikes and can record double‑digit Ks in a outing. A double‑head against the Rays and Red Sox could spark a turnaround, and the games are at home where he feels most comfortable. Stream him if you need adds in deeper formats.

Jose Soriano (Angels) is hovering around a 5.14 ERA after a scorching start, but his pair of matchups versus the Cardinals and Giants could be prime for a bounce‑back. He’s capable of topping ten strikeouts and may earn a win with the Angels’ offensive backing. A two‑start week adds enough volume for a gamble.

Will Warren (Yankees) struggled a bit in his final four starts, but his 4.03 ERA and 96/33 K/BB are still solid for a young righty. A home date with the Pirates and a road game at Philadelphia give him varied park factors. He remains a solid start in 15‑team leagues when you need rotational depth.

Shane Baz (Orioles) has a 4.19 ERA overall, yet he’s kept three earned runs or fewer in ten of his last eleven outings. A road series at Boston and a trip to Atlanta provide manageable challenges. Double‑start exposure could push him over the top for mixed‑league managers.

Luinder Avila (Royals) was wiped out in one disastrous inning, but his other seven outings have been very tight. The Giants and Tigers are among the weaker offenses, giving him a chance to post a low ERA. He’s a sneaky streaming option in deeper mixed leagues for this week’s two‑start spotlight.

American League – At Your Own Risk

Erick Fedde (White Sox) maintains a 4.15 ERA and opens at Arlington versus the Rangers, a park that can be hitter‑friendly. He’s often used behind an opener, which can boost his win chances. If you’re chasing victories and strikeouts in deeper formats, his double‑start could pay off.

Tatsuya Imai (Astros) has been wildly inconsistent, posting a 5.82 ERA and 50/22 K/BB in ten starts. He’s allowed three runs or fewer in half of those outings, but the third‑inning blowups remain a mystery. A road game at Chicago adds uncertainty, making this a high‑risk play.

Jeffrey Springs (Athletics) is on a rough streak, sport‑ing a 7.64 ERA over his last 15 starts and serving up 26 homers. Both outings are away from Oakland, which actually helps his numbers, but his lack of strikeout punch remains a concern. This is a week to avoid unless you have no other arms.

National League – Strong Picks

Cristopher Sanchez (Phillies) is one of the league’s elite left‑handers, despite a tough loss in the All‑Star Game. He brings a 2.90 ERA and solid peripheral numbers to a grueling back‑to‑back against the Dodgers and Yankees. His ability to handle high‑pressure situations makes him a top‑tier option for two starts.

Andrew Abbott (Reds) turned a rough start into a 3.18 ERA after 14 starts, with a 1.28 WHIP and 65/35 K/BB. Both upcoming parks are pitcher‑friendly, and his refined command should allow him to continue the surge. He’s a reliable pick in any league size for this week’s double‑duty.

National League – Decent Picks

Freddy Peralta (Brewers) posted a 4.66 ERA in 20 starts but brings a killer instinct when heading back to Milwaukee. The Dodgers at home and a return to the Bronx could either ignite his performance or expose his flaws. The high variance makes him a situational play for deeper rosters.

Reynaldo Lopez (Braves) has a 3.50 ERA and 1.27 WHIP after a solid season, and his upcoming opponents in Baltimore and Tampa are modest offenses. While the Braves have not locked down his Monday and Tuesday assignments, if he gets both starts he should produce steady innings and a few strikeouts.

Kyle Leahy (Cardinals) settled into a 2.85 ERA since May, posting 60 innings with a 1.28 WHIP. The Angels and Reds present balanced lineups, and his recent run of quality starts suggests he can keep the momentum. He’s a strong streaming option for all league formats this week.

Tyler Mahle (Giants) is struggling with a 5.31 ERA, but his underlying stuff still projects as a top‑tier starter when healthy. Both the Royals and Angels are neutral to slightly pitcher‑friendly parks, giving him a chance to reset. If you have a roster spot to fill and can stomach risk, he offers upside for the double‑start exposure.

Tyler Phillips (Marlins) has been decent overall, but his last three outings have rarely lasted past the fifth inning. The Astros and Padres are not especially vulnerable, and his strikeout rate is limited. He’s only a fill‑in arm for deep leagues unless you desperately need a starter.

JP Sears (Padres) posted a 5.03 ERA in his first four starts with the club, but his command can be better in more favorable parks. The Braves and Marlins are both neutral, though the Braves may be tougher. This is a low‑floor, low‑ceiling option best reserved for win‑chasing in deep formats.

Mitch Keller (Pirates) saw his ERA climb to 5.14 after a strong first half, and his strikeout numbers have slipped. The Yankees and Cubs are both strong offenses, making his double‑start riskier. He can still be used in 15‑team leagues where you need bodies, but aim for better options elsewhere.

National League – At Your Own Risk

Jose Cabrera (Diamondbacks) is slated for a tentative return from Triple‑A, bringing a 5.60 ERA and low strikeout rate. The Athletics and Nationals could give him a chance to earn a win, but his inconsistency and uncertainty of availability make him a gamble.

Matthew Liberatore (Cardinals) sits at a 5.00 ERA after 19 starts, but the Angels and Reds are not overwhelming offenses. He did throw six scoreless innings with six Ks against Atlanta, hinting at hidden upside. This is a low‑confidence play if you need volume but have better options.

Mitch Bratt (Diamondbacks) has only made three innings per outing, posting a 6.00 ERA and 1.67 WHIP. Both games are away from the desert, and his usage is uncertain. There’s little justification for including him unless you have no other arms.

Andrew Alvarez (Nationals) has a 4.04 ERA over six starts, but the Rockies at Coors Field and the Diamondbacks are hostile environments for a left‑hander. He’s a modest streamer in neutral settings, but this week’s parks push him into low‑confidence territory.

Walker Buehler (Padres) was solid in a stretch earlier this month, but his last three starts have collapsed to a 5.36 ERA. The Braves in Atlanta will test an already fragile confidence. This is a high‑risk pick that most managers should avoid.

Kyle Freeland (Rockies) carries a 7.36 ERA and 1.57 WHIP, and both outings involve hitter‑friendly parks. One start is at home versus the Brewers, the other on the road. This is a week to pass, even if you need a starter for deeper leagues.

Taking It All Together

Week 17 offers plenty of options for a double‑start strategy, but the safest bets remain the elite pitchers who have proven they can dominate over long outings. The labor uncertainty hanging over the league means that any reliable arm could become even more valuable should the schedule tighten. Review the risk levels carefully, and adjust your roster as any Monday or Tuesday changes are announced.