Week 21 MLB two-start streaming targets showdown across 34 pitchers scheduled for two starts Aug 18–24, with a clear distinction between under-50% rostered sleepers and popular, rostered bets. Spencer Arrighetti leads theBest Available streamer group for his Houston slate, while Matthew Liberatore offers a steadier floor for WHIP and ERA thanks to favorable Miami and Tampa Bay matchups. The risk tier features Jack Leiter, Jameson Taillon, Dustin May, and Nestor Cortés, each with contrasting risk/reward dynamics against KC, LAA, SF/LAD, and SD/LAD. Post-deadline aftershocks tighten the streaming pool, making pace and pitch mix critiques essential for savvy fantasy managers.

Key names to monitor include Arrighetti, Liberatore, Leiter, Taillon, May, Cortés, and Taillon’s health return, alongside the Padres’ Cortés’ two-start set. The column emphasizes arsenal depth, matchup-driven rostering, and weekly waiver-wire discipline as the landscape shifts after the trade deadline. In weekly waiver-wire terms, these are the kinds of plays that can stabilize ratios while still contributing strikeouts and win potential.

Week 20 of our MLB two-start pitcher series lays out the best weekly options as August 18 approaches, with rotation shuffles shaping value. The Phillies flip to a six-man rotation to accommodate Aaron Nola, which narrows Ranger Suarez to a single start; the Cubs stack two-start weeks with an eight-game slate, keeping Cade Horton and potentially Jameson Taillon in the mix; the Rays play five games, limiting two-starts; and the Blue Jays’ rotation remains in flux as Shane Bieber returns. Against that backdrop, the piece highlights strong and streaming options across the American and National Leagues, with Joe Ryan, Trevor Rogers, Logan Gilbert, and Hunter Brown headlining the AL, and Paul Skenes, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Cade Horton, and Eury Pérez pacing the NL. It also casts a wider net into pitchers like Brandon Woodruff, Nick Pivetta, Robbie Ray, Zac Gallen, Spencer Strider, and Matthew Liberatore as two-start candidates, while flagging higher-risk picks such as Nestor Cortes and Austin Gomber. The guide blends traditional cycle-spotting with waiver-wire tests and notes on risk vs. reward, arming fantasy managers with a battalion of two-start weeks and the streaming pivots to lean on when lineups shift.

Two-start anchors emerge from the AL slate: Joe Ryan dominates with elite run prevention and solid strikeout pace, while Trevor Rogers tames tough matchups in Baltimore’s rotation; Logan Gilbert’s arms are a constant, and Hunter Brown’s double-dip is a clear must-start. In the NL, Skenes brings massive upside at home vs. Toronto and Colorado, Yamamoto’s Coors-field hurdle notwithstanding, and Cade Horton’s breakout form makes him an easy call in 100% of leagues. The piece also flags other strong streaming bets like Paul Skenes, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Cade Horton, Eury Pérez, Brandon Woodruff, and Nick Pivetta, balancing upside with matchup-driven caution across park factors and opposing lineups.

The Philadelphia Phillies have extended their lead in the NL East to 2.5 games following two consecutive victories over the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles aim to avoid a sweep as Ranger Suarez takes the mound against Trevor Rogers in a compelling pitching duel. Both pitchers are in impressive form, with Suarez achieving a 2.68 ERA and Rogers an outstanding 1.44. The matchup also features a strong Phillies offense, which may struggle against Rogers, who has yet to allow more than three earned runs in any game this season.

Betting odds favor the Phillies slightly, with a moneyline of -163 against Baltimore's +133. The total runs set at 8 suggests a low-scoring affair, especially given both teams' recent performances where they've hit the under frequently. The author predicts the under will hit again, given the preceding game's lack of scoring and both teams' historical trends.

As we approach the All-Star break, the focus intensifies on improving pitching staff in fantasy leagues. Week 16 of 2025 offers a variety of viable starting pitcher pickups for teams struggling with injuries or inconsistency. Ryne Nelson of the Arizona Diamondbacks stands out with solid stats, including a 3.68 ERA and 1.07 WHIP, making him a worthwhile addition.

Eury Perez from the Miami Marlins is another strong candidate, showcasing promise post Tommy John surgery. Meanwhile, Mitch Keller, though part of a struggling Pirates team, has respectable numbers and could be a valuable trade target as the deadline approaches.

Brayan Bello, following a ten-strikeout complete game effort, and Trevor Rogers, steadily improving after a lackluster previous season, add depth to the waiver wire options. Adrian Houser of the White Sox has also emerged as a reliable option with impressive numbers.

In deeper leagues, Emmet Sheehan and Landen Roupp are players to consider for their potential upside. Charlie Morton, despite age concerns, continues to perform well, while Joe Boyle of the Rays offers intriguing strikeout potential in a bulk role. Rookies like Cam Schlittler of the Yankees should also be monitored closely as the regular season progresses.

As we dive into Week 16 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season, numerous two-start pitchers present promising opportunities for savvy roster decisions. Notably, pitchers like Lucas Giolito and Carlos Rodon are scheduled to face teams ranked among the top in strikeouts, providing a favorable backdrop for strikeout potential. Meanwhile, pitchers such as Mitch Keller and Max Scherzer, despite their recent struggles, show potential against weaker lineups. Keller’s impressive 2.05 ERA over the past month is noteworthy, while Scherzer could find success against a San Francisco squad that has struggled to score.

Streaming options include Trevor Rogers and Brayan Bello, both of whom have exhibited solid form this season. However, Rogers faces a tough matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays, who rank second in scoring since June 1. For those looking to gamble, risky options like Jack Leiter and Jose Soriano come with caveats, as they both face high-scoring offenses that could put them in a precarious position. For fantasy managers, the All-Star break extends this week, allowing for more strategic roster moves as we navigate these matchups.