This week offers an excellent opportunity for fantasy baseball managers to explore two-start pitchers, with Jacob Lopez of the Oakland Athletics emerging as a standout. He boasts a remarkable 0.39 ERA and a 29:7 K:BB ratio over his past four starts, including performances against top offenses. Other viable options include Michael Wacha, Ryne Nelson, and Patrick Corbin, each presenting unique advantages based on their matchups. Wacha remains consistent despite a mediocre strikeout rate, while Nelson shines at home with a strong ERA. Corbin faces favorable opponents, making him a decent streaming choice. On the hitting side, outfielders from the San Francisco Giants and Houston Astros are positioned to capitalize on upcoming matchups against struggling pitching staffs.

On Monday, June 30, the Kansas City Royals face off against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. The Royals arrive on a downward trend, losing seven of their last eight games, including a recent series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite a 14-run effort over the weekend against the Dodgers, they could only secure one win. Meanwhile, the Mariners are buoyed by recent success, winning two of their last three games, including a victory against the Texas Rangers. Donovan Solano has been a key contributor for Seattle, registering three hits and four RBIs in their latest win.

The pitching matchup features Michael Wacha for the Royals, who holds a 3.33 ERA against George Kirby of the Mariners, whose struggles are evident with a 5.40 ERA. The odds favor the Mariners, currently at -162 on the moneyline, with a total set at 7.0 runs. Expert insights suggest a play on the Mariners, particularly considering their recent performance against Kansas City.

The fantasy baseball waiver wire is currently experiencing a downturn, with few players offering significant long-term potential. Wise managers can still make strategic short-term additions ahead of upcoming matchups. Among the highlighted players are Tyler Freeman, who has excelled since joining the Rockies, and Chandler Simpson, a promising speedster with the Rays poised to lead the league in steals. Isaac Collins steps into a starting role with the Brewers and has impressed with both his hitting and discipline. Veterans like Michael Wacha and Max Scherzer remain available and could provide solid contributions for teams with immediate pitching needs.

Freeman, batting out of the leadoff spot, benefits from Coors Field's hitter-friendly environment, while Simpson's speed makes him a must-add for teams focused on steals. Collins, now an everyday player, has capitalized on an injury to Garrett Mitchell, showcasing a solid batting average and impressive on-base skills. Scherzer's recent performances hint at a strong two-start week ahead, making him a worthwhile consideration for those needing pitching reinforcements.

As the fantasy baseball landscape shifts, Scott White offers ten reliable pitchers under 80% rostered for the upcoming scoring period. Among them, Shane Smith of the Chicago White Sox stands out with a resilient performance, maintaining an ERA below 3.00 despite a recent rough outing. His matchups against Arizona and San Francisco present an opportunity for streaming success.

Matthew Liberatore of the St. Louis Cardinals also garners attention, showcasing elite control throughout the season. While his matchups against the Cubs and Indians might be challenging, his recent performance signals a potential rebound. Chad Patrick of the Milwaukee Brewers enters the mix with favorable matchups against struggling lineups, and Hayden Birdsong from San Francisco appears poised for a win against the Marlins. Other notable mentions include Michael Wacha, Jose Soriano, Eduardo Rodriguez, Justin Verlander, Ben Brown, and Will Warren, each with their unique circumstances that fantasy managers should monitor closely.

The MLB action heats up with a full slate of games, offering opportunities for savvy bettors focusing on No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks. Key matchups on June 20, 2025, feature solid pitching duels that enhance the potential for scoreless first innings. Notable matchups include Tomoyuki Sugano facing Max Fried, Blade Tidwell against Zack Wheeler, Michael Lorenzen squaring off with Nick Pivetta, and Hunter Dobbins challenging Hayden Birdsong.

One of the highlights is the matchup between the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees. Sugano's recent form, including a previous outing where he dominated the Yankees with five scoreless innings, presents a favorable scenario for an NRFI bet. Similarly, Fried's stellar 1.89 ERA underlines the Yankees' struggles against left-handed pitchers, making this a compelling pick.

In the game featuring the New York Mets against the Philadelphia Phillies, Wheeler's impressive stats complement Tidwell's potential, especially with the former boasting a 2.76 ERA. The familiarity gap could benefit Tidwell, making this match another NRFI target. The Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres matchup also looks promising with Lorenzen's effective start against Pivetta's strong home performance.

Lastly, the Boston Red Sox face the San Francisco Giants, where both pitchers have shown an ability to limit early scoring opportunities. Given the favorable odds across these matchups, bettors should keep an eye on weather and lineups before placing wagers.