The MLB season continues to heat up as fantasy managers refine their lineups for the upcoming week. The focus for this installment is on two-start pitchers, offering both solid plays and risky options that could impact your fantasy standings. Notably, Yusei Kikuchi of the Angels presents a favorable matchup against the Athletics and Orioles, while José Berríos of the Blue Jays has shown potential despite past inconsistencies. Meanwhile, the uncertainty surrounding some rotations—including the White Sox and Royals—adds a layer of strategic intrigue for fantasy players.

For aspiring two-start pitchers, Bryse Wilson should be approached with caution, while Noah Cameron could emerge as a strong pickup if given the opportunity against the Yankees and Athletics. Additionally, pitchers like Jeffrey Springs and Luis L. Ortiz are highlighted for their fluctuating performances, indicating the risks in roster choices this week. Keep an eye on updates throughout the weekend as rotations could shift, affecting start potential.

Targeting the right pitchers and team stacks is crucial in DraftKings MLB DFS contests. Carlos Rodón stands out as a top play, being the only pitcher priced above $10K and boasting the highest strikeout percentage. With a ceiling evidenced by four games of 30+ DK points, he is pivotal against a weak opponent. Budget-friendly options like Yusei Kikuchi offer value against the Red Sox, while George Kirby aims to rebound at home against the struggling Orioles. The Minnesota Twins are highly recommended for stacking against Osvaldo Bido, complemented by key hitters such as Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton. The Royals and Tigers also present favorable matchups, with their lineups featuring stars like Salvador Perez and Gleyber Torres.

For bettors, understanding batting averages and historical matchups is essential. Notably, players like TJ Friedl and Austin Riley have had success against their respective starters, making them appealing choices for fantasy lineups.

Oneil Cruz, the Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder, has once again made headlines in the world of baseball by setting a new record for the hardest-hit ball in the Statcast era. In a recent game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Cruz launched a home run at an impressive speed of 122.9 mph, surpassing his previous record of 122.4 mph from a single in August 2022. This remarkable achievement has solidified Cruz's reputation as one of the game's most powerful hitters.

Cruz's explosive performance not only brought the Pirates onto the scoreboard but also showcased his exceptional talent at a time when the team is striving for better results. Despite the Pirates losing the game 6-5, his record-breaking homer serves as a bright spot for both fans and fantasy players. Cruz's ability to consistently hit at such high speeds places him among the elite power hitters in the league, alongside names like Giancarlo Stanton.

The Los Angeles Angels aim for a three-game sweep over the Los Angeles Dodgers in their ongoing freeway series. After taking the first two games, the Angels improved to 19-25, looking to climb the AL West standings. Veteran pitcher Yusei Kikuchi delivered a strong performance, pitching 5.2 innings and allowing only one earned run with seven strikeouts, although he exited due to an ankle injury in the sixth inning. Kikuchi’s performance positioned the Angels to lead 4-1 at the time of his exit. His ERA for the season now stands at 3.50.

The Los Angeles Angels (16-23) are set to face off against the San Diego Padres (25-14) at Petco Park as Yusei Kikuchi takes the mound for the Angels, hoping to improve on his 0-4 record with a 3.83 ERA. Meanwhile, the Padres will start Michael King, who boasts a strong 4-1 record and an impressive 2.22 ERA. The Padres recently suffered a 9-3 defeat to the Rockies but managed to win the series, while the Angels fell to the Orioles 7-3, despite a solid outing from Tyler Anderson.

With odds favoring the Padres at -219 on the moneyline, the Angels are listed at +181. The total for the game stands at 7.0 runs, reflecting the recent trend where their matchups have consistently gone under the total. Bettors should note that the Padres have won four straight home games against the Angels.