Week 18 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season brings a host of starting pitcher waiver wire pickups that can bolster your roster. Eric Lauer has emerged as a standout for the Toronto Blue Jays, boasting a formidable 2.61 ERA and six wins. Ryne Nelson of the Arizona Diamondbacks has also shown consistency with a stellar 3.29 ERA over his last five starts. Baltimore's Dean Kremer remains a polarizing figure with eight wins but inconsistent outings, while Jose Soriano from the Angels offers an impressive 68.5% ground ball rate. Will Warren of the Yankees is an intriguing option if he can maintain his strikeout ability despite a high ERA.

For deeper leagues, Nick Martinez from the Reds provides reliable innings, while Zebby Matthews is showing promise after a strong outing against the Nationals. Luis Severino has turned a corner recently, exhibiting potential as a backend rotation piece. Kumar Rocker, who is adapting his pitch mix, could be a gem moving forward. Joe Boyle's recent promotion in Tampa adds to a growing list of options for fantasy managers looking to fill gaps in their pitching rotations.

Ranger Suárez struggled in his recent outing, surrendering five runs in the second inning against the Angels, ultimately leading to his early exit in the fourth. This performance drew parallels with his disappointing second half from last season when his ERA ballooned post-All-Star Break. Phillies' manager Rob Thomson pointed out issues with Suárez's command and changeup, which left him vulnerable to the Angels' offense. Despite his previous success, including ten straight quality starts, this latest setback poses a question about his consistency as the Phillies prepare to face tougher opponents.

While Suárez's velocity did not surpass 90 mph in the first inning, he cited a lack of control over his pitches. With the upcoming series against the Boston Red Sox, the Phillies will be looking for a rebound from Suárez, who needs to overcome the mental hurdles created by this outing. Fans remain cautious but optimistic, hoping this game doesn't signal a repeat of last year's difficulties.

As we head into Week 15 of the 2025 MLB season, fantasy baseball enthusiasts should keep their eyes on potential two-start pitchers to maximize their rotations. With the All-Star break approaching, strategic streaming options are essential. This week, 34 pitchers are lined up for two starts, and a mix of both well-rostered and available pitchers are highlighted.

Among the top options, Will Warren and Shane Baz stand out, both with matchups against middling offenses. For managers looking for less common pickups, Noah Cameron of the Kansas City Royals, currently rostered in only 38% of leagues, presents an opportunity with solid stats and matchups against the Pirates and Mets. Conversely, riskier choices like Brady Singer and Jose Soriano are also available, though they face tougher lineups.

On Thursday, July 3, the Los Angeles Angels (42-43) face off against the Atlanta Braves (39-46) at Truist Park, with José Soriano pitching for the Angels against the Braves' Bryce Elder. The Braves leveled the series 1-1 following an 8-3 victory, highlighted by a seven-run sixth inning, featuring impressive performances from Sean Murphy and Matt Olson. Despite this win, the Braves have struggled lately, posting a 2-5 record in their last seven games. In contrast, the Angels have been on a roll with a 5-3 record in their last eight games.

As we preview this matchup, key stats and insights are crucial for fantasy sports players and bettors. Soriano holds a 5-5 record with a 3.99 ERA, while Elder's season stats reflect a 2-5 record with a 5.82 ERA. The latest odds show the Angels at +119 on the moneyline and the Braves at -141, favoring the home team. Betters might find value in the Angels covering a +1.5 spread, while totals suggest an under on 9 runs. Stay tuned for predictions and insights from experts as the game unfolds.

Kyle Hendricks is not just a veteran pitcher but a transformative influence on the Los Angeles Angels' pitching staff, which has seen an unusual consistency in its starting rotation this season. All five pitchers, including Hendricks, have made every start, a feat rare in today's game plagued by injuries and reliance on bullpen strategies. This stability has allowed the Angels to cultivate chemistry and growth among their pitchers, particularly for young talents like Jack Kochanowicz and José Soriano.

Despite some rough outings, the commitment to learning from each start has begun to show results, as both Kochanowicz and Soriano have delivered strong performances at times. Hendricks emphasizes that these experiences are crucial for their development, providing them the chance to adapt and refine their routines. This season's performance, while not stellar in terms of ERA, has instilled confidence in a group that continues to learn and grow. As they progress through the season, the potential for breakout performances becomes more apparent, enriching the Angels' pitching future.