Jack Leiter of the Texas Rangers headlines this week's two-start pitchers, facing the lowly Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite a 3.88 ERA that suggests potential for regression, his matchup against the 29th and 30th ranked offenses offers a chance for solid fantasy returns.

Next, Mick Abel of the Philadelphia Phillies presents a mixed bag with a commendable 2.35 ERA but a recent rough outing against the Cubs. He faces the Miami Marlins and New York Mets this week, making him a solid choice. Lance McCullers of the Houston Astros, while having control issues, has a favorable schedule against the Athletics and Angels.

Chad Patrick of the Brewers and Jake Irvin of the Nationals complete the list, with both having tough matchups but showing promise in strikeout potential. Hitting matchups are plentiful, particularly for those facing struggling pitching staffs like the Astros and Phillies against the Athletics and Marlins, respectively.

As the 2025 fantasy baseball season progresses, savvy players are on the lookout for pitchers showing surprising starts. Jake Irvin of the Washington Nationals has recently made waves, posting a dominant performance against the Mets with a 1.31 ERA in his last three starts. However, despite his curveball success, his reliance on weaker fastballs raises concerns about sustainability.

Meanwhile, Simeon Woods Richardson of the Minnesota Twins has also shown improvement, limiting the Angels to just one run in a recent outing. His increased curveball usage looks promising, yet a lack of whiffs suggests he may not be a reliable fantasy asset. Lastly, veteran Jose Quintana of the Milwaukee Brewers has been impressive with a 1.14 ERA, though his sinker-heavy approach and inability to generate strikeouts could limit his fantasy appeal.

As the Baltimore Orioles (9-14) prepare to face the Washington Nationals (11-13), the stakes are high for the O's to avoid a series sweep after two narrow losses. Cade Povich will start for Baltimore, struggling with a 0-2 record and a 6.38 ERA, while Jake Irvin, boasting a 2-0 record and 3.68 ERA, hopes to continue his strong performance. The previous games showcased the Nats' resilience, particularly with Luis Garcia Jr.'s late heroics that clinched a 4-3 victory. With the latest betting odds showing Baltimore at -108 and Washington at -112, the matchup is expected to be tightly contested.

Recent trends show the Orioles struggling with a three-game losing streak and 1-6 in finale games this season, while the Nationals have gained momentum, winning four of their last five. The predictions lean towards the Orioles to bounce back and avoid the sweep, with a focus on their moneyline and spread. Experts suggest placing a bet on Baltimore at -1.5 (+150) as they look to end their losing streak.

The Washington Nationals have quietly assembled one of the finest pitching rotations in the National League, achieving a 3.55 ERA, placing them fifth in the league. While ace MacKenzie Gore garners attention with his elite velocity and strikeout capabilities, the rest of the rotation, including left-hander Mitchell Parker and right-hander Trevor Williams, has demonstrated that effective pitching is not solely about speed. Parker's impressive 1.39 ERA and ability to produce weak contact highlight the merits of command over pure velocity.

Gore's successful early season, with multiple double-digit strikeout games, is complemented by a concerted effort from his teammates to keep hitters off balance. Nationals manager Dave Martinez and pitching strategist Sean Doolittle have fostered a collaborative environment that emphasizes learning and adaptability among pitchers. The contributions from this low-cost rotation signify a shift in the Nationals' approach to developing homegrown talent, creating a promising foundation despite challenges in their bullpen.