Welcome to the 11th edition of the 2026 two-start pitcher rankings! This week, we're diving into the projected two-start starters and breaking them down into four tiers: Set and Forget, Most Likely, Questionable, and Avoid. But before we get into the tiers, let's take a step back and think about what makes a two-start pitcher so intriguing. Personally, I think it's the element of surprise and the potential for a big week. A pitcher who can dominate for two games in a row is a force to be reckoned with, and that's what we're looking for in this week's rankings. Now, let's get into the tiers and explore the pitchers who are worth starting, the ones who are a bit more risky, and the ones who should be avoided at all costs. Set-and-Forget: These pitchers are simply must-starts. They have the skills and matchups to dominate for two games in a row, and there are very few exceptions where I'd consider benching them. For example, Payton Tolle has a sub-1 WHIP and a strong K-BB%, and he faces two offenses that are bottom 10 in wRC+ vs LHP. Gavin Williams, on the other hand, has had a breakout season and will face the Yankees for the second consecutive start in his first outing of the week. Most Likely: In this tier, we have pitchers with a mix of skill and matchups that make them almost certainly two-start plays, though they carry some elevated risk compared to the top tier. Taj Bradley, for example, has generated 9 whiffs on his four-seamer in his last start, despite poor location. George Kirby, meanwhile, has a career-worst 19.8% strikeout percentage, but his walk rate is still elite. Questionable: This tier is for pitchers who are best suited for daily lineup leagues, where you can bench them against the tougher of their two opponents. For instance, Jeffrey Springs against the Brewers is something I'd look to avoid, but against a Rockies offense that has been dreadful recently, he could be worth a desperate stream over the weekend. Avoid: Finally, this tier includes the pitchers who should remain on your bench or the wire. Tomoyuki Sugano, for example, has exceeded all expectations this season, but pitching in Coors against the Cubs and then in Sacramento is too scary a proposition. Now, let's take a step back and think about what we've learned from this week's rankings. One thing that immediately stands out is the importance of matchups. Pitchers who face weaker offenses or have a history of success against certain teams are more likely to dominate for two games in a row. What many people don't realize is that two-start pitchers are not just a lucky break. They require a combination of skill, matchups, and sometimes a bit of luck to succeed. If you take a step back and think about it, you'll see that the pitchers in the Set-and-Forget tier have all the ingredients to dominate for two games in a row. They have the skills, the matchups, and the potential for a big week. In my opinion, this week's rankings highlight the importance of matchups and the element of surprise in two-start pitcher rankings. So, as you build your lineup for the week, keep these factors in mind and good luck!
