As the month of June draws to a close, it’s a good time to check on monthly trends to see who put together a solid stretch of outings. There are several standouts noted throughout this article, and even more that don’t get mentioned. The bigger story this week is there seems to be a lot of shuffling around within rotations. Much of that is due to injuries, but either way there are lots of new pitchers getting opportunities to earn a longer stay in a big league rotation.
(OFF) means the team has an off-day before they play that team.
(DH) indicates a doubleheader that day.
SPOT is used when that game might be projected to be someone different than the mainstay in the rotation. Notes will explain.
??? represents an unclear rotational spot, and the notes will explain options.
(ASB) is the game following the All-Star Break.
And finally before jumping in, let’s take a look at Nick’s most recent hitting rankings.
Nick’s Loose Team Offense Rankings (Updated 6/24)
| Top | Solid | Average | Weak | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATL | CLE | ARI | CHC | CHW |
| BAL | @COL | BOS | vs. CIN | vs. COL |
| HOU | NYM | @CIN | SFG | DET |
| LAD | MIL | TBR | SEA | LAA |
| NYY | MIN | TEX | STL | MIA |
| PHI | SDP | TOR | WSN | OAK |
| KCR | PIT |
AL East
Orioles’ Expected Starters
| BAL | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grayson Rodriguez | @ SEA (OFF) | CHC (OFF) | @ TEX (ASB) | SDP |
| Corbin Burnes | @ SEA | CHC | @ TEX | SDP |
| Dean Kremer | @ SEA | CHC | @ TEX | SDP |
| Albert Suarez | @ OAK | NYY | @ MIA (OFF) | TOR (DH) |
| Cade Povich | @ OAK | NYY | @ MIA | TOR (DH) |
| Cole Irvin | @ OAK | NYY | @ MIA | TOR |
- It’s going to be green matchups all week, per Nick’s hitting rankings. Look to available Baltimore starters for potential streaming options.
Red Sox Expected Starters
| BOS | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kutter Crawford | @ MIA (OFF) | @ NYY | KCR | @ COL |
| Brayan Bello | @ MIA | OAK (OFF) | KCR | @ COL |
| Nick Pivetta | @ MIA | OAK | @ LAD (ASB) | @ COL |
| Tanner Houck | @ NYY | OAK | @ LAD | NYY (OFF) |
| Josh Winckowski | @ NYY | KCR | @ LAD | NYY |
- Tanner Houck is really good this year. Through 103.1 innings he’s posting a 2.18 ERA with a 0.97 WHIP.
Yankees’ Expected Starters
| NYY | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luis Gil | CIN (OFF) | BOS | @ BAL | TBR |
| Carlos Rodón | CIN | @ TBR (OFF) | @ BAL | NYM |
| Marcus Stroman | CIN | @ TBR | TBR (ASB) | NYM |
| Nestor Cortes | BOS | @ TBR | TBR | @ BOS (OFF) |
| Gerrit Cole | BOS | @ BAL | TBR | @ BOS |
- After a good first start back, Gerrit Cole gave up 6 runs in his second start without registering a single strikeout. He bounced back on Sunday to allow one run against the Blue Jays.
Rays’ Expected Starters
| TBR | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zack Littell | @ KCR (OFF) | @ TEX | CLE | @ NYY |
| Ryan Pepiot | @ KCR | NYY (OFF) | CLE | @ TOR |
| Zach Eflin | @ KCR | NYY | @ NYY (ASB) | @ TOR |
| Aaron Civale | @ TEX | NYY | @ NYY | @ TOR |
| Taj Bradley | @ TEX | CLE | @ NYY | CIN |
- Taj Bradley continued his run of great starts against Seattle, posting 5.1 innings of 1- run ball with 8 strikeouts.
Blue Jays’ Expected Starters
| TOR | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yariel Rodriguez | HOU | @ SEA | @ ARI | DET |
| José Berríos | HOU | @ SEA | @ ARI | TBR (OFF) |
| Yusei Kikuchi | HOU | @ SFG | @ ARI | TBR |
| Chris Bassitt | HOU | @ SFG | DET (ASB) | TBR |
| Kevin Gausman | @ SEA | @ SFG | DET | TEX |
- In general, we know what Chris Bassitt is going to provide from a fantasy standpoint. He is on kind of a hot streak right now, allowing 4 runs and striking out 13 over his last 18 innings.
AL Central
White Sox Expected Starters
| CWS | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erick Fedde | @ CLE (OFF) | @ MIA | PIT | @ TEX |
| Chad Kuhl | @ CLE | MIN | PIT | @ TEX |
| Drew Thorpe | @ CLE | MIN | @ KCR (ASB) | @ TEX |
| Jonathan Cannon | @ MIA | MIN | @ KCR | @ TEX |
| Garrett Crochet | @ MIA | PIT (OFF) | @ KCR | SEA |
- Chad Kuhl may not be long for the rotation after just receiving a spot start, but he did throw 3 shutout innings.
Guardians’ Expected Starters
| CLE | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gavin Williams | CWS (OFF) | SFG | @ TBR | SDP |
| Ben Lively | CWS | @ DET | @ TBR | DET |
| Triston McKenzie | CWS | @ DET | @ TBR | DET |
| Tanner Bibee | SFG | @ DET | SDP (ASB) | DET |
| Logan Allen | SFG | @ DET | SDP | DET |
- He’s still not technically back yet, but Gavin Williams is coming. He threw 82 pitches in his 6th rehab start. Some move will be made, and he will hopefully be back this week.
Tigers’ Expected Starters
| DET | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarik Skubal | @ MIN (OFF) | @ CIN | LAD | @ TOR |
| Jack Flaherty | @ MIN | CLE | LAD | @ CLE |
| Kenta Maeda | @ MIN | CLE | LAD | @ CLE |
| Reese Olson | @ CIN | CLE | @ TOR (OFF) | @ CLE |
| Casey Mize | @ CIN | CLE | @ TOR | @ CLE |
- Tarik Skubal turning into one of the best pitchers in baseball is such a fun development. He did have a couple of rough starts against Atlanta and Houston, but followed that up with 7 shutout innings against the Phillies.
Royals’ Expected Starters
| KCR | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brady Singer | TBR (OFF) | @ COL | @ BOS | ARI |
| Michael Wacha | TBR | @ STL (OFF) | CWS (ASB) | ARI |
| Alec Marsh | TBR | @ STL | CWS | CHC (OFF) |
| Cole Ragans | @ COL | @ BOS (OFF) | CWS | CHC |
| Seth Lugo | @ COL | @ BOS | ARI | CHC |
- In the month of June Cole Ragans threw 31 innings with 37 strikeouts while giving up only 8 runs.
Twins’ Expected Starters
| MIN | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simeon Woods Richardson | DET | HOU | @ SFG | PHI |
| David Festa | DET | @ CWS | @ SFG | PHI |
| Bailey Ober | DET | @ CWS | MIL (ASB) | @ DET (OFF) |
| Pablo López | HOU | @ CWS | MIL | @ DET |
| Joe Ryan | HOU | @ SFG (OFF) | PHI | @ DET |
- David Festa debuted against the Diamondbacks and threw 5 innings and struck out 2 but surrendered 5 ER.
AL West
Angels’ Expected Starters
| LAA | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roansy Contreras | @ OAK (OFF) | @ CHC | SEA | @ OAK |
| Zach Plesac | @ OAK | TEX | SEA | @ SEA |
| José Soriano | @ OAK | TEX | SEA | @ SEA |
| Griffin Canning | @ CHC | TEX | @ OAK (ASB) | @ SEA |
| Tyler Anderson | @ CHC | SEA | @ OAK | OAK |
- After the Pirates dealt Roansy Contreras to the Angels he got his first start in over a year against the Athletics. He surrendered 1 run over 3 innings of work.
Astros’ Expected Starters
| HOU | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter Brown | @ TOR | @ MIN | TEX | @ SEA |
| Spencer Arrighetti | @ TOR | @ MIN | TEX | @ OAK |
| Ronel Blanco | @ TOR | MIA (OFF) | TEX | @ OAK |
| Framber Valdez | @ TOR | MIA | @ SEA (ASB) | @ OAK |
| Justin Verlander | @ MIN | MIA | @ SEA | LAD (OFF) |
- As of writing our projections have Justin Verlander returning this week, but that may get pushed back.
Athletics’ Expected Starters
| OAK | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitch Spence | LAA (OFF) | BAL | @ PHI | HOU |
| Joey Estes | LAA | @ BOS (OFF) | @ PHI | HOU |
| JP Sears | LAA | @ BOS | LAA (ASB) | HOU |
| Hogan Harris | BAL | @ BOS | LAA | @ LAA |
| Luis Medina | BAL | @ PHI | LAA | @ LAA |
- Joey Estes is coming off a start where he recorded a career-high 8 strikeouts. He’s given up 2 runs a piece in his las two outings, making the young pitcher an interesting arm to look into.
Mariners’ Expected Starters
| SEA | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luis Castillo | BAL (OFF) | TOR | @ LAA | LAA |
| George Kirby | BAL | @ SDP (OFF) | @ LAA | LAA |
| Logan Gilbert | BAL | @ SDP | HOU (ASB) | LAA |
| Bryce Miller | TOR | @ LAA | HOU | @ CWS (OFF) |
| Bryan Woo | TOR (SPOT) | @ LAA | HOU | @ CWS |
- With Bryan Woo’s injury woes continuing, Jhonathan Diaz is projected to get the start against Toronto.
Rangers’ Expected Starters
| TEX | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nathan Eovaldi | SDP (OFF) | TBR | @ HOU | CWS |
| Jon Gray | SDP | @ LAA | @ HOU | CWS |
| Max Scherzer | SDP | @ LAA | BAL (ASB) | CWS |
| Michael Lorenzen | TBR | @ LAA | BAL | CWS |
| Andrew Heaney | TBR | @ HOU (OFF) | BAL | @ TOR |
- Max Scherzer has passed Greg Maddux on the all-time strikeout list with his most recent outing against the Blue Jays. He got up to 77 pitches after throwing 57 the start before, so he’s in the ramp up process.
NL East
Atlanta Expected Starters
| ATL | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reynaldo López | SFG (OFF) | PHI | @ SDP | STL |
| Chris Sale | SFG | @ ARI | @ SDP | CIN |
| Charlie Morton | SFG | @ ARI | @ SDP | CIN |
| Max Fried | PHI | @ ARI | STL (ASB) | CIN |
| Spencer Schwellenbach | PHI | @ ARI | STL | NYM |
- Dating back to May 31st Reynaldo López has thrown 28 innings and surrendered only 5 ER while striking out 24. He did have 4 walks in his last outing, but that appears to be just a blip over the stretch he’s been on.
Marlins’ Expected Starters
| MIA | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valente Bellozo | BOS (OFF) | CWS | @ CIN | BAL |
| Trevor Rogers | BOS | @ HOU (OFF) | @ CIN | BAL |
| Kyle Tyler | BOS | @ HOU | NYM (ASB) | BAL |
| Roddery Muñoz | CWS | @ HOU | NYM | @ MIL |
| Yonny Chirinos | CWS | @ CIN | NYM | @ MIL |
- This group looks a little too different from the norm to not have moves coming on the horizon. Edward Cabrera shouldn’t be out of this rotation long.
Mets’ Expected Starters
| NYM | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Peterson | @ WSN | @ PIT | COL | @ NYY |
| Christian Scott | @ WSN | @ PIT | COL | @ NYY |
| Sean Manaea | @ WSN | WSN | @ MIA (ASB) | ATL |
| Jose Quintana | @ WSN | WSN | @ MIA | ATL |
| Tylor Megill | @ PIT | WSN | @ MIA | ATL |
| Luis Severino | @ PIT | COL | @ MIA | ATL |
- Christian Scott could be back soon. However as of writing nothing official has come out.
- There is a lot of green for awhile ahead for this rotation. They’re looking very streamable right now.
Phillies’ Expected Starters
| PHI | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Mercado | @ CHC (OFF) | @ ATL | OAK | @ MIN |
| Zack Wheeler | @ CHC | LAD (OFF) | OAK | @ MIN |
| Cristopher Sánchez | @ CHC | LAD | @ PIT (ASB) | @ MIN |
| Aaron Nola | @ ATL | LAD | @ PIT | CLE (OFF) |
| Ranger Suárez | @ ATL | OAK | @ PIT | CLE |
- Not even a week removed from Spencer Turnbull taking Taijuan Walker’s rotation spot, Turnbull hit the IL with a lat strain that will keep him out for a while.
Nationals’ Expected Starters
| WSN | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacKenzie Gore | NYM | STL | @ MIL | SDP |
| DJ Herz | NYM | STL | @ MIL | SDP |
| Mitchell Parker | NYM | @ NYM | CIN | @ STL |
| Jake Irvin | NYM | @ NYM | CIN | @ STL |
| Josiah Gray | STL | @ NYM | CIN | @ STL |
| Patrick Corbin | STL | @ MIL | SDP (OFF) | @ ARI |
- Last week it seemed Patrick Corbin wasn’t going to be in the rotation much longer, this week our projections have Washington running with a six-man rotation.
NL Central
Cubs’ Expected Starters
| CHC | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayden Wesneski | PHI (OFF) | LAA | @ STL (DH) | ARI |
| Shota Imanaga | PHI | @ BAL | @ STL (DH) | MIL |
| Jameson Taillon | PHI | @ BAL | @ STL | MIL |
| Justin Steele | LAA | @ BAL | ARI (ASB) | MIL |
| Kyle Hendricks | LAA | @ STL | ARI | @ KCR |
- Shota Imanaga bounced back a little bit after giving up 10 ER to the Mets. In the start after that he surrendered 3 ER across 6 innings with 3 strikeouts.
Reds’ Expected Starters
| CIN | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graham Ashcraft | @ NYY (OFF) | DET | MIA | @ WSN |
| Andrew Abbott | @ NYY | COL | MIA | @ ATL |
| Frankie Montas | @ NYY | COL | MIA | @ ATL |
| Carson Spiers | DET | COL | @ WSN (OFF) | @ ATL |
| Hunter Greene | DET | COL | @ WSN | @ TBR (OFF) |
- Health issues continue to ail Nick Lodolo, who finds himself back on the IL. This time around it’s a blister, so hopefully it won’t be too long.
Brewers’ Expected Starters
| MIL | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryse Wilson | @ COL | @ LAD | WSN | @ CHC |
| Dallas Keuchel | @ COL | @ LAD | WSN | @ CHC |
| Colin Rea | @ COL | PIT (OFF) | WSN | @ CHC |
| Tobias Myers | @ COL | PIT | @ MIN (ASB) | MIA (OFF) |
| Freddy Peralta | @ LAD | PIT | @ MIN | MIA |
- Dallas Keuchel made his season debut against Texas throwing 4 innings and giving up 5 ER.
Pirates’ Expected Starters
| PIT | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jared Jones | STL (OFF) | NYM | @ CWS | PHI |
| Mitch Keller | STL | NYM | @ CWS | STL |
| Martin Pérez | STL | @ MIL | @ CWS | STL |
| Paul Skenes | NYM | @ MIL | PHI (ASB) | STL |
| Bailey Falter | NYM | @ MIL | PHI | @ ARI (OFF) |
- Jared Jones bounced back from arguably his worst start of the year where he gave up 6 ER to throw 7 innings of 2-run ball while striking out 8 against the Rays.
Cardinals’ Expected Starters
| STL | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lance Lynn | @ PIT (OFF) | @ WSN | CHC | @ ATL |
| Kyle Gibson | @ PIT | @ WSN | CHC | @ PIT |
| Andre Pallante | @ PIT | KCR | CHC | @ PIT |
| Miles Mikolas | @ WSN | KCR | @ ATL (ASB) | @ PIT |
| Sonny Gray | @ WSN | CHC | @ ATL | @ WSN |
- With Steven Matz heading to the 60-day IL, St. Louis selected the contract of prospect Gordon Graceffo, who may factor into this starting rotation.
NL West
DBacks’ Expected Starters
| ARI | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryne Nelson | @ LAD (OFF) | @ SDP | TOR | @ CHC |
| Jordan Montgomery | @ LAD | ATL | TOR | @ KCR |
| Slade Cecconi | @ LAD | ATL | TOR | @ KCR |
| Zac Gallen | @ SDP | ATL | @ CHC (ASB) | @ KCR |
| Brandon Pfaadt | @ SDP | ATL | @ CHC | PIT (OFF) |
- The DBacks rotation is about to go through quite a rough stretch of opponents. Be wary of this group over the next few series.
Rockies’ Expected Starters
| COL | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Gomber | MIL | KCR | @ NYM | BOS |
| Ryan Feltner | MIL | @ CIN | @ NYM | BOS |
| Dakota Hudson | MIL | @ CIN | SFG (ASB) | @ SFG (OFF) |
| Cal Quantrill | MIL | @ CIN | SFG | @ SFG (DH) |
| Germán Márquez | KCR | @ CIN | SFG | @ SFG (DH) |
| Kyle Freeland | KCR | @ NYM | BOS | @ SFG |
- Note: Coors Field is where balls go to fly a long way. If the Rockies are at home, then their pitchers will bear the brunt of that from a value standpoint.
- Germán Márquez is nearing the end of his rehab. Our projections have him back this week, but keep an eye on the news.
Dodgers’ Expected Starters
| LAD | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bobby Miller | ARI (OFF) | @ PHI (OFF) | BOS (ASB) | SFG |
| Gavin Stone | ARI | @ PHI | BOS | @ HOU |
| Landon Knack | ARI | @ PHI | BOS | @ HOU |
| Walker Buehler | MIL | @ DET | SFG | @ HOU |
| Tyler Glasnow | MIL | @ DET | SFG | @ SDP (OFF) |
| James Paxton | MIL | @ DET | SFG | @ SDP |
- Landon Knack earned his spot back in the rotation. Since rejoining the Dodgers he’s tossed 9.2 innings and given up 1 run while striking out 9.
Padres’ Expected Starters
| SDP | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yu Darvish | @ TEX (OFF) | ARI | ATL | @ WSN |
| Dylan Cease | @ TEX | SEA (OFF) | @ CLE (ASB) | @ WSN |
| Randy Vasquez | @ TEX | SEA | @ CLE | @ BAL |
| Michael King | ARI | ATL (OFF) | @ CLE | @ BAL |
| Matt Waldron | ARI | ATL | @ WSN (OFF) | @ BAL |
- This week the Padres rotation is set to face the reigning World Series champions and also the runner-ups. Fortunately for the Padres, those offenses have fallen off a little bit from last season.
Giants’ Expected Starters
| SFG | First Start | Second Start | Third Start | Fourth Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Hicks | @ ATL (OFF) | @ CLE | MIN | @ LAD |
| Logan Webb | @ ATL | TOR (OFF) | MIN | @ LAD |
| Blake Snell | @ ATL | TOR | @ COL (ASB) | @ LAD |
| Spencer Howard | @ CLE | TOR | @ COL | @ LAD |
| Hayden Birdsong | @ CLE | MIN | @ COL | COL |
- Hayden Birdsong enters the league with plenty of hype. His coaches have compared him to Justin Verlander, a lofty comparison. He debuted going 4.2 innings against the Cubs while striking out 5 and allowing 3 ER.