Two-Start Pitchers to Watch: Yankees’ Will Warren of the New York Yankees and Astros’ Lance McCullers Jr. of the Houston Astros
Warren (Yankees): A Streamable Arm in a Favorable Setup
Matchups: vs. Los Angeles Angels, at Baltimore Orioles
Fantasy Tier: Streamable in 12+ team leagues
Betting Edge: Unders & First 5-Inning wagers
The Yankees finally get a 7-game week, and with that, Warren steps into a valuable role — even if just temporarily. His two-start stretch kicks off at home against the Angels, then wraps up on the road against the Orioles, a club that’s been above average offensively but inconsistent lately.
Warren isn’t flashy — think “five and dive" — but he benefits from the Yankees’ strong defense, potent lineup support, and a soft matchup against an Angels lineup devoid of star power. His 2025 ERA sits around 4.20 with a modest 20% K rate, but he induces weak contact and has held righties to a .220 average this season.
Betting Insight:
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Start 1 vs. Angels:
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First 5 Under is worth targeting if Warren keeps early innings clean and avoids Trout-less damage.
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Yankees Moneyline is likely in the -170 range — fair for a bet if they’re scoring early.
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Start 2 at Baltimore:
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Lean caution. Yankee Stadium is tough on mid-tier arms.
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Look to Live Bet Overs if he allows baserunners early.
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Fantasy Verdict:
Start Warren in any format with wins or innings as categories, especially in deeper leagues. You’ll get the Angels start and can reevaluate before Baltimore.
Lance McCullers Jr. (Astros): High Ceiling, High Risk in Rare 2-Start Week
Matchups: vs. Athletics, vs. Angels
Fantasy Tier: Risk/Reward SP4
Betting Edge: Fade if control wavers; Target Astros Run Lines
After years of injuries and innings caps, McCullers Jr. finally gets a two-start week — and it’s a soft landing. Houston faces the Athletics followed by the Angels, both bottom-five teams in runs scored.
Still, McCullers remains volatile. He hasn’t pitched past the sixth inning in any start this season and owns a WHIP north of 1.40, making him vulnerable to crooked innings. That said, the matchups are too good to ignore. If he can limit walks, a pair of 5-inning, 2-run outings is well within reach.
Betting Insight:
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Start 1 vs. A’s (Monday):
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Under 8.5 Runs worth exploring with Houston’s bullpen rested.
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Astros -1.5 Run Line is playable in parlay legs given the A’s punchless offense.
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Start 2 vs. Angels:
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Wait for lineups — if the Angels rest key players, hit McCullers Over 4.5 Ks.
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Caution: Avoid Pitcher Win Props — he may not go 5+ innings in both starts.
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Fantasy Verdict:
McCullers is a boom-or-bust play this week. If you have safer one-start options with elite matchups (e.g., pitchers vs. Washington Nationals, Chicago White Sox), weigh your roster construction. But in head-to-head leagues or points formats, he’s likely too good to bench with two favorable home starts.
Betting Takeaways: Where’s the Value?
| Pitcher | Matchup 1 | Matchup 2 | Best Bet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warren | vs. LAA | at BAL | First 5 Under (vs. LAA) |
| McCullers Jr. | vs. OAK | vs. LAA | Astros -1.5 RL (vs. OAK) |
Final Word: Start ‘Em, Watch ‘Em, Hedge ‘Em
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Warren offers low-risk upside with two manageable outings. He’s the kind of “volume arm” you want in a full slate.
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McCullers Jr. is the definition of a “pray you don’t get burned” two-start pitcher. Great spot, scary floor.
In fantasy, two starts usually means “green light.” But in betting, the real edge is understanding how each matchup affects totals, run support, and strikeout potential.
