Boyd could come up big this week

Week 16 is the last full week of games before the All-Star break. It contains a packed schedule, meaning there are a lot of projected two-start pitchers. Let’s highlight five of them and discuss what their matchups could mean for their fantasy production.

Shane McClanahan, Tampa Bay Rays: vs. NYY, vs. SEA

After having not pitched in the majors since 2023 because of injuries, McClanahan has thrown 79 2/3 innings this year. At some point, the Rays could look to limit his workload. Even in 2023, he only threw 115 innings. While that might be a concern down the road, he is pitching well right now. In addition to his 1.17 WHIP, he has allowed just 0.7 HR/9. The only real negative is that his 23.2% strikeout rate is on pace to be the lowest mark of his career.

First up next week for McClanahan is the Yankees, who are in a massive funk at the plate because of injuries. Over the last 30 days, they have the fifth-worst OPS in baseball. For the season, they have the sixth-highest strikeout rate. The Mariners have struggled for most of the season, ranking 25th in OPS. Look for McClanahan to continue to shine.

Kevin Gausman, Toronto Blue Jays: at SF, at SD

After two bad starts, Gausman rebounded to limit the Mets to one run over six innings on Tuesday. He also had seven strikeouts, giving him 100 over 101 innings for the season. His 4.19 ERA is on pace to be his highest mark since 2019, but there are reasons to be encouraged. He has a 3.76 xERA, which is in line with the 3.73 xERA that he recorded last season when he finished with a 3.59 ERA. His 8.5% barrel rate allowed and 39.8% hard-hit rate allowed are also in line with his career production in both departments.

Two favorable pitching environments are upcoming for Gausman next week. Per Baseball Savant, Oracle Park ranks 22nd in Park Factor, while Petco Park is 26th. The Giants only have a .701 OPS at home, compared to a .744 OPS on the road. The Padres have a home OPS of .651, versus a .701 OPS on the road. Be sure to lock Gausman into your fantasy starting lineup.

Payton Tolle, Boston Red Sox: at CWS, at NYM

There have been plenty of disappointments on the way to the Red Sox falling into last place in the AL East. However, Tolle hasn’t been one of them. The young lefty is getting his first opportunity to be a regular starter in the majors and he has come through with a 3.39 ERA over 74 1/3 innings. His xERA is even better at 3.18, while his WHIP sits at 1.12. Opponents are hitting .169 against his four seamer, which he throws 48.4% of the time. Although he only throws his curveball 7.7% of the time, it has a 45.7% whiff rate. Opponents are batting .172 against it.

The White Sox have the fifth-highest strikeout rate in baseball, so Tolle could thrive in that department during his first start next week. Then he will face the Mets, who have a team OPS of just .673. Although he gave up six runs over three innings to the Nationals in his last start, there’s no reason to consider sitting Tolle for Week 16.

Matthew Boyd, Chicago Cubs: at BAL, at CIN

Injuries have plagued the Cubs starting rotation for much of the season. Boyd has been no exception, making just seven starts. Over two appearances since being activated from the injured list, he has given up three runs and recorded six strikeouts over 9 2/3 innings. He did not surpass 76 pitches in either outing, so the Cubs might be easing him back into action.

Boyd is coming off an excellent 2025 campaign in which he recorded a 3.75 xERA and a 1.09 WHIP. He hasn’t finished with an xERA above 4.19 since 2020. As he works off the rust, his season numbers have the potential to improve significantly. Not only is Boyd worth considering for his two starts next week, but he’s someone to consider adding and holding onto for the long haul.

Taj Bradley, Minnesota Twins: vs. CLE, vs. LAA

Bradley has 22 strikeouts over 17 innings in his last three starts. During that span, he only gave up 10 hits and five runs. His 3.86 ERA and 3.95 xERA for the season are both on pace to be the best marks of his career. Part of his success can be attributed to his 26.9% strikeout rate, which is up from 21.0% last season.

Two favorable matchups await Bradley next week. The Guardians continue to play without Jose Ramirez (hand), who has been out since the middle of June. They have scored the fifth-fewest runs and have the third-worst OPS in baseball this season. The Angels have the second-highest strikeout rate and rank 20th in OPS. There is plenty of upside that comes with deploying Bradley in fantasy for Week 16.

Mike Barner has been covering fantasy sports since 2007. His work has appeared in Sports Illustrated, Yahoo, SportsLine and RotoWire. Mike was also a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.