With Monday in the books and the week heating up, it’s time to lock in your starting pitcher strategy for the next seven days. The slate features some elite arms with multiple starts on the horizon, and the fantasy upside varies dramatically depending on your risk tolerance. Below, I’ve ranked the top six pitchers by their cumulative 7-day fantasy point projections, breaking them into tiers to help you make smart roster decisions before the week gets away from you.
Must-Start Aces
Cam Schlittler from the Yankees is your clear-cut top target this week, commanding 45.60 projected fantasy points over the next seven days. The right-hander’s remarkable 1.50 ERA and 81 strikeouts on the season paint the picture of a true ace, and his expected multiple starts should deliver both quality innings and dominant strikeout production. Even against tough competition, Schlittler’s elite control and stuff make him a must-roster arm heading into this stretch.
Kyle Harrison of the Brewers slots in as your second-best option with 45.70 projected fantasy points, riding an exceptional 1.57 ERA and 61 strikeouts through his campaign. The lefty’s combination of exceptional ERA and high strikeout potential over the next seven days makes him nearly lockproof for fantasy lineups. Harrison’s pedigree and Brewers’ run suggests he’ll be a consistent source of quality starts this week.
Logan Gilbert from the Mariners rounds out the elite tier at 46.30 projected fantasy points, representing the week’s highest ceiling. While his 3.69 ERA is less pristine than Harrison or Schlittler, Gilbert’s 69 strikeouts demonstrate his ability to rack up the fantasy-friendly whiffs. The right-hander’s projected volume this week makes him an excellent safety play, and his strikeout upside could deliver league-winning numbers if the Mariners’ matchups favor him.
Strong Streamers
Kevin Gausman of the Blue Jays offers solid mid-tier production at 44.50 projected fantasy points over the next seven days. The right-hander’s 3.13 ERA and 66 strikeouts suggest a pitcher capable of delivering efficient, high-quality starts without the elite ceiling of the top trio. Gausman’s consistency makes him an excellent complementary arm to pair with a top-tier ace, and his projected volume should give you reliable fantasy contributions throughout the week.
Risky Upside Plays
Grayson Rodriguez of the Angels brings intrigue at 43.10 projected fantasy points, but comes with significant volatility. The right-hander’s bloated 7.53 ERA is a major red flag, though his minimal strikeout total of just 14 so far this season raises durability questions. Rodriguez presents a boom-or-bust scenario—his talent is undeniable, but his current form suggests waiting for more consistency before committing significant roster capital this week.
Connelly Early of the Red Sox rounds out the slate at 43.00 projected fantasy points with a respectable 2.95 ERA and 57 strikeouts on his ledger. The lefty’s solid metrics make him a reasonable streaming option, though his lower projected volume this week compared to the top arms limits his ceiling. Early works best as a safety valve in deeper leagues or as part of a rotation-building strategy rather than a cornerstone piece of your fantasy week.