Outlook Chase Burns
Chase Burns dominates on the mound as a high-strikeout anchor for the Reds pitching staff
The 35-38 Reds are relying heavily on Chase Burns, who has allowed two or fewer runs in 11 consecutive starts. Over the last 30 days, the young righty has compiled a 2.32 ERA and 40 strikeouts over 27.2 innings. Despite team injuries to Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Greene, Burns remains a crucial anchor for the pitching staff.
Burns's recent surge is backed by a monstrous 13.24 K/9 over the last month, matching his dominant 2.04 season ERA. While our season model expects some minor regression toward a 3.66 ERA and 1.18 WHIP, his elite fastball-slider combination and high-whiff profile make him a highly sustainable front-line fantasy asset.
As a two-start option this week, Burns already earned a win on June 15 against the Mets and is lined up for a June 21 road matchup against the first-place Yankees. He faces a challenging draw against Gerrit Cole, but Burns's elite stuff makes him matchup-proof. Run him out there as an absolute Start.
Updated 2 days ago
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Outlook Stephen Kolek
Stephen Kolek's Stellar Run Makes Him a Reliable Option for the Injured Royals
Stephen Kolek is on an absolute tear, posting a microscopic 0.74 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over his last 14 days, including a spectacular shutout win on June 14. This hot streak is a massive boost for the fifth-place Royals, who currently sit at 30-45 in the AL Central and have seen their rotation decimated by injuries to Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans. With those arms sidelined, Kolek has confidently secured his place as the number four starter in the rotation.
While Kolek's outstanding 1.90 ERA over the last 30 days is eye-catching, some regression is expected back toward his career baseline, as our season projection forecasts a 4.28 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. However, his strong 2026 campaign with a 2.73 ERA and 1.05 WHIP through 49.4 innings is supported by vastly improved command, evidenced by just 10 walks on the year. This suggests his step forward is legitimate rather than a fluke.
Looking at the week ahead, Kolek is scheduled for a single home start on June 21 against the Cardinals and their starter Dustin May, who carries a 3.75 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. Given his current momentum and excellent command, Kolek is a highly viable option to deploy in all standard formats. Verdict: Start.
Updated 2 days ago
