Outlook Trevor McDonald
Recent struggles cloud Trevor McDonald's fantasy appeal ahead of a favorable matchup in Miami.
Trevor McDonald has hit a rough patch, struggling to an 11.25 ERA and 2.81 WHIP over his last 3.2 innings, though he remains locked into the San Francisco rotation as their number four starter. The fourth-place Giants are riding a three-game win streak, and with rotation injuries to Tyler Mahle and Keaton Winn, McDonald's spot is secure.
While his 6.80 ERA over the last 30 days is alarming, our models project a more stable 4.43 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. The young righty boasts solid strikeout upside, but his recent walk rate suggests his current struggles are a classic case of rookie growing pains rather than a permanent regression.
McDonald has a single-start week scheduled on June 19th on the road against the Marlins. While Miami presents a relatively soft matchup, his extreme volatility and elevated WHIP make him a primary bench candidate this week. Verdict: Sit.
Updated 2 days ago
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Outlook Mitch Keller
Mitch Keller looks to stabilize ratios and secure mid-rotation value
Mitch Keller enters the 2026 campaign solidified as a mid-rotation staple for the Pirates, officially slotting in as the number two starter in the rotation behind sophomore sensation Paul Skenes. At 30 years old, Keller brings veteran stability to a young Pittsburgh rotation. He has proven durable throughout his career, throwing over 170 innings in each of his last three seasons. This reliability makes him a highly active asset for fantasy managers looking for volume, even if he occasionally experiences some performance volatility.
Our projections expect Keller to bounce back from last year's minor regression, forecasting a 4.24 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP over 176.0 projected innings. Keller's strikeout numbers should remain helpful but not elite, as our models project 110 strikeouts, translating to a moderate strikeout-to-walk ratio. While his career metrics suggest his ceiling is capped near a low-4.00 ERA, he is supported by a Pirates lineup that features some ascending bats, giving him decent opportunities to push for seven wins despite pitching in a highly competitive division.
Drafting near his ADP of 240, Keller represents a highly accessible depth starter who can anchor the back end of fantasy rotations. He is a relatively safe floor play who will provide valuable volume, though fantasy managers should be prepared for occasional ratio risk in tough matchups. Keller is best utilized as a matchup-dependent starter rather than an undisputed weekly option.
Updated 2 days ago
