Fantasy Baseball: Garrett Whitlock Shines with Two Favorable Matchups (Photo by Paul Rutherford/Getty Images)

Fantasy baseball managers have some tough decisions to make this week when it comes to their pitching staff, but one player who stands out as a must-start option is Garrett Whitlock. The Boston Red Sox pitcher has two favorable matchups on the schedule, making him a trustworthy option for fantasy managers in need of pitching help.

Whitlock, who is owned in 52% of fantasy leagues, will face the Cleveland Guardians and the Pittsburgh Pirates this week. Despite a slightly less dominant performance in his last two starts, Whitlock still boasts an impressive 1.26 ERA and has shown the ability to limit scoring. His matchup against the shallow Guardians lineup and the overachieving Pirates offense make him a strong play for the week.

In comparison, other two-start pitchers like Seth Lugo and Martín Pérez have more mixed results and tougher matchups ahead. Lugo, with a 43% ownership rate, has a strong matchup against the struggling Chicago White Sox but has struggled with his K:BB ratio. Pérez, owned in 33% of leagues, has a history of hot starts but may not be as reliable in the long run.

For fantasy managers looking for one-start streamers, there are several options to consider, including Michael Wacha, Jared Jones, and Logan Allen. These pitchers have favorable matchups and could provide a boost to fantasy teams in need of pitching help.

Overall, Whitlock stands out as a top option for fantasy managers this week, with two favorable matchups that make him a trustworthy starter. As fantasy baseball continues to heat up, managers will need to make smart decisions when it comes to their pitching staff, and Whitlock is a player who should be on their radar.