Check out all of our starting pitcher rankings and other lineup selection tools here to help you make smart fantasy baseball lineup decisions. All fantasy advice is geared toward ESPN 10-team leagues with standard scoring.
Note: All information is accurate as of the time of publication. For updates, as well as any breaking news that might impact today's MLB slate, be sure to check out the latest fantasy baseball buzz.
Other resources: RP depth chart | 2026 Rankings
ESPN's 2026 Player Rater | Betting notes for Tuesday
Pitchers to stream on Tuesday
Over his first 21 appearances, Anthony Kay posted a 4.21 ERA with an 18.0% strikeout rate and 9.0% walk rate. Over his last five starts, he's recorded a 3.10 ERA, supported by a 19.2% strikeout rate and 4.1% walk rate. Fueling the improvement is a tweak in pitch mix, with Kay throwing more sweepers and sliders while backing off his four-seam fastball. Five games is a small sample, but outcomes are more trustworthy if accompanied by a tangible change in repertoire. The Chicago White Sox host the Texas Rangers, with both teams competing for the lead in their division. Kay faces a lineup that has struggled versus lefties over the past month, while carrying an elevated strikeout rate against southpaws all season.
Through his first 21 starts, Aaron Nola sported a bloated 5.82 ERA and 1.45 WHIP. However, he was victimized by a high .321 BABIP and 18.5% HR/FB rate. Over his last five outings, Nola's strikeout and walk rate improved and his BABIP and HR/FB rate regressed closer to league norm. His ERA in this recent span is 2.51 with a 1.29 WHIP. His 3.29 xFIP indicates some good fortune, but he's still an improved pitcher. Next up is a road tilt against the Seattle Mariners. Not only will Nola enjoy a significant park upgrade, but the Mariners also sport the ninth-lowest wOBA facing right-handers.
Ian Seymour has allowed five homers over his last two games, but he's also fanned 17 with just two walks over that 11-inning stretch. On tap is a road matchup with the Detroit Tigers, whose lineup checks in with the ninth-worst wOBA against southpaws.
Rookie Zac Thornton tied his career high with seven strikeouts in his last outing, but he also yielded multiple home runs for the first time in nine career starts. The long ball should not be a problem against the Milwaukee Brewers, especially at Citi Field with the visitors clubbing the fewest homers in the league. The Mets have quietly amassed the ninth-best record in MLB since the break.
Andrew Alvarez has surrendered only four homers in 80 innings; though he's served one up in each of his last two efforts. His 21.8% strikeout rate is palatable, but his 10.6% walk rate needs improvement, or he'll pay the price if his home run rate regresses. Number scouting is one thing; it's encouraging how many are impressed after watching Alvarez pitch. Combining the eye test with analytics is key to fantasy success. A home start against the Colorado Rockies should help the lefty continue his strong second half. He's recorded a 2.36 ERA and 1.01 WHIP over his last five starts.
Hitters to stream on Tuesday
Temperatures are a bit below normal in most locations, but not Sacramento, where it will be 90 degrees with the wind blowing out to center field when the Minnesota Twins visit the Athletics. Gage Jump has been effective on the road, but he's been hit hard at home in Sutter Health Park. The 23-year-old southpaw faces a Twins lineup that isn't especially powerful, but they put the ball in play and will benefit from the favorable conditions. Luke Keaschall, Ryan Jeffers, Josh Bell, Royce Lewis, Kody Clemens and Brooks Lee are all in play.