Fantasy Baseball Pitcher Recommendations for the Upcoming Sunday Slate

ESPN’s fantasy baseball analysts highlight three starting pitchers as viable options for Sunday’s MLB games, focusing on quality-start potential and strikeout upside. Kyle Leahy (St. Louis Cardinals) is praised for his recent consistency, with half of his last six outings classified as quality starts, including his most recent performance. The Cardinals will face the Cincinnati Reds, whose offense ranks below average against right-handers and posts a low walk rate, suggesting Leahy could work deep into the game.

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Ronel Blanco (Houston Astros) is presented as a high-strikeout streaming choice. In his second start of the season against the Chicago White Sox, Blanco recorded eight strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings during his 2026 debut and has maintained an average of just over one strikeout per inning across 278 2/3 career innings. The White Sox rank seventh-highest in strikeouts versus right-handed batters, reinforcing Blanco’s upside.

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Shane Baz (Baltimore Orioles) rounds out the list as a third option, despite a tougher matchup. Baz has delivered three quality starts in his last four outings, tallying 24 strikeouts over 23 2/3 innings. However, the Orioles will host the Atlanta Braves, who feature power hitter Ronald Acuña Jr., making Baz a riskier pick for fantasy points.

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The advice is tailored to ESPN’s standard-scoring, 10-team fantasy leagues. ESPN provides a suite of tools—including pitcher depth charts, a starter-selection guide, and a 2026 draft handbook—to help managers navigate daily lineups and respond to breaking news that could affect player performance.

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• Kyle Leahy — Cardinals right-hander; recent quality-start rate 50% of last six games.

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• Ronel Blanco — Astros right-hander; career strikeout rate >1 K per inning over 278 2/3 frames.

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• Shane Baz — Orioles right-hander; three quality starts in four outings, 24 K in 23 2/3 IP.

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• Reds’ offense: below-average against right-handers, low walk rate.

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• White Sox: seventh-highest strikeout rate versus right-handed hitters.

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• Baz’s recent strikeout production: 24 K in 23 2/3 IP (?1.02 K/IP).

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For managers seeking to maximize points on the final day of the fantasy period, selecting a pitcher with a strong quality-start probability and favorable matchup can be decisive. Leahy offers a low-risk option against a weak offense, Blanco provides high strikeout upside against a strikeout-prone lineup, and Baz presents a higher-risk, higher-reward scenario against a potent Braves lineup. ESPN’s guidance aims to help fantasy owners balance these factors when finalizing their Sunday rosters.

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