With the 2025 MLB season heating up, fantasy baseball managers have their eyes set on the upcoming week’s two-start pitchers, a crucial aspect to gaining an edge in leagues. Names like Tarik Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young winner, return to the mound, and he's expected to shine against the Brewers and Royals. Other notable mentions include Framber Valdez of the Astros, boasting a solid 2.50 ERA, and the Yankees' Max Fried, who has impressed with his early performance.

On the flip side, there are pitchers like Tanner Houck and Carlos Carrasco, whose recent struggles raise doubts about their effectiveness despite matchups that could work in their favor. Fantasy managers will need to weigh the risks associated with their limited track records against the potential upside in favorable situations. Additionally, emerging arms like Jesus Luzardo and Paul Skenes are making waves, with Luzardo potentially being the top overall option this week. Understanding these dynamics will be essential for managers looking to maximize their pitching rotation in the crucial weeks ahead.

In a marathon matchup between the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves, Marcell Ozuna delivered a walk-off home run late into the night, giving the Braves a 4-2 victory. The game was delayed by nearly three hours due to heavy rain but resumed with the score tied at 1-1. Johan Rojas’s bases-loaded walk pushed the Phillies ahead in the 11th until Joe Ross allowed Austin Riley's double, tying the game again. Ozuna's decisive hit capped an intense game where both teams showcased pitching depth.

Phillies' Jesús Luzardo had a solid outing, striking out six batters, while Kyle Schwarber's home run briefly leveled the game. However, the Phillies struggled offensively, with Alec Bohm hitting into crucial outs and Nick Castellanos striking out five times. Despite the offensive woes, the bullpen showed promise, particularly Jordan Romano, whose fastball velocity increased significantly. Manager Rob Thomson expressed confidence in the bullpen's performance despite the disappointing game outcome.

As the 2025 MLB season unfolds, veteran pitchers are making headlines with impressive early performances. Brady Singer, now with the Cincinnati Reds, has transformed his game with a new pitch mix, achieving a 30.6% strikeout rate while abandoning his less effective pitches. His cutter's introduction has created a new dynamic on the mound. Meanwhile, Nathan Eovaldi of the Texas Rangers is also thriving, boasting a stunning 2.29 ERA and a career-high strikeout rate, largely due to an increased curveball usage. Likewise, Martin Perez has started strong for the Chicago White Sox, although his low ERA may not be sustainable due to regression factors. Kyle Freeland of the Rockies has added a sweeper to his arsenal, leading to improved ground ball rates, while Jesús Luzardo has captivated fans with an incredible strikeout percentage, thanks to a similar pitch adaptation. Fantasy players must keep an eye on these evolving talents as they navigate the season.

The MLB season's early weeks serve as a predictive window for pitching performance, often revealing breakout talents. A year ago, Garrett Crochet and Tarik Skubal showcased their potential with impressive ERAs and strikeout rates, foreshadowing their eventual successes. As fantasy managers, it's crucial to analyze these small samples closely, balancing skepticism with the potential for significant gains.

Identifying pitchers to target is essential, as five players in particular are emerging as key assets this season. Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves, despite workload concerns post-Tommy John surgery, is proving to be a Cy Young contender with a refined pitching repertoire. Cristopher Sanchez of the Phillies is another standout, showing a remarkable increase in sinker velocity and command. Meanwhile, MacKenzie Gore is leveraging secondary pitches effectively to improve his strikeout rates.

Casey Mize and Jesús Luzardo present intriguing opportunities as well; Mize is enhancing his game with a revamped splitter, while Luzardo, despite injury history, is showcasing elite fastball velocity. Managing these pitchers carefully can result in significant fantasy rewards as the season progresses.

The latest analysis of fantasy baseball risers and fallers for Week 2 of the 2025 season reveals some intriguing trends. Tommy Edman of the Los Angeles Dodgers is on the rise, showcasing impressive power with five home runs and a .256 average. His improved hard-hit rate suggests the potential for continued success in a strong lineup. Victor Scott II from the St. Louis Cardinals also stands out, hitting .308 with four stolen bases, combining speed and average effectively. In pitching, Luke Jackson has emerged as the Rangers' closer, converting all save opportunities despite a shaky start, while Jesús Luzardo is making waves with a sub-2.00 ERA and an impressive strikeout rate for the Phillies.

However, not all are thriving. Triston Casas of the Boston Red Sox is struggling with a .194 average and high strikeout rate, indicating a need for adjustment. Austin Riley's slow start with Atlanta raises eyebrows, but historical patterns suggest he may bounce back. Justin Steele of the Cubs is facing challenges with a bloated ERA, largely due to home run issues, while Bryce Miller's struggles in Seattle present dilemmas for fantasy managers. The fluctuating performances highlight the importance of monitoring trends and making informed decisions as the season progresses.