Fantasy Baseball Week 27: Gausman and Ray lead final two-start rankings

CBS Sports has released its final two-start pitcher rankings for Fantasy Baseball Week 27, covering the period from 21 to 27 September 2026. The publication highlights Kevin Gausman and Robbie Ray as the primary options for fantasy managers looking to stream pitchers during the final stretch of the season.

However, the preview issues a significant caution regarding the reliability of these rankings. As the Major League Baseball season enters its final week, teams are expected to adjust their rotations in preparation for the playoffs. This shift means that scheduled pitchers may not complete their second start, particularly on the final day of the regular season.

The analysis suggests that pitchers on teams with secured playoff spots are at the highest risk of losing their second start. If a club has already locked in its position prior to the final day, it may opt to rest a top hurler or utilise a bullpen game and spot starters instead. Consequently, the preview advises managers to be sceptical of any pitcher listed in the rankings actually completing two outings.

Specific pitchers flagged as high-risk for missing their second start include Zack Wheeler, Max Fried, and Cristian Javier. The list of cautionary names also extends to Nick Martinez, as well as the highlighted options of Gausman and Ray. The publication notes that while some of these pitchers will indeed make two starts, the uncertainty surrounding the final day of the season makes the rankings speculative rather than confirmed schedules.

For fantasy managers, the recommended strategy is to assess their comfort level with a pitcher making only one start. If a manager is not comfortable with the possibility of a single appearance, the preview suggests avoiding the pitcher entirely. Managers are advised to check back on Sunday for the latest updates as the slate for Week 27 is finalised.