McLean has been bright spot

Every team is scheduled to play at least six games during Week 22, meaning that we have a lot of projected two-start pitchers on the horizon. Some of them have great matchups, while others might be fighting an uphill battle to provide value in fantasy. Let's highlight five pitchers who are projected to start twice each and discuss what their matchups could mean for their stat lines.

Nolan McLean, New York Mets: vs. SD, at CWS
In what has been a disaster of a season for the Mets, McLean has been a model of consistency. He has made 24 starts, logging at least six innings in 15 of them. Along the way, he has posted a 3.42 ERA that is supported by a 3.60 xERA. His 28.0% strikeout rate is an asset for fantasy managers, and he has limited hitters to just a 35.8% hard-hit rate. Opponents have a .219 xBA against his sinker, which he throws 32.5% of the time. His curveball has a stellar 40.4% whiff rate.

McLean begins Week 22 with a favorable matchup at home against the Padres. The Padres have scored the 10th-fewest runs in baseball, and they only have a .705 OPS against right-handed pitchers. The White Sox have a more dangerous lineup, but they also have the sixth-highest strikeout rate in the majors. McLean still has the potential to provide two dominant performances.

Ranger Suarez, Boston Red Sox: vs. ARI, vs. SF
Suarez has not allowed more than three earned runs in any of his last 10 starts. In his first season with the Red Sox, he has a 3.25 ERA and a 3.58 xERA. As per usual, he has done a great job keeping hitters inside the ballpark, allowing 0.5 HR/9. For his career, he has allowed 0.8 HR/9. Although he usually doesn't miss a ton of bats, his 24.7% strikeout rate is certainly not a hindrance to fantasy managers. It's actually on pace to be the second-highest mark of his career.

The Diamondbacks are not an easy matchup, given their .790 OPS versus left-handed pitchers. However, it should help Suarez that the game will be played in Boston. The Diamondbacks have a .681 OPS on the road, versus a .742 OPS at home. The Giants have been awful versus lefties, recording a .664 OPS against them. There is still plenty of upside that comes with deploying Suarez in fantasy next week.

Jose Soriano, Toronto Blue Jays: at TB, at NYY
Soriano held the Red Sox in check Wednesday, allowing one run over six innings. That marked the fifth time over his last six starts that he gave up two or fewer runs. He has been a pleasant surprise this season with a 3.16 ERA, but his 4.51 xERA is a bit concerning. Still, he has made 24 starts, so it's not as if this is an unsustainable trend that he only produced over the first few turns through the rotation. One of the main reasons for his improvement has been lowering his WHIP from 1.40 last season to 1.25 this year. His 38.8% hard-hit rate allowed is also on pace to be the lowest mark of his career.

Soriano already faced the Rays once this season, logging five shutout innings against them while a member of the Angels. The Rays have a great record, but they are around the middle of the pack in terms of runs scored. The Yankees' lineup has been awful, posting a .641 OPS over the last 30 days. Even with his questionable xERA, these two matchups are no reason to bench Soriano in most formats.

Will Warren, New York Yankees: at BAL, vs. TOR
Warren didn't make it past four innings in his last start, allowing five runs and three home runs to the Mariners. It has been a rough finish to the season for the right-hander, who has a 6.35 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP over his last 39 2/3 innings. After posting a disappointing 1.37 WHIP last year, he has an even worse 1.41 WHIP this season. With the way he has pitched lately, he could be sent to the bullpen once Carlos Rodon (elbow) returns.

There is a chance that Warren doesn't make two starts next week with Rodon nearing his return to the majors. Even if Warren does, he might not be worth the risk in fantasy. In addition to his recent struggles, his 22.6% strikeout rate for the season doesn't leave him with a ton of upside. Not only might it be wise to bench Warren next week, but if he gets moved to the bullpen, he would be someone to drop in most fantasy leagues.

Nick Martinez, Tampa Bay Rays: vs. BAL, at BAL
Martinez is coming off a complete game against the Athletics in which he gave up four runs and had five strikeouts. The veteran has proven to be a key addition for the Rays, and he has even provided some fantasy value with his 2.74 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. The downside is his paltry 14.1% strikeout rate. That puts him more in the streaming category as opposed to a "set it and forget it" type starter.

Martinez will face the Orioles two times next week, setting up some intrigue. Baltimore weakened their lineup at the trade deadline, dealing away both Adley Rutschman and Taylor Ward. They also swing and miss a lot, posting the fourth-highest strikeout rate in baseball. Martinez isn't a slam-dunk streamer, but those who play in 12-team and deeper leagues should consider taking a shot on starting him.

Mike Barner has been covering fantasy sports since 2007. His work has appeared in Sports Illustrated, Yahoo, SportsLine and RotoWire. Mike was also a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.