This past week in the Majors saw the season debuts for several notable starting pitcher rookies. And you might not be shocked to know that two from that pool are on this week’s fantasy baseball waiver wire target list. Plus, two relievers have picked up saves left and right over the last few days.

Best Week 5 pitchers to target

• RP Bryan Baker (Rays)
• SP Nick Martinez (Rays)
• SP JR Ritchie (Braves)
• SP Payton Tolle (Red Sox)
• RP Louis Varland (Blue Jays)

I will be honest: there are not many great two-start options available this week. Much of this is because the most valuable ones are guys not readily available. So, we’ll make the best of what we’re working with and go with some general options.

Payton Tolle had a loud season debut this past week against the Yankees. The Red Sox left-hander struck out 11 batters from New York on April 23, and also picked up a swing-and-miss rate of 40.9%.

Granted, whiff rate is not the be-all, end-all when it comes to pitchers. We mention that number a lot, and it is an important stat, especially when it comes to strikeout potential. However, command and execution matter, as well.

That will be something to watch with Tolle as he continues as a Major Leaguer. But if he pitches the way that he did last week against the Yankees, he’s a keeper.

Nick Martinez will get the Guardians on the road and, likely, the Giants at home this upcoming weekend. Martinez is a pitcher who’s proven to be valuable in fantasy if you choose when to stream him wisely. The veteran isn’t a plus strikeout pitcher but can suppress well-hit contact. Plus, the changeup (42.9% Whiff% over the last 10 days) is still a weapon.

The last starter listed here is JR Ritchie, who will make his first home start against the Tigers this upcoming week. The Braves are hot, and Ritchie pitched very well in his MLB debut.

We’ll also touch on two relievers who should be owned in all formats: Bryan Baker & Louis Varland.

Baker, acquired from the Orioles last year, pitched very well last season in Baltimore before Tampa Bay acquired him to bolster the bullpen. There were some hiccups with him last season as a Ray. But now, he’s turned into the Rays’ top high-leverage arm.

His four saves are tied with Seranthony Dominguez, Kenley Jansen, and Andres Munoz for second-most over the last two weeks. And overall, he has six. With Edwin Uceta shut down for weeks, Baker should be the top guy so long as he holds onto the role.

As for Varland, he picked up his third save of 2026 on April 26, his second save in as many days. The hard-throwing righty has taken over for Jeff Hoffman, who sputtered early on in the year.

Overview of Week 4

Week 4 was a great week to take our fantasy advice.

Justin Wrobleski could not have had a cleaner week. Two wins, nine strikeouts, and a .69 ERA over 13 innings over the last week. It’s been tough for teams, in general, to manufacture offense against him.

Spencer Arrighetti also picked up two wins, as he shut down both the Guardians on the road and the Yankees at home. If he’s still available, grab him.

Michael McGreevy deserved better after a strong outing against the Mariners on the 26th.

Check out more of our fantasy baseball coverage.