Believe it or not, we are almost two months into the 2026 MLB season. For those who need a punch in the pitching department, there are several arms worth targeting this week. That list includes a reliever-turned-starter, as well as a Mets pitcher who bounced back nicely after a nightmare-ish MLB season debut in April.

Best Week 8 pitchers to target

• SP Spencer Arrighetti (Astros)
• SP Lucas Giolito (Padres)
• SP Griffin Jax (Rays)
• SP Michael McGreevy (Cardinals)
• SP Christian Scott (Mets)

It’s an all-starters edition of our pitcher waiver wire list, and I’ll start with a potential two-start pitcher.

One is Christian Scott, who has seen his value take a considerable jump over the past few weeks. Scott’s first start at the MLB level was one to forget, as he consistently missed to one side of the plate, walked five, and didn’t make it past the second. Since then, he returned to the Minors, rejoined the Mets rotation, and has been better.

Across three May starts, Scott posted a 3.14 ERA and struck out 19 over 14.1 IP. The right-hander has the tools to be a successful MLB starter, highlighted by a mid-90s fastball that can get on hitters and his sweeper.

He’s scheduled to get the Nationals and Marlins this week.

Michael McGreevy, next up on our list, is a pitcher’s pitcher. McGreevy doesn’t get a lot of swing-and-miss but excels as a pitcher who A) controls the zone well and B) gets outs. It’s not the prettiest — but effective, thanks to a deep arsenal that includes six pitches he’s used at least 10% this season.

His most recent start saw him give up just one run in six innings against the A’s. He’ll get the Pirates this week.

Griffin Jax, meanwhile, is now stretched out. Jax tossed five innings in his most recent outing against Toronto and is set to start against the Orioles on May 19.

Since the Rays acquired Jax in July 2025, this was something to watch. Jax had a starters’ arsenal in Minnesota but the Twins stuck with him as a reliever, where he excelled setting up Jhoan Duran after initial road bumps as a starter. He began 2026, again, as a reliever. But after injuries hit, Jax moved back into the rotation.

Jax gave up only two runs across nine innings in his last two outings. Only four strikeouts in that span but the upside is there.

Spencer Arrighetti came five outs shy of a no-hitter this past weekend in Texas, in what was another brilliant performance. He is a must-own pitcher.

Lastly, Lucas Giolito returned to the Majors and won in his 2026 MLB debut. Giolito walked three but only gave up one hit with three strikeouts against the Mariners.

The veteran pitcher isn’t a high-upside pitcher in terms of strikeouts. However, he’s one of those pitchers who can work in mixed leagues, simply because he can be tough to hit when he’s on. Plus, the Padres are a good team, which helps with win potential.

Overview of Week 7

For those who listened to our Week 7 advice and scooped up Michael Soroka, you’re welcome.

Soroka struck out 13 over 12 innings, posted a 1.50 ERA, and picked up two wins on the road. Not too shabby, whatsoever.

Connelly Early struck out six over five good innings this past week, while Eduardo Rodriguez conceded nine hits but struck out six against the Rockies this past week.

And for those who are debating on Jared Jones, hurry up and make a decision.

Check out more of our fantasy baseball coverage, including our hitter recommendations for Week 8.