deGrom can rebound this week

We'll reach July during Week 15, meaning the All-Star break is right around the corner. Still, we have a packed schedule to enjoy right now, leaving us with a bevy of projected two-start pitchers. Let's highlight five of them and discuss what their matchups might mean for their fantasy returns.

Jacob deGrom, Texas Rangers: at CLE, vs. DET

After a rough outing against the Padres, deGrom bounced back to allow two runs over six innings against the Marlins in his last outing. That was the fifth time over his last six starts that he allowed two or fewer runs. While he's not the pitcher that he was in his prime, he has a 3.55 ERA that is backed by a 3.48 xERA. He also has a 1.03 WHIP to go along with his 29.9% strikeout rate.

Two great matchups are on the horizon for deGrom in Week 15. The Guardians have scored the third-fewest runs in baseball, while the Tigers have scored the fifth-fewest. Detroit also has the ninth-highest strikeout rate. When deGrom faced the Guardians earlier this season, he had six strikeouts over six scoreless innings. There is the potential for him to produce two stellar stat lines next week.

Parker Messick, Cleveland Guardians: vs. TEX, vs. CWS

For the first time in his career, Messick reached double-digit strikeouts in a game when he punched out 10 members of the White Sox over 7 2/3 innings. After posting a 1.31 WHIP over seven starts last year, the young lefty has used his 1.05 WHIP this year to produce a 2.67 ERA. His strikeout rate checks in at 27.2%, thanks to his four-seamer, changeup and cutter all having whiff rates of at least 31.0%.

First up for Messick next week is the Rangers, who have scored the fourth-fewest runs in baseball. They also have just a .689 OPS against left-handed pitchers. He will then face the White Sox again, who he just thrived against and who are still missing star slugger Munetaka Murakami (hamstring). They also have the third-highest strikeout rate in the majors. Both teams could have difficulties putting runs on the board versus Messick.

Trey Yesavage, Toronto Blue Jays: vs. NYM, at SEA

A lack of control has been a problem for Yesavage. In his last start, he walked five batters over 5 2/3 innings against the Astros. Over his last five starts, he issued a total of 20 walks. Still, he has managed to produce a 3.56 ERA and 2.91 xERA for the season. He has only allowed 0.7 HR/9 and has limited hitters to a 4.4% barrel rate. Across 60 2/3 innings, he has only permitted 41 hits.

The Mets continue to be one of the biggest disappointments in baseball, largely because they have the second-worst OPS. The Mariners haven't been much better, posting the fourth-worst OPS. Two more stats that should benefit Yesavage are that the Mariners are 14th in walk rate, while the Mets are 25th. If Yesavage can limit his free passes issued, he could provide significant fantasy value.

Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins: at COL, at ATH

Alcantara has given the Marlins length, logging at least six innings in eight of his last nine starts. The one time he didn't during that span, he pitched 5 2/3 innings. However, he hasn't exactly stood out in fantasy with a 4.01 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 17.6% strikeout rate. Most of his success has come at home, where he has a 1.10 WHIP. On the road, his WHIP stands at 1.40.

Not only will Alcantara be on the road for both starts next week, but he will pitch in two of the most hitter-friendly stadiums. The Athletics have the highest home OPS in baseball, while the Rockies have the eighth-highest home OPS. This is a week to keep Alcantara anchored to your bench.

Nick Lodolo, Cincinnati Reds: at MIL, vs. BAL

Lodolo was hit on the left wrist by a comebacker in his last start. The good news is that X-rays came back negative, leaving him on track to make his next start. Before suffering the injury, he was having one of his best outings of the season, posting six strikeouts over four scoreless innings. Even with that factored in, though, he has a 5.59 ERA and an even worse 6.06 xERA. His 18.0% strikeout rate is by far the lowest mark of his career, while his WHIP is a bloated 1.52.

Even if Lodolo wasn't pitching so poorly, these are not two matchups to feel good about. The Brewers have scored the fourth-most runs in the majors and the Orioles have scored the ninth-most. The Brewers also have a much higher OPS at home (.746) than they do on the road (.712). Even in deeper formats, this is a week to stay away from Lodolo in fantasy.

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.