Thursday MLB Showdown: Expert Picks, Betting Insights & Fantasy Baseball Must-Start Players
Get expert analysis on Thursday's MLB slate, including top streaming pitchers, DFS targets, and betting value plays powered by THE BAT X projections.
Starting Pitcher Rankings & Analysis
Top Tier Arms:
- Spencer Schwellenbach (RHP, PHI) leads Thursday's slate with 11.3 FPTS projection. The Braves' lineup presents a tough test, but his 53% win probability and 5.8 IP forecast make him a viable DFS anchor.
- Jesus Luzardo (LHP, @ATL) vs. Philadelphia's lefty-mashing lineup is risky (47% W%), but his swing-and-miss stuff (6.3 projected Ks) offers GPP upside.
Streaming Gold:
- Gavin Williams (RHP, CLE) vs. White Sox:
- Cold weather (40°F) boosts pitcher advantage
- CHW ranks 28th in wRC+ vs. RHP (83)
- Key Stat: 21 K in 12.1 spring training IP
- Jose Soriano (RHP, LAA) faces TB's anemic offense (4.9 projected Ks) despite Rays' low whiff rate (18.3%, 4th lowest).
Hitting Highlights
| Coors Field Stack: | Player | Position | Key Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brenton Doyle | OF | .382 xwOCO vs. RHP (last 15 GP) | |
| Brice Turang | 2B | 6 SB in May, .315 AVG vs. sinkers |
Ballpark Boost: Fenway Park's 1.18 run factor (2nd highest) makes Red Sox lefties (Rafael Devers, Jarren Duran) premium plays vs. Chris Bassitt (5.7 IP, 3.4 ER proj).
Betting Edge (via THE BAT X)
Top EV Plays:
- MIN/TB UNDER 8.5 (+100): 58% hit rate in sub-50°F games (projected: 44°F)
- Carlos Santana (CLE) 2+ TB (+210): Faces Jonathan Cannon (.387 xwOBA vs. lefties)
Weather Watch
- CLE/CHW: 60% rain chance (monitor for delays)
- DET/KC: 12mph crosswinds favor pitchers
Updated 30 mins before first pitch - Always check @ESPNFantasy for late scratches
Toronto FC
07:30 USA, MLS
07:30
FC Cincinnati
Philadelphia Union
07:30 USA, MLS
07:30
Los Angeles Galaxy
Orlando City SC
07:30 USA, MLS
07:30
Charlotte FC
CF Montréal
07:30 USA, MLS
07:30
Columbus Crew
DC United
07:30 USA, MLS
07:30
New York City FC
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