Check out all of our beginning pitcher rankings and different lineup choice instruments right here to make it easier to make good fantasy baseball lineup selections. All fantasy advice is geared towards ESPN 10-team leagues with standard scoring.
Note: All info is correct as of the time of publication. For updates, in addition to any breaking information which may impression at present’s MLB slate, be certain to take a look at the most recent fantasy baseball buzz.
Other assets: RP depth chart | Start new league
ESPN’s 2026 Draft Guide | Betting notes for Friday
Pitchers to stream on Friday
It’s the third day of the season, however Mike Burrows‘ debut for the Houston Astros towards the Los Angeles Angels would be the high streaming alternative all season. Perhaps that is hyperbole, however Burrows slid below the radar in all however 12.6% of ESPN leagues. The Astros focused Burrows in a commerce with the Pittsburgh Pirates and with their status for creating pitching — particularly hurlers who can spin the ball — Burrows instantly turned intriguing. He allowed solely three earned runs over 18 spring innings, securing the No. 3 spot within the Astros rotation. He’ll open at dwelling towards what portends to be one of many worst offenses within the majors.
There are solely 4 different starters who’re below-50% rostered. None are them are engaging, so let’s take some liberty with that threshold and spotlight Sandy Alcantara, as he is nonetheless obtainable in one-quarter of ESPN leagues. The Miami Marlins host the Colorado Rockies. Alcantara added a sweeper within the spring, He throws it slower than his slider, giving batters one thing else to fear about as he continues to evolve into extra of a “pitcher” than a “thrower.” The Rockies lineup would not sport the standard thump, however they seem to be focusing extra on gamers who can each put the bat on the ball and play protection. Alcantara’s management ought to flourish towards that sort of offense in loanDepot Park.
Pitchers to keep away from on Friday
Early within the season, avoiding pitchers who aren’t absolutely stretched out will be an environment friendly use of a begins restrict. One such instance is Emmet Sheehan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who takes the hill at dwelling towards the Arizona Diamondbacks. Sheehan managed solely 10⅔ spring innings, fanning simply 11 alongside a whopping six walks.
Hitters to stream on Friday
With solely eight video games on the ledger, most fantasy lineups may have some holes. Miami is a good place to look, with the Marlins lineup going through Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland. Even away from Coors, Freeland has been ineffective. Plus, Miami has some sneaky choices with the platoon edge, together with Heriberto Hernandez, Christopher Morel, Connor Norby and Austin Slater. All 4 are at present obtainable in practically each ESPN league.
