#Fantasy Baseball

When drafting Tampa Bay Rays players for a fantasy team I usually go by this principle: do I have to? Like in years past, the Rays have a core group of players that need to be drafted and started in all formats. Wander Franco (80 ADP), Tyler Glasnow (86), Shane McClanahan (33), Randy Arozarena (38), Jeffrey Springs (186), and Drew Rasmussen (187)…

The Philadelphia Phillies (11-11) and New York Mets (15-7) meet in the rubber match of their 3-game series on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball. First pitch is 7:08 p.m. ET at Citi Field. Let's analyze Tipico Sportsbook's lines around the Phillis vs. Mets odds with MLB picks and predictions. The Mets hold a 3-2 season series lead, having taken 2 of 3 in…

The Cincinnati Reds (7-24) travel to Pittsburgh to square off against the Pittsburgh Pirates (13-17) Thursday in the opener of a 4-game NL Central series. First pitch at PNC Park is slated for 6:35 p.m. ET. Let's analyze Tipico Sportsbook's lines around the Reds vs. Pirates odds with MLB picks and predictions. Season series: Reds lead 2-1 as teams…

The Cleveland Indians (26-20) and Detroit Tigers (18-30) meet Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. ET at Comerica Park. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Indians vs. Tigers odds with MLB picks and predictions. RHP Triston McKenzie is the projected starting pitcher for the Indians. McKenzie has appeared in 8 games this season, going 1-3 with a…

The 2022 season had its fair share of devastating injuries. Especially those who make a significant impact on the field. If we were to compose a list of every notable injury, things would get ugly. Now that we've mentioned injuries, which is quite a broad term, here are the most valuable players returning in 2023. Despite the season being months…

The Los Angeles Dodgers take on the Los Angeles Angels. Check out our MLB odds series for our Dodgers Angels prediction and pick. Clayton Kershaw goes to the hill for the Dodgers, while Patrick Sandoval takes the ball for the Angels. Clayton Kershaw has a 2.40 ERA. Despite the aging process and a constant flow of injuries, Kershaw has found ways to…

The Milwaukee Brewers (19-10) and Cincinnati Reds (5-23) meet Monday to open a 3-game series at Great American Ball Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let's analyze Tipico Sportsbook's lines around the Brewers vs. Reds odds with MLB picks and predictions. Season series: Brewers lead 3-0 and have outscored the Reds 34-12. Milwaukee…

Wait, Mets? What happened to the Giants? That deal fell through because of something that turned up in Correa's physical, and the Mets stepped up with an offer one year and $35 million shy of the original (final terms: 12 years, $315 million). It was an unlikely fit given that the Mets already have a franchise shortstop in Francisco Lindor, but now…

With all of the data at our fingertips, we can really do some interesting things in the offseason. We know that the strikeout rate is one of (if not the) most important metrics for a pitcher. It's hard to have success with a low strikeout rate, and it's a bit tough to not have success with a high strikeout rate. So, to get ahead of the crowd, we…

The Chicago Cubs (11-19) open a 3-game road series against the Arizona Diamondbacks (17-15) Thursday. First pitch is 9:40 p.m. ET at Chase Field. Let's analyze Tipico Sportsbook's lines around the Cub vs. Diamondbacks odds with MLB picks and predictions. This is the first time this year these teams face each other. The Cubs had lost 5 games in a…

The New York Yankees (18-6) and Toronto Blue Jays (15-10) clash Wednesday at Rogers Centre in the finale of a 3-game set. First pitch is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. Let's analyze Tipico Sportsbook's lines around the Yankees vs. Blue Jays odds with MLB picks and predictions. Season series: New York leads 4-2 after winning the first 2 games of this…

The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees renew their storied rivalry Friday at 1:05 p.m. ET at Yankee Stadium. Let's analyze Tipico Sportsbook's lines around the Red Sox vs. Yankees odds with MLB picks and predictions. Season series: The Red Sox took 10 of 19 games in 2021 and outscored New York 75-74. The Red Sox scuffled a bit in July and August…

The New York Mets starting lineup could look a lot different on August 3, 2022, when they visit the Washington Nationals for a 4:05pm start. It's the day after the trade deadline. They will have had their final chance to make any significant moves. Although players might not be able to make it on time to this afternoon game, let's assume they do.…

The Detroit Tigers (6-7) meet the Oakland Athletics (6-7) Friday for the second of a three-game set at RingCentral Coliseum. First pitch is set for 9:40 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Tigers vs. Athletics odds with MLB picks and predictions. Oakland bumped its winning streak to five games after beating Detroit 8-4 last…

The Pittsburgh Pirates (18-27) and Atlanta Braves (22-24) cap off a four-game set Sunday at 1:20 p.m. ET at Truist Park. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Pirates vs. Braves odds with MLB picks and predictions. RHP JT Brubaker is the projected starting pitcher for the Pirates. He is 3-3 with a 3.27 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 9.0 K/9, and 2.5…

The Texas Rangers have come out swinging these past two off-seasons. Last year, they added infielders Corey Seager and Marcus Semien, as well as Jon Gray, a decent pitcher that had been stuck in Coors. In the last few months, Texas added Jake Odorizzi via trade, brought back Martín Pérez Andrew Heaney, and made a huge splash by signing Jacob…

The Atlanta Braves (5-6) and Los Angeles Dodgers (7-2) meet in a Monday night game at Dodger Stadium. The opening of the 3-game set is scheduled for a 10:10 p.m. ET first pitch. Let's analyze Tipico Sportsbook's lines around the Braves vs. Dodgers odds with MLB picks and predictions. Season series: First meeting. The Braves lost 4 of 6 to the…

The Atlanta Braves (33-36) and New York Mets (36-29) are tabbed for a Monday twin bill at Citi Field. First pitch in Game 1 is slated for 5:10 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Braves vs. Mets odds with MLB picks and predictions. RHP Ian Anderson is the projected starting pitcher for the Braves. He is 4-3 with a 3.58 ERA,…

The Atlanta Braves (4-4) go for a three-game sweep of the visiting Philadelphia Phillies (5-3) on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball. First pitch is scheduled for 7:08 p.m. ET at Truist Park. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Phillies vs. Braves odds with MLB picks and predictions. Atlanta took the first two games of the series, winning…

The Colorado Rockies (15-10) kick off a 6-game road trip Friday when they open a 3-game set against the Arizona Diamondbacks (13-13). First pitch is 9:40 p.m. ET at Chase Field. Let's analyze Tipico Sportsbook's lines around the Rockies vs. Diamondbacks odds with MLB picks and predictions. This will be the first meeting between the two teams this…

The Milwaukee Brewers appear to be a team in transition. They entered the 2022 season with the hopes of parlaying dominant pitching with just enough production from a veteran lineup into a deep October run. Milwaukee largely held serve through the first half and weathered an extended injury absence from Freddy Peralta and a one-month IL-stint…

On Thursday, December 8th, we have just three games on the NBA main slate but we have plenty of props to UnderdogFantasy pick from. We have elite names popping up on the injury report which could bring us to specific player props around the league. Let's dive into our favorite plays of the day! Despite the fact that Devin Vassell is listed as…

The New York Yankees (20-17) and Baltimore Orioles (16-21) open a three-game series at Camden Yards Friday night at 7:05 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Yankees vs. Orioles odds with MLB picks and predictions. RHP Corey Kluber is the projected starting pitcher for the Yankees. He is 2-2 with a 3.06 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 8.9…

The Cleveland Guardians (7-10) and Los Angeles Angels (11-7) close out their 3-game series Wednesday at 9:38 p.m. ET at Angel Stadium. Let's analyze Tipico Sportsbook's lines around the Guardians vs. Angels odds with MLB picks and predictions. Season series: Los Angeles leads 2-0 and has outscored Cleveland 7-1. Cleveland was swept in New York last…

If you play Fantasy Baseball, this is the page you'll want to bookmark for hot stove season. It's where you'll find our breakdown of the biggest moves -- i.e., the ones with serious implications for Fantasy Baseball. You'll of course want to check back throughout winter, into next year and in the lead up to spring training. Offseason movement tends…

The whole idea of a knuckleball is to throw a ball that doesn't spin. It goes up there to the plate dead," Hoyt Wilhelm explained to CBS Sunday Morning's Charles Kuralt in April 1994. The famed television journalist was exploring the history of baseball's most mystifying pitch by speaking with its greatest purveyor. Few pitchers built their career…

Update 5 p.m. ET: Tuesday's game was postponed by inclement weather. It will be made up as part of a doubleheader Wednesday, starting at 1:10 p.m. ET. Original column below (published 8:06 a.m. ET) The San Diego Padres (15-8) open a 2-game interleague series with the Cleveland Guardians (10-12) Tuesday at Progressive Field. First pitch is scheduled…

Following a subpar season from the Los Angeles Angels, it was time that the front office addressed the organization's flaws. Although the Angels tenant two of the biggest studs in the game, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, the longing for a winning environment didn't seem to permeate throughout the roster. Just two weeks ago, in an effort to solidify…

The lockout feels like it happened an eternity ago and we're now merely days away from the 2022 MLB season. We still have a massive amount of work to do and I'm left once again wondering if beginning to prep at Thanksgiving was early enough. Welcome to the very first edition of my MLB Notebook here at The Athletic. I couldn't be more excited about…

The Philadelphia Phillies (19-17) and Washington Nationals (13-18) continue a three-game NL East series Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. ET at Nationals Park. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Phillies vs. Nationals odds with MLB picks and predictions. RHP Zack Wheeler is the projected starting pitcher for the Phillies. He is 3-2 with a 2.83…

The Pittsburgh Pirates (23-42) and Washington Nationals (28-35) continue a three-game series at Nationals Park Tuesday with a 7:05 p.m. ET first pitch. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Pirates vs. Nationals odds with MLB picks and predictions. LHP Tyler Anderson is the projected starting pitcher for the Pirates. Through a dozen…

The Cleveland Indians (38-29) and Pittsburgh Pirates (24-44) play the second game of a three-game interleague set Saturday with a 4:05 p.m. ET first pitch at PNC Park. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Indians vs. Pirates odds with MLB picks and predictions. RHP Cal Quantrill is the projected starting pitcher for the Indians. He is…

The Philadelphia Phillies (16-17) attempt to clinch a road series win Saturday against the Los Angeles Dodgers (20-11) in the third game of their 4-game series. First pitch is 10:10 p.m. ET at Dodger Stadium. Let's analyze Tipico Sportsbook's lines around the Phillies vs. Dodgers odds with MLB picks and predictions. Season series: Phillies 2-0 The…

The Tampa Bay Rays (35-21) and New York Yankees (30-25) will continue their four-game series Wednesday night after the Yankees escaped with a 5-3 win in extra innings Tuesday. First pitch from Yankee Stadium will be at 7:05 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Rays vs. Yankees odds with MLB picks and predictions. LHP Shane…

The New York Mets (7-6) look to prevent a three-game sweep by the Chicago Cubs (8-9) Thursday. Game 3 of the series is scheduled for a 7:40 p.m. ET start at Wrigley Field. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Mets vs. Cubs odds with MLB picks and predictions. Chicago won the first two games of the series by a combined score of 19-5…

The San Francisco Giants (20-13) play the third and final game of their 3-game road set against the St. Louis Cardinals (18-15) on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball to determine who earns the series win. First pitch is 7:08 p.m. ET at Busch Stadium. Let's analyze Tipico Sportsbook's lines around the Giants vs. Cardinals odds with MLB picks and…

The Detroit Tigers (4-6) meet the Houston Astros (6-4) Tuesday for the second game of a three-game set at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Tigers vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions. Detroit's lineup smacked around Houston starting RHP Zack Greinke Monday for…

The New York Yankees (27-19) go for a three-game sweep when they host the Chicago White Sox (26-18) in their series final at Yankee Stadium Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Astros vs. Rangers odds with MLB picks and predictions. Season series: Yankees 2-0. LHP Dallas Keuchel gets…

PressBox fantasy baseball writer Phil Backert shares his top MLB futures bets for the 2021 season. If you're in a state that is able to place a sports bet, there are a couple of MLB wagers I like. Los Angeles Angels designated hitter/pitcher Shohei Ohtani is finally healthy and will have no restrictions this season. It appears the Angels will be…

The Detroit Tigers (53-59) and Cleveland Indians (53-54) will tangle in an AL Central contest Saturday. First pitch from Progressive Field is slated for 7:10 p.m. ET. Let's analyze the lines around the Tigers vs. Indians odds with MLB picks and predictions. LHP Tyler Alexander is the projected starting pitcher for the Tigers. He is 1-1 with a 4.77…

The Milwaukee Brewers (61-42) host the Atlanta Braves (51-52) Friday for the start of a three-game set at American Family Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:20 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Brewers vs. Braves odds with MLB picks and predictions. Season series: Braves lead 2-1. RHP Corbin Burnes is Milwaukee's…

The Atlanta Braves (13-16) play the Washington Nationals (12-13) Wednesday in Game 2 of their three-game set at Nationals Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Braves vs. Nationals odds with MLB picks and predictions. Atlanta beat Washington 6-1 Tuesday thanks to an outstanding game by…

The New York Mets (27-23) and San Diego Padres (36-23) play Game 3 of their four-game set Saturday at Petco Park. First pitch is set for 10:10 p.m. ET (on MLB Network). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Mets vs. Padres odds with MLB picks and predictions. Season series: Padres lead 2-0 San Diego took the first two games of this…

With the 2021 MLB season days away, let's have a little fun with predictions for the Seattle Mariners. Home Runs: Ty France, 33 Kyle Lewis has the best raw power on the roster but barring a better effort to get to his pull side and thanks to his penchant for swinging and missing he's not likely to beat France at the long-ball game this…

The Colorado Rockies (3-6) try to prevent a three-game sweep against the San Francisco Giants (5-3) when they play Game 3 at Oracle Park Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Rockies vs. Giants odds with MLB picks and predictions. RHP Germán Márquez (0-0) is the projected starter for…

The Minnesota Twins (1-1) play the Milwaukee Brewers (1-1) Sunday at American Family Field. First pitch is scheduled for 2:10 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Twins vs. Brewers odds with MLB picks and predictions. Sunday's meeting is the rubber match of this three-game set. The Twins won a pitcher's duel 2-0 Saturday to…

The Miami Marlins (5-8) meet the Atlanta Braves (7-8) Saturday for the second game of their three-game series at Truist Park for a 7:10 p.m. ET first pitch. Let's analyze Tipico Sportsbook's lines around the Marlins vs. Braves odds with MLB picks and predictions. Atlanta beat Miami 3-0 in the series opener Friday thanks to a game by Braves RHP Kyle…

The Philadelphia Phillies (51-51) and Pittsburgh Pirates (38-64) open a three-game series Friday at 7:05 p.m. ET at PNC Park. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Phillies vs. Pirates odds with MLB picks and predictions. RHP Vince Velasquez is the projected starting pitcher for the Phillies. In 20 games (16 starts) this season, he is…

The San Francisco Giants (80-44) are still hanging on to the lead in the NL West and open a three-game road series against the New York Mets (61-63) Tuesday. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. ET at Citi Field. Let's analyze the lines around the Giants vs. Mets odds with MLB picks and predictions. Giants LHP Sammy Long (1-1, 5.72 ERA) makes his ninth…

The Houston Astros (79-56) tangle with the San Diego Padres (72-64) Sunday for the finale of their three-game series at Petco Park. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET. Let's analyze the lines around the Astros vs. Padres odds with MLB picks and predictions. This is the series rubber match. San Diego picked up a 10-2 win Saturday after…