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Yankees' bottom of the order comes up big to sink Pirates, 9-4

The Yankees got big-time production from the bottom of the order and easily dispatched the hapless Pirates, 9-4, to spoil Opening Day in Pittsburgh.

Anthony Volpe, Trent Grisham, Jasson Dominguez, and Oswaldo Cabrera combined to go 6-for-7 with three walks and two hit batters for seven RBI… all in the game’s first four innings.

Max Fried produced 5.2 innings of effective work, allowing just one run and striking out six, Aaron Judge added the icing on the cake with a two-run blast in the seventh to give him six home runs on the year, and New York improved to 5-2. Pittsburgh fell to 2-6.

Here are the takeaways...

- Dominguez yanked a double into the right field corner after Grisham's one-out walk in the second. They came home on Cabrera's single to the gap in left-center to give the visitors a 2-0 lead off Pirates starter Mitch Keller.

The duo at the bottom of the lineup inflicted more damage with two outs in the third. After Volpe was hit by a pitch and Grisham rocketed an infield hit, Dominguez added an RBI with a broken-bat single to left (72.2 mph exit velocity). Cabrera tacked on another run with a ball hit just off the end of his bat (66 mph) for a single to left to make it 4-0.

A second-straight two-out rally produced another run in the fourth. Paul Goldschmidt singled, Austin Wells was hit by the pitch, and Volpe singled up the middle to plate the Yanks' fifth run. Keller walked Grisham for a second time. Pirates lefty Joey Wentz came in and plated two runs by plunking Dominguez and walking Cabrera to make it 7-1.

Here’s how the bottom of the order finished the day:

  • Volpe: 3-for-4 with an RBI, two runs, HBP, and a caught stealing.
  • Grisham: 1-for-3 with two walks, two runs, and two strikeouts.
  • Dominguez: 2-for-4 with two RBI, one run, a HBP, and a strikeout.
  • Cabrera: 3-for-3 with four RBI and a walk.

- Fried needed nine pitches in a 1-2-3 first, but Joey Bart and one-time Yank Andrew McCutchen singled to start the second. But a pair of soft grounders and a flyout kept the Buccos off the board. The left-hander hung a 0-1 curveball to Bryan Reynolds with two down in the third, and the Pirates DH didn’t miss for a homer into the first row of seats in left. After walking Oneil Cruz, Fried nabbed his first strikeout on his 54th pitch of the day to close the inning.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa reached on an infield hit to start the fifth, but with one out, the left-hander picked off the ex-Yank with a fine move before tallying his fourth strikeout to end the inning. Fried saved his best for last, striking out the first two he saw in the sixth before McCutchen’s infield hit on a slow roller to third chased the starter. (McCutchen, 38, went 3-for-3 off Fried.) 

The final line of his second start of the year: 5.2 innings, six hits, one run, one walk, and six strikeouts on 98 pitches (62 strikes)

- Judge had Yankee fans holding their breath when he tangled with the right field wall in the bottom of the first. The slugger’s left shoulder bore the brunt of it when he made a leaping, awkward grab on Ke'Bryan Hayes’ liner.

After walking his first time up, Judge got a chance with two men on and one out in the second, but swung through a 95.6 mph fastball that was over the plate and thigh-high. He went down on three pitches, looking at a sinker that just caught the outside corner in the fourth. 

Judge struck in his fifth at-bat, clobbering a first-pitch two-run home run off one-time Yank Tim Mayza. The middle-middle sinker was smashed (106.7 mph, 403 feet) to center for his sixth dinger and 17th RBI of the year. He is now the first player in MLB history to produce those numbers in his team's first seven games. Friday was also his 1,000th big league game, his 321 homers are the most by a player in history in that span. (Ryan Howard’s 279 dingers are the second-most.)

The right fielder added a running grab over his shoulder on the warning track in the eighth. He finished 1-for-5 with a walk and three strikeouts.

- Out of the bullpen, Fernando Cruz got the final out of the sixth but allowed a leadoff double in the seventh, a bloop one-out single to Kiner-Falefa before Hayes smacked a three-run homer over the short-porch to left to make it 9-4.

Brent Headrick added two strikeouts and a walk in scoreless 1.2 innings. Back off the paternity list, Devin Williams kicked off the rust with a scoreless ninth working around a two-out walk needing 18 pitches (9 strikes).

- The Yanks had some tough luck with two on and nobody out in the first as Jazz Chisholm Jr. got rung up by on a 2-2 slider that looked below the zone in the first. Chisholm Jr. wasn’t pleased about the call and immediately had a short face-to-face with home plate umpire Tom Hanahan. Goldschmidt then went down looking at a fastball that was well off the plate. A tough break for the Yanks, who had two on and nobody out.

Chisholm Jr. went on to finish 0-for-5 with two strikeouts. Goldschmidt rebounded from the bad call to finish the day 2-for-5.

Highlights

What's next

The two sides tangle for the second game of the series on Saturday, with righty Marcus Stroman starting for New York and lefty Bailey Falter for Pittsburgh in the 4:05 p.m. start.

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Vladimir Guerrero Jr. downplays cheers from Mets fans at Citi Field: 'That's normal for me'

Among all the pomp and circumstance of the Mets' home opener was a curious moment when the Blue Jays were being introduced during the pregame ceremony.

When the Mets' public announcer introduced Toronto slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., there were noticeable cheers from the Citi Field crowd. Guerrero Jr.'s impending free agency -- unless he agrees to an extension with the Blue Jays before the end of the regular season -- is not lost on the Mets fans in attendance and they remember when New York checked in on him this offseason.

Of course, the Mets re-signed Pete Alonso and didn't get Guerrero Jr., but those rumblings are hard to keep quiet as evidenced by the fan reception. When asked about it after the game, the Blue Jays first baseman downplayed it.

"To be honest with you, that's normal for me," Guerrero Jr. said of the cheers through an interpreter. "I've never been booed in any other stadium. Everybody always has been nice to me everywhere I go."

The 26-year-old is coming off one of the best seasons of his career and is off to a good start this year. Although he hasn't hit a home run, he's batting .267 and hit 2-for-3 with a walk on Friday. He's easily the Blue Jays' best player and a homegrown star, which is why the team is looking to sign Guerrero Jr. to an extension, which multiple reports say they are close to achieving.

But, Guerrero Jr. poured some cold water on those reports.

"We didn't talk anything about contracts or deals or nothing like that. Just talking about family and seeing how we're doing," he said. "Like I said before, I'm playing right now. I'm concentrating on the games, on my teammates."

He told ESPN's Jorge Castillo in Spanish a bit more on these reported extension talks, saying, "Well, until now, I don't know anything. I've always tried to talk to my agent and I've always left that to my agent. I focus on playing. Until now, I don't know what you're talking about."

Guerrero said back in early March that he was looking for a contract that would go for "14, 15, even 20" years but did not reach the reported $600 million ask. The most recent reports say both sides are close to a deal that is closer to $500 million.

The Mets will host the Blue Jays, and Guerrero Jr., for two more games this weekend.

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Pete Alonso, Tylor Megill power Mets to 5-0 home-opening win over Blue Jays

QUEENS, New York, April 4, 2025 — There was a festive atmosphere all morning at Citi Field on Friday. Crowds and vendors were lurking outside by the 7 train as early as 10 am. Pyrotechnics were being set up for player introductions, and the massive scoreboard was flashing through images with the words "Opening Day" as the Mets prepared to open the gates to their fans for the first time in the 2025 season.

By first pitch, 43,645 fans had piled into the stadium, both a sell-out and the 9th largest regular crowd in Citi Field history. With the Mets coming off a surprise NLCS performance and then an off-season that saw them bring Juan Soto crosstown to Queens and also re-sign fan favorite Pete Alonso, there was plenty to be excited about.

That excitement bled carried out onto the field almost immediately. After starting pitcher Tylor Megill retired the Blue Jays in order in the top of the first inning, Francisco Lindor opened the game for the Mets by lacing a single to left center field. The excitement seemed to get to Lindor too, as he took off for second base, only to be thrown out trying to stretch it into a double. It was the ultimate rollercoaster of emotions that seemed to epitomize the Mets' 2024 season.

Only, this is a new year and a new team with boundless optimism in the early stages of 2025. After review, it turned out that Bo Bichette missed the tag, and Lindor was able to get his hand in safely.

"He likes to set the tone," said Mets manager Carlos Mendoza of Lindor. "Today, first pitch of the game right away. Here we are, attacking. It's good to see. He brings the energy, and, again, that's what you want to see out of your offense: you have to attack. We did that from pitch one today."

The Mets' attack continued with their $765 million man coming up to bat. The whole stadium rose to its feet and stayed standing. In fact, the stadium rose to stand for all of Juan Soto's at-bats in his first game at Citi Field as a member of the Mets, not wanting to miss a single pitch.

However, in this moment, Soto wasn't the hero. He popped out to second base and jogged off the field, but the disappointment for Mets fans was only momentary. Before Soto could even leave the field, the PA announcer was calling out the name of a player who currently ranks third on the Mets’ all-time home leaders, trailing only Darryl Strawberry and David Wright.

For much of the off-season, it seemed like Pete Alonso was destined to be wearing another uniform in 2025. In his six seasons with the Mets, Alonso slashed .249/.339/.514/.854 with 226 home runs and 586 RBIs, but he was entering his age-30 season and seemingly wanted a longer deal than the Mets were willing to give a player they worried would be a soon-to-be-DH. In fact, there were a few days where it seemed realistic that today would be Alonso's return to Citi Field, only as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Yet, Alonso and the Mets wound up agreeing to a two-year, $54 million contract, and he strode into the batter's box wearing his Mets' whites as the stadium chanted his name. Four pitches later, Alonso drove a 1-2 fastball from Kevin Gausman 377 feet over the fence in right field to put the Mets on the board.

"It was sick," said Alonso after the game. "That type of stuff is what you dream about as a kid, and to have that type of support is really special for sure. I enjoyed every second of it."

"It's pretty cool. Not gonna lie," added Mendoza. "You were there in the dog out, and everybody's kind of waiting for that moment as he's walking towards the plate to a standing ovation. He means a lot to the people, the fans, and to our players, and then for him to go out there, you know, first at bat of the season here at Citi Field after the off-season, with all the rumors and all that. It's a pretty cool feeling for him, for all of us."

After the opening inning excitement, the bats went quiet for a while. Tylor Megill and Kevin Gausman traded zeros on the scoreboard; although, neither pitcher was overpowering or forced many swings and misses. A lot of batted balls died in the brisk April air, and the potential early-season timing issues for hitters led to plenty of pop-ups and not many scoring opportunities.

Until the sixth inning. After getting a lineout to start the frame, Megill issued back-to-back walks to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Anthony Santander and was removed from the game after throwing 82 pitches. Reed Garrett would come in and strike out Andres Gimenez and Alejandro Kirk to end the threat.

Megill finished the day allowing no runs on two hits in 5 1/3 innings while walking three and striking out three. He induced nine whiffs for a 23% whiff rate and 24% CSW in what was a rather uneven performance. The Blue Jays weren’t able to hit much hard, but Megill had just a 44% zone rate overall.

He leaned into his four-seam fastball the most, but it had just a 52% strike rate and got only two whiffs. His new slider, which was so effective for him in his first start, did generate four whiffs, but he struggled to command it with a 30% zone rate and 59% strike rate.

Still, he made enough good pitches when it mattered and kept the Mets ahead on the scoreboard after the bats went quiet following the energetic first inning.

A walk to Francisco Lindor chased Kevin Gausman from the game after failing to record an out in the sixth inning, and then Mason Flaherty immediately allowed a double down the right field line to Juan Soto to plate Lindor and give Soto his first hit and RBI at Citi Field.

"It was pretty cool," said Soto of his first game at Citi Field, where he finished 1-for-4 with a stolen base and his lone RBI. "It feels great."

"He's going to help you win games in a lot of different ways," added Mendoza. "Whether it's by getting on base, by getting the big hit, and he made a big defensive play there at the end of the game."

Yet, Soto isn't the only dangerous presence in the Mets' lineup. After his double, the Blue Jays opted to intentionally walk Alonso, and Brandon Nimmo made them pay with another double to right to score Soto. A sac fly from Starling Marte made it 5-0 Mets heading into the top of the seventh inning.

"Hitting is contagious," smiled Nimmo after the game. Nimmo himself finished 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI while Lindor finished the day 1-for-2 with two walks, two runs, and a stolen base.

If that's indeed true, then a Mets lineup that features Lindor, Soto, and Alonso at the top may spread a lot of hits around Citi Field this season. But, for now, they'll take the time to enjoy a perfect opening to their home season.

"Envisioning coming back, for me, it was all about winning," said Alonso. "Obviously, this place is familiar. Love it here. Love being in New York. It checks all those boxes for me." Alonso would finish the day 1-for-3 with a walk, two runs scored, and his two-run home run, which is already his third of the season.

"Pete loves New York," added Nimmo. "He loves the Mets fanbase, and I'm glad he's putting on a show for them."

"You couldn't write up a better home opener," said Alonso. Now the Mets will hope to carry on those festivities into the remainder of the season.

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Realmuto's heroics, Ohtani's blunder help Phillies win fun first meeting vs. Dodgers

Realmuto's heroics, Ohtani's blunder help Phillies win fun first meeting vs. Dodgers originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

A Citizens Bank Park crowd of over 43,000 let out a collective, “Ooooh,” Friday night when Shohei Ohtani drilled the first pitch he saw in the third inning.

Jesus Luzardo was already walking back to the dugout.

Ohtani’s deep flyball died in the wind, a few feet in front of the warning track in left-center, and two hours later the Dodgers were undefeated no longer, watching the Phillies celebrate a dramatic finish in the teams’ first meeting of the season.

Ohtani’s own baserunning blunder helped the Phils seal it. With runners on the corners, he illogically attempted to steal second base down three runs in the bottom of the eighth and Mookie Betts at the plate representing the tying run. Realmuto nailed him pretty easily.

The next one was even prettier and even more important. Realmuto threw out Chris Taylor for a game-ending strike-em-out, throw-em-out double play as the Phillies won 3-2. It would’ve been a walk-off caught stealing for Realmuto if not for the umpires needing to review the play after an initial safe call.

“The Ohtani one surprised me a little bit just because Mookie was hitting,” Realmuto said. “When Chris ran, I had a pretty good idea he was gonna try to run at some point in that at-bat just because he was the tying run.

“Live, I thought I got (Taylor) for sure and the first replay it looked like he was out, then the next couple of angles, it was tough to tell whether the tag was there or not. It felt 50-50 and I didn’t feel good about them overturning that.”

It was overturned, though, ending an entertaining first edition of a potential NLCS preview.

The Phils have won seven of their last eight games against the Dodgers and outscored them 29-10 at home the last two years. This Dodgers roster is even better than the last two, but the Phillies have a ton of confidence against the team most of the baseball world seems to already have crowned. Facing them three times in early April and three times in mid-September provides a fun wrinkle.

“They have a lot of depth. They can beat you in a lot of different ways,” manager Rob Thomson said. “They can match up offensively, they can match up defensively, they’ve got great start pitching. We know we’ve got to play well every time we play them.”

The front office, fanbase and Phillies clubhouse has to love what it’s seen so far from Luzardo, who has allowed two runs through 12 innings with 18 strikeouts and held his opponents to a .167 batting average. He allowed two hits over seven scoreless innings Friday.

Luzardo called it “one of the most well-executed starts of my career,” and said he didn’t shake off Realmuto once.

“He’s incredible back there, obviously,” Luzardo said. “I’ve enjoyed being able to watch him from a distance for a while and now being able to work with him is awesome, all the homework he does, the preparation, and then going out and throwing two guys out in that situation is huge.”

The Phillies held a narrow one-run lead for most of the game after scoring in the bottom of the first when Trea Turner, doubled, stole third and scored on an errant throw. Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto stepped off the mound and had a play on him but threw wide of third baseman Miguel Rojas, who was far off the bag and racing with Turner.

They were unable to muster anything else against Yamamoto but Luzardo just kept throwing up zeroes quickly to keep the Dodgers from gaining any momentum.

The Dodgers pulled Yamamoto after six innings and Kirby Yates gave up two runs in the seventh as Max Kepler walked, Nick Castellanos doubled down the line, Bryson Stott singled one in and Brandon Marsh brought another home with a groundout. Two themes throughout the first week have been the Phillies getting to opposing bullpens and starting rallies at the bottom of the order.

The Phils knew they didn’t have Jose Alvarado on Friday after using him for 35 pitches Thursday, his second of back-to-back appearances. They brought in Matt Strahm for the eighth inning but had to turn to Jose Ruiz with two outs after Ohtani rocketed a single past Bryce Harper to put runners on the corners and bring the tying run to the plate in the form of Betts. That’s when Ohtani bailed the Phillies out.

Jordan Romano earned his first save as a Phillie but it was of the heart-attack variety. Holding a three-run lead, he allowed a two-run homer and put the tying run on first base before striking out Max Muncy as Realmuto threw out Taylor.

The Phillies are 6-1 but do have to figure out what’s going on with Strahm, whose fastball was 90-91 mph against the Dodgers, and Romano, who has struggled with control and had a pair of two-run outings. Thomson suspects Strahm is dealing with a “dead arm” period that pitchers typically experience toward the end of spring training. Strahm missed most of camp with a left shoulder impingement.

As for Romano?

“Just not getting ahead of guys has been his biggest issue,” Realmuto said. “When he’s attacking the strike zone and able to get ahead then expand, that’s when he’s really good. For me, the stuff is there, just got to command the baseball a little better.”

The Phillies go for their third straight series win to begin the season when Aaron Nola opposes Japanese rookie Roki Sasaki on Saturday.

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Pete Alonso sets the tone with two-run HR, leads Mets to 5-0 win over Blue Jays

In their home opener, the Mets jumped ahead early and went on to a 5-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday at Citi Field. 

The Mets are now 42-22 in home openers, including 12-5 at Citi, and they’ve won it in five of the last six seasons.

Here are the top takeaways...

-- Pete Alonso continued to be the driving force in the Mets’ offense, as he set the tone for the day with a two-run home run in the first inning, driving in Francisco Lindor, who had led off with a double to left-center.

The home run was a nice piece of two-strike hitting by Alonso, as he went down and got a low-and-away fastball from Kevin Gausman and drove it over the right field fence.

According to Inside Edge, it’s only the fourth time in Alonso’s career that he has hit a two-strike pitch out of the strike zone for a home run.

-- Alonso was also in the middle of the Mets’ three-run rally in the sixth, getting an intentional walk from rookie left-hander Mason Fluharty that was sandwiched between RBI doubles from Juan Soto and Brandon Nimmo.

For the day Alonso went 1-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBI. The one out he made was a 107.1 mph rocket on the ground to third. Going back to Wednesday in Miami, that was the sixth straight ball Alonso had put in play at 101 mph or harder. That streak ended in the eighth when Alonso flew out to right.

For the season, the Mets’ first baseman is hitting .292 with a .433 on-base percentage and a .750 slugging percentage.

-- Tylor Megill delivered his second strong start of the young season, holding the Blue Jays scoreless over 5.1 innings. The right-hander allowed two hits and three walks, to go with his four strikeouts as he threw 82 pitches.

Megill seemed to be sailing along through five innings and got Bo Bichette to lead off the sixth on a soft liner to third. But when he walked Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Anthony Santander back-to-back, Carlos Mendoza wasted no time going to the bullpen.

When Reed Garrett finished the inning with two strikeouts, Megill’s record was complete, giving him a 0.87 ERA for his two starts as he continued his success against the Blue Jays.

In three previous career starts vs. Toronto, the right-hander was 1-0 with a 0.52 ERA, allowing one earned run in 17.1 innings, with 19 strikeouts.

-- The Mets’ bullpen continued to excel, as three relievers combined to hold the Blue Jays scoreless over 3.2 innings.

Reed Garrett, A.J. Minter and Max Kranick allowed only two baserunners between them. Minter racked up three K’s in his one inning of work.

-- Mark Vientos continued his early-season slump, going 0-for-3 as his average fell to .074 through seven games.

-- In the first race of the five-borough mascots at Citi Field, the Queens subway car not-so-shockingly pulled ahead near the finish line for the win. The Bronx giraffe led until mysteriously stumbling and falling down the stretch on the warning track.

GAME MVP: PETE ALONSO

Juan Soto was probably the odds-on favorite to get the first intentional walk of the season for the Mets, but Alonso’s hot bat has changed that equation, at least for now.

With Soto on base, Alonso was walked intentionally in the sixth inning ahead of Brandon Nimmo, a testament to his scorching start to the season. It paid off for the Mets when Nimmo promptly doubled home a run and Starling Marte delivered another with a sacrifice fly.

Highlights

What's next

The Mets continue their three-game series against the Blue Jays on Saturday. First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. on SNY.

Griffin Canning will take the mound and face former Met Chris Bassitt.

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Justin Verlander feels love from Giants fans in home debut despite rough outing

Justin Verlander feels love from Giants fans in home debut despite rough outing originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – Having pitched at Oracle Park nearly 13 years ago when he was with the Detroit Tigers, Justin Verlander had an idea of what to expect when he made his first home start with the Giants on Friday in their home opener.

It turned out to be everything that the three-time Cy Young Award winner expected and then some.

On an afternoon when the 42-year-old pitcher was far from peak form, a sellout crowd of 40,000-plus serenaded Verlander with thronging cheers as he walked off the field after retiring only seven batters.

It was the type of ovation Giants fans usually save for big-time players when they make big-time plays.

Verlander didn’t have any big-time moments against the Mariners but was still treated like royalty by Giants fans when manager Bob Melvin removed the right-hander after he allowed four consecutive Mariners to reach base with one out in the third.

It was somewhat reminiscent of when Verlander pitched here in Game 1 of the 2012 World Series. That was the game when Pablo Sandoval clubbed out three home runs, two of them off Verlander, who was cheered by Giants fans then as he walked off the mound.

“I’ve experienced this from the other side, obviously in some big moments,” said Verlander. “You know how great these fans are. A lot of the guys told me how special opening day is here for SF. It really was. The atmosphere was wonderful.”

Verlander didn’t get to see much of the Giants’ walk-off 10-9 win against the Seattle Mariners in the 11th. He spent the final three hours of the game in the Giants’ clubhouse watching the game on television.

While he didn’t last long on the mound in his first home start for San Francisco, Verlander definitely got work in. Probably more work than he or Melvin wanted in such a short span.

The Mariners were calm at the plate and patiently worked Verlander’s pitch count up. He threw 65 pitches and landed only 44 of them for strikes. That included a 13-pitch walk to Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh in the third. Raleigh got the walk after fouling off seven consecutive pitches.

“They just made him work really hard,” Melvin said. “He only walked two but they made him throw a ton of pitches. He gave up some hits. At that point in time, I wasn’t going to let him throw 40 pitches in an inning.”

When Verlander signed a one-year, $15 million deal in the offseason, Giants fans’ eyes glazed over at the thought of having one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history toeing the rubber for the home team at Oracle.

This version of Verlander, however, is different. He’s pitched beyond the fifth inning only once in his last 11 starts dating to 2024. Instead of just blowing his fastball by hitters, Verlander needs to be more crafty and creative with his arsenal.

Even on a bad day, though, Verlander found a silver lining with the way he was welcomed by the Giants’ faithful.

“I would have liked to have done better,” Verlander said. “I appreciate the fans cheering me on the way off the field. The atmosphere was great.”

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

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Luzardo dominant vs. Dodgers as Phillies' rotation continues to excel

Luzardo dominant vs. Dodgers as Phillies' rotation continues to excel originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

If Jesus Luzardo is going to throw 97-98 mph all season …

Making his second start as a Phillie on Friday night against the vaunted Dodgers in a premium early-season matchup, Luzardo continued an excellent start to the year for himself and the rotation.

He blew fastballs by good hitters, induced weak contact and finished the Dodgers off with four different pitches: a fastball that averaged 97 and maxed out at 99, a slider, his new sweeper and a changeup.

Healthy after missing more than half the 2024 season with a back injury, Luzardo’s velocity is in the same range as 2023, when he struck out 208 over a career-high 178⅔ innings. If he stays healthy, he has a chance to make this his career year.

Not only was Luzardo effective on Friday against perhaps the majors’ best lineup, he was also hyper-efficient in the Phillies’ 3-2 win, beginning the seventh inning at 72 pitches. The Dodgers test you with power, patience, bat-to-ball skills and speed. They’re a complete offense. Luzardo was in complete control of them on Friday night, though, encountering zero difficulty until there were two outs in the seventh inning and Teoscar Hernandez blooped a tough-luck double into no-man’s land in shallow right field. He walked the next batter, Will Smith, but struck Kiké Hernandez out swinging at a low slider with the tying run 90 feet away to end his evening.

Through two starts, Luzardo has allowed two runs in 12 innings with 18 strikeouts and four walks.

“”Probably one of the most well-executed starts I’ve had in my career,” he said. “Making the pitches when I needed, moving the ball around. I didn’t shake once, basically trusting J.T. (Realmuto).”

The Phillies’ rotation as a whole has a 2.16 ERA and 0.82 WHIP with 56 strikeouts and nine walks through seven games. The starter has pitched well in six of them, with only Aaron Nola struggling in the third game of the year at Nationals Park. Nola starts on Saturday opposite Japanese rookie right-hander Roki Sasaki.

The quality of the first two offenses the Phillies played was not strong. The Nationals could be a bottom-third offense and the Rockies could lose 105 games. But the Dodgers, even after losing Freddie Freeman to the injured list, have so many threats in their lineup: Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Smith, Tommy Edman, Hernandez, Michael Conforto. They all had quick, unsuccessful at-bats against Luzardo with only Hernandez reaching base.

“A lot of talent, a lot of experience, a lot of veteran guys with superstar power,” Luzardo said. “You have to take it pitch to pitch, at-bat to at-bat. You can’t get overwhelmed and take it as a whole.”

The Phillies aligned their rotation with Luzardo pitching the day in between Zack Wheeler and Nola. The start after Nola belongs to Cristopher Sanchez, which lets the Phillies follow their two right-handed workhorses with high-velocity lefties. Luzardo has the fastest average four-seam fastball among left-handed starters in MLB this season and Sanchez has the fastest sinker.

When you assemble a rotation like this and don’t have a lackluster offense or bullpen, you’re going to be favored in most games. The Phillies’ clearest strength is their group of five starters, and they don’t even have Ranger Suarez (or Andrew Painter) yet.

The widespread offseason stance that they did not do enough may have overlooked the impact of a healthy Jesus Luzardo.

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Mookie Betts will join teammates for Dodgers' White House visit: 'This is not about me'

FILE - Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts arrives at an event to honor the 2020 World Series champion Dodgers baseball team at the White House, July 2, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
Mookie Betts attended the Dodgers' last visit to the White House in July 2021 following the team's World Series championship in 2020. Betts said Friday he plans to go to the White House on Monday for the team's visit in honor of their 2024 title. (Julio Cortez / Associated Press)

Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts announced Friday he will accompany the team on its visit to the White House next week, when President Trump will recognize the club’s World Series title.

There had been uncertainty over Betts’ decision, given he declined to go with the Boston Red Sox in 2019 during Trump’s first term. He went with the Dodgers in 2021, when President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris welcomed the club after its 2020 championship.

When the Dodgers announced this visit last month — they will go to the White House on Monday before their series opener against the Washington Nationals — Betts said he was undecided about whether he would participate.

In the end, Betts emphasized to reporters Friday, his choice to go was not political, but rather because of his desire to be there for the team.

Read more:Hernández: Dodgers visiting Trump's White House goes against everything they represent

“No matter what I say or what I do, people are gonna take it as political,” Betts said. “But that’s definitely not what it is. This is about what the Dodgers were able to accomplish last year.”

Betts called it a “regret” that he didn’t join the Red Sox for their visit, which also was skipped by Boston manager Alex Cora and pitcher David Price, among others. Betts felt like his absence distracted from that team’s accomplishment and made the news cycle about him, something he felt in hindsight was “selfish.”

“This is not about me; I don’t want anything to be about me,” Betts said. “This is about the Dodgers. Because these boys were there for me.”

That was especially true early last October when he started the National League Division Series 0 for 6, making him 0 for 20 in the playoffs dating to 2022.

Betts was visibly frustrated and referred to that period Friday as “dark times.” He credited his teammates’ support for aiding his eventual turnaround, as he hit .321 with four home runs and 16 RBIs over the rest of the playoffs.

“These boys rallied around me, to help me so much through the playoffs last year and just my well-being as a person,” Betts said. “So for me to be able to look in the mirror at night and for me to be happy with the person I’m looking at, I need to be there with my boys to celebrate this accomplishment. All the fight, all that we did last year, that was hard. And I wouldn’t be able to look at myself in the mirror if I wasn’t there with them.”

Read more:Arellano: The Dodgers should meet with Trump. In No. 42 Jackie Robinson jerseys

While other Dodgers were asked whether they would go — including Dave Roberts, Kiké Hernández and Shohei Ohtani, all of whom said they planned to attend — Betts’ decision had been a bigger question.

“It is what it is,” said Betts, the only Black player on the roster. “It comes with the territory, being Black in America in a situation like this. It’s a tough spot to be in. No matter what I choose, somebody is gonna be pissed. Somebody is gonna have their own opinion. But again, this is not about me. This is not about politics. This is about the Dodgers. It’s about my loyalty to these boys, this clubhouse. And that’s all it is for me.”

With Betts on board, Roberts said he was expecting 100% attendance, though he reiterated that the team would have been OK with any players who declined to go.

“It wasn’t about putting pressure on any particular person,” Roberts said. “We still feel it’s a baseball thing for us. It’s tradition. And we’re doing it unified. So I’m excited about that.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Willy Adames' fitting walk-off in Giants' home opener follows script perfectly

Willy Adames' fitting walk-off in Giants' home opener follows script perfectly originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO — There was no other way. The baseball gods wouldn’t allow it. 

The Giants returned home with a sense that the chemistry, vibes, talent and, most importantly, winning that showed all spring was no fluke, that the first year of the second Buster Posey Era at Oracle Park could be something special. On what might be the most beautiful day in San Francisco all summer, they alternated good baseball with an ugly brand that would have fit in just fine the previous three seasons. 

A sellout crowd cheered and groaned in equal measures during the first four-hour Giants game since the pitch clock was instituted. It went 11 innings, and when it was finally over, rookie starter Hayden Birdsong was the only pitcher left in either bullpen.

In the center of it all, for four hours and three minutes, was Willy Adames, the star who was given the largest contract in franchise history shortly after Posey took over. Of course, it would all come down to him. There was no other way. 

“I love being in the middle of everything,” Adames said, smiling. 

That much has been clear since the first day he put on orange and black. Adames has never been an All-Star, and yet he has a way of becoming the centerpiece of any room he walks into. The Giants signed him nearly as much for the chemistry and leadership as for the power and dependable glove, and when the rest of the league starts trying to figure out how they’re exceeding expectations, many in the room will give a big slice of the credit to Adames.

That was true even before he came up in the bottom of the 11th, but it doesn’t hurt to add highlights to your reel. With two outs, two on and the Giants trailing by a run, Adames poked a cutter into right field. Luis Matos scored easily and Tyler Fitzgerald raced home ahead of the throw, clinching a 10-9 win over the Seattle Mariners. 

It was the highest-scoring opener in Oracle Park’s history, and that also felt appropriate on Friday. Before the game, the Giants celebrated the 25th anniversary of the park, bringing members of the 2000 team out to help usher in a new season. 

That team won 97 games and the National League West. This group faces the daunting task of trying to stay within shouting distance of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who lost for the first time Friday, but at the very least, the Giants have shown through a week that they’re fully intent on surprising. 

Adames said the Giants are in a “great place” when it comes to clubhouse vibes, energy and chemistry. And then there’s another intangible. 

“They’re a bunch of dogs, man,” he said of his teammates. “They’re going to go out there and fight.”

Every last punch was needed Friday, because the Giants played a lot of baseball that would have led to sleepless nights had it not been for the final single, the 32nd combined hit of the game. There were missed opportunities on both sides, including the Giants’ failure to score the winning run from third with no outs in the ninth. 

Adames was part of that sequence, popping up to second. He was also seemingly part of every grounder or line drive for about an hour in the middle of the marathon. Adames leapt into the air to steal a single from close friend Julio Rodriguez, who later demanded that he buy him a meal on Saturday. He smiled and exchanged playful gestures with Rodriguez, and that continued when Adames was later on second base as a runner. 

The leap was followed by a series of rockets that Adames couldn’t get in front of, though. He said the hard dirt on a sunny day surprised him, but he also felt he should have made more plays.

“Man, they were trying to kill me today,” he said, laughing. “I felt like every groundball was hit to me like 155 (mph)! I was obviously trying to make the plays, unfortunately, it didn’t happen a few times. But obviously, I always want the ball hit to me.”

Adames shook the sequence off, the smile rarely leaving his face as he took in his first home game at Oracle Park. But there’s a commitment to his craft, too, and it’s no fluke that Adames is coming off a 112-RBI season. Manager Bob Melvin calls him an “RBI guy,” and with the winning run on second, Adames had his chance. 

The Mariners called a mound meeting around righty Carlos Vargas, who had just struck out LaMonte Wade Jr. with a nasty cutter, right after a walk of Fitzgerald, who took an impossibly close 3-2 slider that could have gone either way. 

Adames thought Vargas would throw a sinker on his hands. He told himself to make contact and give his runners a chance, and when he got a first-pitch cutter, he served it into right field. Within seconds, he was part of his first walk-off celebration in San Francisco.

It was the first opener at Oracle Park with more than 18 total runs, and it came on the heels of a trip during which the Giants mostly won with pitching and strong defense. They could have been charged with two or three errors Friday, and starter Justin Verlander was knocked out in the third inning of his own Oracle Park debut. 

But a win is a win, and 6-1 is 6-1. Good teams, Verlander said, find different ways to win.

“Like I said in the spring, this team has something special,” he said. “I thought we were overlooked. It’s early, but I think you can see that this team is pretty good.”

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Red Sox put new ‘Wally' HR celebration to use in 13-run home opener

Red Sox put new ‘Wally' HR celebration to use in 13-run home opener originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Gone is the laundry cart. So too are Masataka Yoshida’s inflatable dumbbells. But there’s a new prop in the Boston Red Sox’ dugout at Fenway Park, and it got multiple uses in the team’s first home game of the season Friday.

After Trevor Story launched a three-run home run over the Green Monster in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals, teammate Jarren Duran presented him with a furry green Wally the Green Monster head in honor of Boston’s mascot.

After the very next batter, Wilyer Abreu, laced a homer to right field, the Wally head came right back out.

So, whose idea was it to celebrate home runs in 2025 with a helmet-sized version of Wally, and how did it get in the dugout? It turns out Duran was the mastermind, with help from Red Sox assistant general manager Raquel Ferreira.

“She told me [not to get my hopes up],” Duran said after Boston’s 13-9 win, via MLB.com. “And then yesterday, Wally actually presented it to me. So it was kind of a cool thing to happen.

“… I knew we had the Masa dumbbells and then we had the Boston Marathon medal. And it was just kind of like, ‘Man, what are we gonna do this year?’ At first, I was gonna use Wally’s head. I’m like, ‘There’s no way we’d be able to fit that in the dugout.’

“So I just asked Raquel, ‘Is there way we can get, like, a miniature Wally head?’ And she made it happen. So praise to her.”

The Red Sox actually posted a video of the moment when Wally and the team’s female mascot, Tessie, presented the furry helmet to Duran inside the Green Monster.

The Red Sox didn’t hit any more homers after the first inning, but they had no problem scoring, mashing their way to 13 runs on 16 hits to secure the victory in their home opener.

Boston clubbed 194 home runs last season (ninth-most in Major League Baseball) and should have an even more potent offense this season, so expect to see plenty more of the Wally head in 2025 — with manager Alex Cora’s blessing.

“I was like, ‘Oh my God, no way,'” Cora said, via MLB.com. “But it’s all fun. We’re in in the entertainment business, and people like it. So if they want to do it, they’ve got the green light.”

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Wilson's big hits spark Athletics' extra-inning win vs. Rockies

Wilson's big hits spark Athletics' extra-inning win vs. Rockies originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

With two outs in the 11th inning against Rockies righty Angel Chivilli, Jacob Wilson delivered a single to right to break a 3-3 tie and give the Athletics a 5-3 lead and ultimately a 6-3 win in snowy Colorado on Friday.

Chivilli threw an 87-mph slider for a ball before regrettably throwing a 95-mph four-seam fastball that Wilson squared up.

The top prospect’s go-ahead hit, which enabled the Athletics to snap their four-game losing streak, came 10 innings after he launched an 89-mph slider from Rockies right-handed starter Ryan Feltner 414 feet to left-center for the second home run of his 2025 MLB season and big-league career.

The Athletics squandered a 3-2 lead in the eighth and momentum was on the Rockies’ side. Wilson and his team, though, stepped up when it mattered most.

“Obviously, the four-game [losing streak] is unfortunate,” Wilson prefaced on NBC Sports California’s “Athletics Postgame Live” with Dallas Braden and Jenny Cavnar. “But we came out today – obviously it’s pretty cold – but we woke the bats up late in the game there; a bunch of guys got on base and had good bats. And pitching came in to do their thing.

“I definitely love them, for sure” Wilson added about big moments.

The Athletics (3-5) and Rockies (1-6) had 11 hits apiece, with Lawrence Butler,JJ Bleday and Shea Langeliers having two hits each, too. But Wilson’s two-RBI single and the ensuing RBI double from Gio Urshela couldn’t have been more timely; before those two, the Athletics didn’t have a hit since a Miguel Andújar double in the fifth.

Wilson’s 2-for-5 outing shouldn’t be a surprise despite coming in the snow and chilly 35-degree weather. 

The 23-year-old entered riding a seven-game hitting streak and now stands as the first Athletics player since Billy Butler, who hit safely over the first 12 games of the 2012 campaign, to collect a hit over the Athletics’ first eight games of a season. Wilson is up to nine hits this year.

“I talked about him continually this offseason and into spring training, he’s got one of the better bat-to-ball skills,” four-year Athletics manager Mark Kotsay told reporters postgame. “He’s on display right now. He can turn on a pitch, that was a breaking ball he drove out to left. And to get the base hit to put us ahead there in the 11th, [he] hit the ball the other way.

“He’s swinging the bat really well right now; it’s fun to watch.”

And as Wilson mentioned, the Athletics were dialed on the mound, which surely is a relief for the club after it allowed the Chicago Cubs to score 35 runs over three games in the frustrating Sutter Health Park debut series in West Sacramento. 

Athletics righty Osvaldo Bido formidably allowed two runs and six hits while collecting five strikeouts over five innings against the Rockies. 

“He controlled the baseball today,” Kotsay told reporters postgame. “Today, he was smooth, the ball was coming out of his hand. It’s a cold day, but for him to maintain the ability to throw strikes was most important, and he did a nice job getting us five innings.”

Five relievers – Justin Sterner, Tyler Ferguson, José Leclerc, Noah Murdock and All-Star closer Mason Miller – finished the job by allowing one run over the final six innings. Miller collected his second save of 2025 after shutting down Colorado in the 11th.

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Mets' Juan Soto on Citi Field debut: 'This fanbase is amazing'

The months-long wait to see Juan Soto in a full Mets uniform at Citi Field is finally over.

During lineup introductions before the Mets' home opener against the Blue Jays on Friday afternoon, Soto received a rousing ovation from fans in attendance. The superstar slugger's moment was only made sweeter with longtime Mets voice Howie Rose behind the microphone for the announcement.

His thrilling introduction to the Mets' lineup can be seen below, along with him taking the field and the crowd cheering ahead of his first at-bat in his new home.

After the game was over, a 5-0 win for the home team, Soto was asked if Citi Field felt like home.

"Yeah it feels great, this fanbase is amazing," Soto said. "I didn't realize how many fans they have, how passionate they are. It's really cool."

Soto gave the Citi Field crowd more to cheer for when he came up in the sixth inning with a chance to do damage. With Francisco Lindor on first, Soto drove a double off a left-hander -- brought in specifically to face him -- to score his teammate.

"It’s great when you break the other team’s plans. They bring the lety to face me get a groundball or something, and when you come through in a big situation like that it’s great," Soto said of the moment. "I’m glad I was able to put the ball in play and give a chance to Lindor to score."

Soto signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets in early December. The 26-year-old slugger has arrived home slashing .238/.407/.429 with one home run and double apiece through six road games this season.

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What we learned as Willy Adames delivers walk-off hit in Giants' home opener win

What we learned as Willy Adames delivers walk-off hit in Giants' home opener win originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – Willy Adames hit a two-run walk-off single in the 11th inning, ending a long, frustrating afternoon as the Giants rallied to beat the Seattle Mariners 10-9 on Friday at Oracle Park.

The Giants had plenty of offense throughout the afternoon, collecting 17 hits. But most of those baserunners were stranded as San Francisco fell short in several key situations.

It didn’t look good either after reliever Spencer Bivens allowed the go-ahead run to score on a wild pitch in the top of the 11th.

Instead of wilting, the Giants rose up and came back to win.

Luis Matos was the runner at second to begin the 11th and advanced to second on Tyler Fitzgerald’s one-out walk. After LaMonte Wade Jr. struck out looking, Adames delivered the game-winner.

Before all of that, it was an afternoon filled with mixed results for Adames and the Giants’ other newest star in their first home game in San Francisco.

Three-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander got knocked around by the Mariners and failed to make it past the third inning, leaving the mound after retiring only seven batters and allowing three runs.

The day began on a good note when the Giants brought out several former players to celebrate 25 years of Oracle Park. That elicited a huge cheer and countless memories for those in the crowd.

Verlander surrendered a home run to Julio Rodriguez on his fourth pitch of the afternoon, a 96 mph four-seamer that the Mariners star crushed 390 feet with an exit velocity of 108 mph.

The Giants tied the game in the bottom of the first, then took a brief lead with two runs in the second before the Mariners stormed back to chase Verlander before continuing to tack on against San Francisco’s bullpen.

LaMonte Wade Jr. doubled twice, tripled and drove in two runs for the Giants, who improved to 6-1 after beginning the season with a 5-1 road trip. Matt Chapman added his second home run of the season and had two RBIs.

After the Mariners scored three unearned runs off former closer Camilo Doval in the top of the sixth to take a 8-6 lead, the Giants tied it following Chapman’s solo home and an RBI groundout by Patrick Bailey.

Then the game went into extras.

Here are the takeaways from Friday’s home opener:

Quick hook again

Verlander’s home debut lasted slightly longer than the pre-game celebration of Oracle Park’s anniversary.

Verlander, who lasted five innings in his Giants debut against the Cincinnati Reds on March 29, was knocked out of the game against Seattle after recording only seven outs and throwing 65 pitches, only 44 of which landed for strikes.

Verlander was charged with three earned runs, but his fast exit has been a trend dating back to last season. The 42-year-old right-hander has made it past five innings just once in his previous 10 starts.

Small-ball second inning

The Giants ditched their power swing and returned to basics during their two-run second inning.

After Wilmer Flores led off the frame with a sharp single, Patrick Bailey bunted down the third base line and reached on an infield hit. It was just the fourth bunt hit of Bailey’s professional career.

Tyler Fitzgerald followed and appeared to lay down a sacrifice bunt. Mariners pitcher Luis F. Castillo bobbled the ball for an error to load the bases. Wade then slapped a two-run single to left to give the Giants a lead they never relinquished.

Flashing the fancy glove

Adames has never won a Gold Glove during his seven MLB seasons, but he sure looked like one briefly against the Mariners.

The 6-foot shortstop made a leaping catch of Rodriguez’s sharp line drive leading off the fifth inning, a critical play during an inning when Seattle scored twice.

In the seventh inning, Adames missed a chance at another web gem on Ryan Bliss’s grounder but made up for it two batters later when Seattle had runners at second and third with one out. Playing in, Adames snagged Victor Robles’ one-out grounder and threw to first for the out while the runners stayed put.

Adames also broke out of his mini-slump at the plate, giving more justification to the seven-year, $182 million deal he signed with the Giants in the offseason.

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Mets Notes: Juan Soto getting first Citi Field ovation, emotions high for home opener

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke ahead of Friday's highly-anticipated home opener against the Blue Jays.

Here are the most important notes...

Juan Soto ready for a new Big Apple ovation

At long last, Juan Soto will hear his name introduced at Citi Field, nearly four months after signing a record-breaking $765 million contract to play in Queens. The ovations he received in Port St. Lucie throughout spring training came first, but the reception from a home crowd with nearly six times more fans will be unrivaled.

Soto's first road trip with the Mets was average, considering his superstar standards. The slugging outfielder hit .238 in 27 plate appearances, but collected his first home run and double while also walking six times.

It's safe to assume that Soto will enjoy the home cooking, even while getting settled into his new digs in a new borough. The 26-year-old has thrived at Citi Field in his career, slashing a laudable .333/.466/.709 with 12 homers, six doubles, and 26 RBI in 35 games. Mendoza realizes what Friday means to Soto and the fans.

"It's special, especially after the offseason and all the rumors," Mendoza said. "'Where is he going to go? Finally, he's a Met.' Getting to play in front of the home fanbase for the first time is going to feel real now, even though we're already six games into it. Coming home and getting that ovation today is going to be pretty special, and I'm sure the fans can't wait."

Citi FIeld should also give Pete Alonso a warm welcome. After months of stalled free-agent negotiations between the Mets and veteran slugger, there were moments when a reunion seemed doubtful.

But through six games, Alonso appears eager to live up to the two-year, $54 million prove-it contract he signed in mid-February. With a pair of clutch homers against the Marlins in Miami, he's delivered some swagger to a Mets lineup that's still trying to find its groove.

The consensus is that Soto will hear the loudest ovation during warmups, but Alonso brought the team back home with some much-needed momentum. Regardless, the incessant cheers won't only belong to them.
"The good thing is we can say the same thing about a lot of the guys here," Mendoza said. "What's the ovation going to be for Lindor? What about Nimmo? What about Pete? Because we didn't know what was going to happen and it happened late. The way he's been playing the past six games, the fact that he's back and what he means to this team and this fanbase. You can make a case for a lot of players here, and that's a good feeling."

Yes, there's no place like home

The Mets returned to the Big Apple on Thursday after completing a six-game road trip to begin the 2025 campaign, and when they take the field against the Blue Jays on Friday afternoon, they'll be vying for a ninth home-opening win since 2015.

Mendoza is plenty familiar with Opening Day atmospheres. Before taking over as Mets skipper in 2024, he spent six years in the Yankees' dugout as their bench coach. He's comfortable with heightened season expectations and raucous New York crowds, but the traditional pregame introductions and festivities for a home opener stir special emotions.

"It's always great to be home again, playing in front of your fanbase. Packed house, loud, very exciting," Mendoza said. "It's a unique atmosphere. The way the fans are into every pitch. They're right there behind you. It's a really good feeling, it's coming from a really good place. It's fun. It's kind of hard to describe, but it's such a special place here...

"Last year, I don't think we had a sold-out crowd. I think we're going to be sold-out today. It's a little different than last year, I think we got rained out. Going through the playoffs and feeling it, even though this is the home opener, it's pretty similar. It means a lot. It's a privilege, nothing we can ever take for granted."

Progress on the injury front

Mendoza shared encouraging updates on a few injured players who are in attendance for the home opener. Francisco Alvarez, who's still recovering from a fractured left hand, is scheduled to catch a bullpen thrown by Kodai Senga on Friday. The Mets catcher is also swinging the bat and handling cage work.

Alvarez participated in receiving drills with soft baseballs last week, while using his surgically-repaired left hand. He broke his left hamate bone on March 8 during live at-bats in camp, and the latest news suggests that he's still on track to return in late April, on the shorter end of the initial six-to-eight week recovery timeline.

As for Jeff McNeil, still working his way back from a mid-March oblique injury, he's taking swings off a machine in the cage, according to Mendoza. His return to the active roster still remains unknown. Mendoza also mentioned that lefty Paul Blackburn, who's on the injured list with a knee issue, is scheduled to throw a bullpen on Saturday. His season debut could arrive in a few weeks.

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Fantasy baseball two-start pitchers: Garrett Crochet headlines the intriguing options for week of April 7

Hello and welcome to the second edition of our weekly two-start pitcher article for the 2025 MLB season.

I'll be here every Friday to highlight some of the best two-start pitcher options in fantasy baseball leagues for the upcoming week, as well as some streaming options to keep in mind.

Thinking ahead with your weekly strategy can give you an advantage on the waiver wire and hopefully be a difference-maker in the standings at the end of the season.

This is a living document, so we'll update the options below as the weekend moves along. Without further ado, let's dig into the options for the week of April 7.

Aaron Judge
2025 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Bobby Witt Jr., Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge lead Top 300 rest of season ranks
Mookie Betts has bounced back from illness, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. is in a great spot with the Yankees.

Going Twice…

Note: Probable pitchers as of Friday, April 4, and are subject to change.

American League

Strong Plays

Garrett Crochet (vs. Blue Jays, @ White Sox)

This one is probably the biggest no-brainer on the board this week. Crochet was drafted as a top-three starting pitcher by the end of draft season and he has posted a minuscule 1.38 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and a 12/3 K/BB ratio over 13 innings through his first two starts. He gets a decent matchup ag home against the Jays and then gets to battle the hapless White Sox in Chicago. He’s perhaps the top overall starting pitcher on the board this week and should be started with confidence in all formats.

Cole Ragans (vs. Twins, @ Guardians)

Ragans was drafted to be the ace of your fantasy staff in most circumstances (possibly as a strong SP2 in others), so you’re starting him almost every week without question. His first two-start week is no exception to that rule, especially since neither matchup is very frightening. He should pile up 10+ strikeouts on the week with a very good chance at earning his first victory of the season.

Logan Gilbert (vs. Astros, vs. Rangers)

Another one that you shouldn’t overthink. Gilbert was drafted to be your ace in most fantasy leagues and he should be started every week in nearly all formats. His matchups aren’t overly imposing and he gets the added benefit of both starts being at Safeco Field in Seattle. He should be started with full confidence.

Casey Mize (vs. Yankees, @ Twins)

The former top overall pick looked very impressive during Grapefruit League play with his revamped splitter and he carried that over to an outstanding season debut against the Mariners this past week. The matchup against the Yankees isn’t ideal, but getting to face them in the spacious confines of Comerica Park helps to mute the home run risk. There’s nothing scary about taking on the Twins right now. It may be aggressive ranking him as a strong play after only one good performance, but I’m starting Mize with complete confidence in all formats this week.

Pablo Lopez (@ Royals, vs. Tigers)

Lopez is another starter that you’re going to be using nearly 100% of the time this season, so in his first two-start week in a couple of very strong matchups, you’re obviously going to be starting him. He gets a couple of tough matchups in opposing pitchers though, battling Cole Ragans and Casey Mize, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him go through the week without earning a victory. Still, he should pile up strikeouts and is worth using in all leagues.

Carlos Rodon (@ Tigers, vs. Giants)

The 32-year-old southpaw has had one great start and one decent start to open the 2025 season, compiling a 3.97 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and a 12/6 K/BB ratio across 11 1/3 innings. He starts off his two-start week with a terrific matchup against the Tigers at Comerica Park and finishes up by taking on a powerful Giants’ offense at Yankee Stadium. There’s ratio risk involved with that second start, but overall they are strong matchups for Rodon for the upcoming week. The strikeouts should certainly be there with decent enough win equity that you should be comfortable starting him in all leagues.

Shane Baz (vs. Angels, vs. Braves)

Baz was brilliant in his 2025 season debut, amassing a career-high 10 strikeouts over six shutout innings against the Pirates, looking like he’s finally going to deliver on his long-held promise. He draws a strong matchup to start the week, taking on the right-handed heavy Angels at home before welcoming in a struggling Braves’ offense. If he’s on your pitching staff, he should be started for what on paper looks like a terrific two-start week.

Nathan Eovaldi (@ Cubs, @ Mariners)

Eovaldi has certainly looked the part of an ace through his first two starts of the season. He racked up nine strikeouts over six innings of two-run ball against the Red Sox before delivering the season’s first complete game shut out his last time out against the Reds in Cincinnati. You shouldn’t even worry about any fatigue from that last outing as he threw only 99 pitches in that outstanding performance. Taking on the Cubs at Wrigley isn’t ideal, but finishing the week with the Mariners in Seattle is. Decent shot at a win, plenty of strikeouts and limited ratio damage, all point to Eovaldi being a terrific play for his two-start week.

Decent Plays

Zach Eflin (@ Diamondbacks, vs. Blue Jays)

Eflin has delivered quality starts in each of his first two outings to kick off the 2025 season, though he has amassed only seven strikeouts in those outings. He draws a difficult matchup in that first start, having to take on the Diamondbacks (and Zac Gallen) in Arizona before finishing up the week by battling the Blue Jays at home. He’s fine, and in 15-teamers you don’t think twice about rolling him out there. In 12’s though, it’s possible that you have more worthwhile options that you’d want to use instead.

Shane Smith (@ Guardians, vs. Red Sox)

It’s only been one start, but I like what I have seen so far from the 25-year-old rookie right-hander. Wins are going to be difficult to come by pitching for the White Sox, though his pitching matchups aren’t bad in this one – taking on Logan Allen and Tanner Houck. I think you can expect him to get somewhere between eight and ten strikeouts for the week and the ratio risk feels muted with one of those starts coming against the light-hitting Guardians. He may not be worth it in 10 or 12 teamers, but I’d start Smith with confidence in 15-team leagues.

Logan Allen (vs. White Sox, vs. Royals)

Sometimes the matchups almost mean more to me than the pitcher themselves. Allen struggled badly in his first start of the season, giving up four runs over 5 1/3 innings against the Padres in San Diego with only one strikeout. He should be set up for success this week though, drawing a pair of terrific matchups at home in the White Sox and the Royals. The chances of earning a win in that second start will be muted as he opposes Cole Ragans, but he should be a favorite in the first start. If you’re looking to add a start to the mix this coming week by streaming a double, Allen should be a viable option.

Tanner Houck (vs. Blue Jays, @ White Sox)

While he gets the same matchups as his rotation-mate Garrett Crochet, Houck hasn’t pitched quite as well in the early going, so he’s not an absolute must-start for me. Assuming that he gets both of those starts – especially the weekend tilt against the White Sox – he’s probably worth trotting out in all 15-team formats and isn’t a bad option in 12’s either, just be aware that there is some ratio risk involved with this one.

Hayden Wesneski (@ Mariners, vs. Angels)

Wesneski is another player that I was very high on coming into the season and that hasn’t changed after one start. While he allowed three runs in a loss to the Giants, it came with a 1.00 WHIP and six punchouts over five innings. He draws two very good matchups taking on the Mariners in Seattle and the Angels at home and I’m starting him without hesitation in all leagues.

Simeon Woods Richardson (@ Royals, vs. Tigers)

Woods Richardson is the type of pitcher that will be streamed for most of his two-start weeks on the season but will rarely be used for single starts. That’s just the nature of the game sometimes. This week though, he gets a terrific draw taking on the Royals in Kansas City and then a home date against the depleted Tigers’ offense. He punched out five batters over four innings in his first start of the season and should challenge for 10+ strikeouts in this double dip. He’d be one of my top targets for the week if available on the waiver wire.

At Your Own Risk

Luis Severino (vs. Padres, vs. Mets)

I’ll be honest, this one scares me quite a bit. Severino dominated on Opening Day against the Mariners in Seattle, but gave up five runs in a loss against the Cubs his next time out. It’s a small sample, but we have seen the A’s new ballpark in West Sacramento function as one of the top offensive environments in the league so far, and welcoming in a pair of very strong offenses doesn’t seem like a recipe for success. If you need the strikeouts, maybe you could roll the dice here, just understand that Severino is unlikely to be a favorite to win in either of these starts and the potential for him to blow up your ratios is very real.

Michael Lorenzen (vs. Twins, @ Guardians)

Despite the decent matchups, I have concerns over trying to stream Michael Lorenzen this week. He struggled in his first start of the season against a slumping Brewers’ offense in Milwaukee, posting a 5.06 ERA and 1.50 WHIP across 5 1/3 innings, though he did record seven strikeouts. If I absolutely felt like I needed to add starts in a 15-team league, I could see myself looking his way further down my bid lists, but he won’t be a player that I’m actively looking to acquire for next week.

Kyle Hendricks (@ Rays, @ Astros)

Hendricks is one of those pitchers who always seems to be available to pick up for his two-start weeks, while no fantasy managers ever trot him out for a single start regardless of matchups. He actually looked sharp in his first start, allowing two runs on seven hits with a 4/0 K/BB ratio over six frames against the Cardinals. The matchup against the Rays doesn’t scare me, though I cringe thinking what the Astros could do to him with their short porch in left field. I can understand why you may want to gamble here in deeper leagues, I’ll most likely be staying away though.

Jose Berrios (@ Red Sox, @ Orioles)

Berrios has flashed extreme inconsistency through his first two starts of the season, which is pretty much what we have come to expect from him throughout the years. It’s not going to get any easier in his two-start week though, taking on a pair of very strong offenses on the road – both of which are divisional opponents who are very familiar with his work. Personally, if I have anything close to a better option, I’d probably sit this one out and avoid blowing up my ratios even further to open the 2025 campaign.

Easton Lucas (@ Red Sox, @ Orioles)

Lucas pitched very well in his first start with the Jays, firing five innings of shutout baseball in a victory over the Nationals. If the matchups were stronger, I’d be all aboard rolling him out for this two-start week, but the opponents matter. Taking on two very strong offenses on the road in hitter’s parks isn’t ideal. There’s also the added risk of the Jays shifting their rotation around and Lucas potentially missing his second start of the week or having it pushed back. If you want to try to ride the wave of his strong first start, be my guest. It’s too risky for my blood though.

National League

Strong Plays

Chris Sale (vs. Phillies, @ Rays)

The reigning National League Cy Young award winner hasn’t looked like an ace through his first two starts – allowing three earned runs over five innings in each – though his 12/1 K/BB ratio has been terrific and he has taken on two of the top offenses in the league (Padres and Dodgers) both on the road. He’s going to be just fine and this looks like a great week for him to start to get those ratios back in line. He should be started in all formats without question.

Zac Gallen (vs. Orioles, vs. Brewers)

Fresh off of a brilliant outing against the Yankees on Wednesday night, Gallen gets his first two-start week of the season. While the Orioles are a strong offense, getting to face them at home isn’t quite as scary, and the Brewers have been in a major funk to begin the 2025 campaign. You drafted Gallen to be a large part of your starting rotation, so you have to roll him out for two start weeks – especially when the matchups aren’t anything to shy away from.

Zack Wheeler (@ Braves, @Cardinals)

You almost certainly drafted Wheeler to be your ace in most fantasy leagues and you are starting him every week if he’s healthy. There’s nothing in the risk profile this week to suggest that you should do anything differently. Enjoy the extra strikeouts and the greater win equity from having a two-start week from your horse instead of a single start.

Hunter Greene (@ Giants, vs. Pirates)

I admittedly wasn’t very high on Greene entering fantasy drafts this season, as I’m worried the extreme velocity that he throws at is going to eventually lead to injury. While he’s healthy though, fantasy managers should start him with confidence most weeks. This first two-start week is no exception, as he draws strong matchups against the Giants in San Francisco and then the Pirates at home. He has been brilliant through his first two starts, posting a 2.25 ERA, 0.67 WHIP and a 16/2 K/BB ratio over 12 frames yet he’s still in search of his first victory. I’d be very surprised if he didn’t get into the win column this week.

Dustin May (@ Nationals, vs. Cubs)

May was brilliant in his first start of the 2025 season, striking out six batters over five shutout innings in a no-decision against the Braves. His win equity is through the roof pitching on the Dodgers, so it would be surprising if he didn’t come away with at least one victory this week. The way that the Cubs have been swinging the bats makes the second start somewhat concerning from a ratio perspective, but it’s a risk that’s definitely worth taking. Start May with confidence in all formats next week.

Kodai Senga (vs. Marlins, @ Athletics)

When he has been healthy, Senga has provided nothing but strong results during his time with the Mets, so there’s no reason to expect anything otherwise when he’s actually taking the hill. This week specifically though, he draws two of the best possible matchups that you can get – taking on the Marlins at home and then the Athletics in Sacramento. He should be considered an elite option this week and should be started in every single format.

Michael King (@ Athletics, vs. Rockies)

Another pitcher that should be a no-brainer every week. King was drafted to be a major part of your fantasy squad’s rotation and he should be started without question for most weeks (maybe sitting for a single start against the Dodgers). It’s simply an added bonus that the matchups are strong this week. Start him with full confidence and reap the rewards this week.

Decent Plays

Freddy Peralta (@ Rockies, @ Diamondbacks)

I know that you should always start your studs and not overthink it, but these matchups for Peralta this week should at least have you considering alternatives in shallower leagues. While he has been great through his first two starts on the season, taking on the Rockies at Coors Field and the Diamondbacks in Arizona is about as tough as it can get for a two-start week. He’ll still give you the strikeouts either way, and even at Coors Field he’s going to be a favorite to earn a victory in that first start on Tuesday. I’m still starting him in 15’s and probably would in 12’s as well, just understand that the risk for ratio damage is higher this week than it normally would be for the Brewers’ ace.

Logan Webb (vs. Reds, @ Yankees)

For most weeks, Webb should be a staple in fantasy lineups. There’s at least some reason for pause this week, as he draws a couple of very difficult matchups. The Reds’ offense can be frightening at times – even though they have struggled for their last three games. Battling the Yankees and their torpedo bats at Yankee Stadium has been a recipe for disaster for many starting pitchers already this season. In most leagues, you’re not going to have enough better options to be able to sit Webb for a tough two-start week. Just know that he’s not positioned as well for success as he normally is and the risk of a blowup in either of those two starts is present. I’d still start him, but I’d be hoping for good results rather than expecting them.

Matthew Liberatore (@ Pirates, vs. Phillies)

One of my favorite starts of the week, and a player that I targeted last week to pick up for his two-start week, is Matthew Liberatore. The talented 25-year-old southpaw posted a quality start in his first start of the season against the Angels, posting a 1.00 WHIP and striking out four over his six frames. He draws a terrific matchup to start the two-step, battling the Pirates in Pittsburgh before welcoming in the Phillies in his final start. At least for that one, his handedness mutes the overall power potential for Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper. If he’s available on the waiver wire in your league, he makes for a strong streaming option for this two-start week.

At Your Own Risk

Justin Steele (vs. Rangers, @ Dodgers)

If you would’ve told me before the season started that I’d have trepidation over starting Justin Steele for his first two-start week of the season, I doubt that I would have believed you, but here we are. Despite being 2-1 through his first three outings he holds a troublesome 6.89 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and a 13/3 K/BB ratio over 15 2/3 innings while serving up a league-leading five home runs. If the matchups were strong, I’d have more confidence in using him, but the Rangers are a powerful offense that could give him trouble at Wrigley Field and we’ve already seen what the Dodgers did against him in the Tokyo Series. In deeper leagues you can try it if you don’t have better options, just know that there’s ratio risk involved.

Kyle Freeland (vs. Brewers, @ Padres)

I would have liked to move Freeland up to the decent start section given how well he has pitched in his first two outings (2.13 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 10/0 K/BB ratio over 12 2/3 innings), but the matchups prevented me from doing so. As poor as the Brewers’ offense has been in the early going, having to battle them at Coors Field doesn’t seem ideal. That second start on the road against the Padres is also a bit terrifying. There’s a chance that he continues his early-season success and winds up with a victory, eight strikeouts and decent ratios this week, but there’s plenty of risk involved. If you’re a gambler and want to roll the dice though, be my guest.

Connor Gillispie (@ Mets, vs. Nationals)

The 27-year-old right-hander has surprisingly pitched well through his first two big league starts, compiling a 3.60 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a 10/4 K/BB ratio over 10 innings of work. Can that continue through his first two-start week of the season? I’m skeptical. For starters, he’s getting by with an average fastball velocity of just 92.2 mph. He has produced an opponent’s xBA of only .184 through his first two starts, and I have to think that regresses towards the mean this week. There’s a blow up coming in the near future, and you don’t want it to happen while he’s in your fantasy lineup. Also, if it comes during that first start against the Mets, he could easily get bumped from that second start.

Thomas Harrington (vs. Cardinals, @ Reds)

This one is working under the assumption that Harrington draws another start for the Pirates on Monday – which has yet to be confirmed. After getting lit up in his first career start, there’s always a chance that they send him back to Triple-A Indianapolis for more seasoning. They could also roll Paul Skenes on regular rest on Monday, which would give him the two-start week instead. That’s not even taking into account the extreme ratio risk that Harrington would provide if he does indeed get the two-step. I’d save myself the headache and just avoid the situation entirely.

Trevor Williams (vs. Dodgers, @ Marlins)

This is a tough one for me. I actually like Trevor Williams and drafted him in a couple of leagues this spring. I think he’s underrated and worth using for most two-start weeks. Taking on the Dodgers in that first start is about as bad as it gets though, though he gets redemption with a start against the Marlins in Miami to finish the week. Williams struggled against the Blue Jays in Toronto in his first start of the season, so I understand why fantasy managers wouldn’t want to take the gamble on the scary two-start week that’s on tap. I just can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to stay away in some 15-teamers where I’m light on starters and need the volume.

Streamer City

Here are a couple of my hand-picked streaming options for the upcoming week that are readily available in most fantasy leagues. I’ll track these results throughout the season so you can see how my recommendations have performed.

American League

Carlos Carrasco (@ Tigers - Tuesday 4/8)

I'm going to continue to pick on my hometown squad with the depleted offense that they're rolling out right now, especially when they are at home. Carrasco pitched decently in his first start against a tough Diamondbacks lineup and he has racked up seven strikeouts through his first 7 1/3 innings on the season. He's rostered in just 1% of all Yahoo leagues and looks like a decent streamer — with the possibility to stick around for a two-step the next week.

National League

Erick Fedde (@ Pirates - Wednesday 4/9)

Fedde was outstanding in his first start of the 2025 campaign — and most of the 2024 season — yet he still gets very little respect from the fantasy community. He could get blown up on Friday which would make me feel worse heading into next week's single, but I'm rolling him out against the Pirates in any place that I have him. He's rostered in only 27% of all Yahoo leagues.

Last Week’s Review

Jonathan Cannon (@ Tigers – Friday 4/4)

Nothing to review here yet, Cannon is taking on the Tigers in their home opener on Friday afternoon. Will be back to update once that one is completed.

Landen Roupp (@ Astros – Tuesday 4/1)

The right-hander had allowed just one run through his first four innings, but ultimately surrendered three runs in four-plus innings of work in a no-decision. He did rack up eight strikeouts though, which are still helpful for fantasy purposes. Apologies for the ratio damage though.