Dive into our comprehensive catalog of starting pitcher evaluations and various roster-building utilities, meticulously crafted to assist you in formulating astute fantasy baseball lineup choices. All fantasy guidance is tailored for ESPN 10-team leagues with conventional point systems.
Kindly be aware: All data is precise at the moment of release. For current information, and any urgent developments that might affect today’s MLB fixtures, be sure to consult the freshest fantasy baseball chatter.
Additional assets: Relief Pitcher organizational hierarchy | Initiate a fresh league
ESPN’s 2026 Player Selection Handbook | Wagering insights for Friday
Hurlers to consider adding on Friday
It’s merely the season’s third day, yet Mike Burrows‘ debut for the Houston Astros against the Los Angeles Angels may represent the premier streaming prospect of the entire season. This might be an overstatement, but Burrows went largely unnoticed in all but 12.6% of ESPN leagues. The Astros acquired Burrows via a transaction with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and given their famed reputation for cultivating hurlers — particularly pitchers adept at ball manipulation — Burrows instantly piqued interest. He surrendered merely three earned runs over 18 spring innings, cementing his position as the third starter in the Astros rotation. His debut will be at his home park against an opponent projected to have one of the weakest offensive lineups in the majors.
There are merely four additional starters whose ownership percentages fall below 50%. None among them present a compelling option, so let’s bend that criterion slightly and feature Sandy Alcantara, given his continued availability in a quarter of ESPN leagues. The Miami Marlins will welcome the Colorado Rockies. Alcantara incorporated a sweeper pitch during spring training. He deploys it at a reduced velocity compared to his slider, providing hitters with an additional concern as he progresses into a more refined “pitcher” as opposed to merely a “thrower.” The Rockies’ batting order lacks its customary power, but they appear to be prioritizing athletes proficient in both making contact and fielding. Alcantara’s command ought to thrive facing such an offensive style in loanDepot Park.
Hurlers to steer clear of on Friday
At this nascent stage of the season, sidestepping hurlers not yet fully conditioned can be a prudent allocation of one’s starts allowance. An illustrative instance is Emmet Sheehan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who is slated to pitch at his home stadium against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Sheehan logged merely 10⅔ innings in spring, recording only 11 strikeouts coupled with a substantial six bases on balls.
Batters to consider adding on Friday
With a mere eight contests listed on the schedule, the majority of fantasy rosters will exhibit certain gaps. Miami presents an excellent venue for consideration, with the Marlins’ batting order confronting Rockies’ southpaw Kyle Freeland. Even outside of Coors Field, Freeland’s performance has been subpar. Plus, Miami possesses several understated choices benefiting from the platoon advantage, including Heriberto Hernandez, Christopher Morel, Connor Norby and Austin Slater. Each of these four individuals remains accessible in virtually all ESPN leagues.