Thursday MLB Showdown: Expert Picks, Betting Insights & Fantasy Baseball Must-Start Players

Get expert analysis on Thursday's MLB slate, including top streaming pitchers, DFS targets, and betting value plays powered by THE BAT X projections.

Starting Pitcher Rankings & Analysis

Top Tier Arms:

  • Spencer Schwellenbach (RHP, PHI) leads Thursday's slate with 11.3 FPTS projection. The Braves' lineup presents a tough test, but his 53% win probability and 5.8 IP forecast make him a viable DFS anchor.
  • Jesus Luzardo (LHP, @ATL) vs. Philadelphia's lefty-mashing lineup is risky (47% W%), but his swing-and-miss stuff (6.3 projected Ks) offers GPP upside.

Streaming Gold:

  • Gavin Williams (RHP, CLE) vs. White Sox:
    • Cold weather (40°F) boosts pitcher advantage
    • CHW ranks 28th in wRC+ vs. RHP (83)
    • Key Stat: 21 K in 12.1 spring training IP
  • Jose Soriano (RHP, LAA) faces TB's anemic offense (4.9 projected Ks) despite Rays' low whiff rate (18.3%, 4th lowest).

Hitting Highlights

Coors Field Stack: Player Position Key Metric
Brenton Doyle OF .382 xwOCO vs. RHP (last 15 GP)
Brice Turang 2B 6 SB in May, .315 AVG vs. sinkers

Ballpark Boost: Fenway Park's 1.18 run factor (2nd highest) makes Red Sox lefties (Rafael Devers, Jarren Duran) premium plays vs. Chris Bassitt (5.7 IP, 3.4 ER proj).

Betting Edge (via THE BAT X)

Top EV Plays:

  • MIN/TB UNDER 8.5 (+100): 58% hit rate in sub-50°F games (projected: 44°F)
  • Carlos Santana (CLE) 2+ TB (+210): Faces Jonathan Cannon (.387 xwOBA vs. lefties)

Weather Watch

  • CLE/CHW: 60% rain chance (monitor for delays)
  • DET/KC: 12mph crosswinds favor pitchers

Updated 30 mins before first pitch - Always check @ESPNFantasy for late scratches

What to Read Next

Ultimate MLB Sunday: Fantasy Baseball Lineup Strategies & Expert Betting Insights
MLB

Ultimate MLB Sunday: Fantasy Baseball Lineup Strategies & Expert Betting Insights

Get the latest MLB Sunday fantasy baseball lineup advice and expert betting tips. Discover top starting pitchers, hitters to stream, and key matchups to maximize your fantasy and betting success.

MLB Fantasy Baseball & Betting Insights: Thursday's Top Picks and Strategies
MLB

MLB Fantasy Baseball & Betting Insights: Thursday's Top Picks and Strategies

Get expert advice on setting your MLB fantasy baseball lineups and making informed betting decisions for Thursday's games. Discover top pitchers and hitters to watch.

MLB Fantasy Baseball and Betting Insights: Tuesday's Top Picks and Strategies
MLB

MLB Fantasy Baseball and Betting Insights: Tuesday's Top Picks and Strategies

Get expert advice on setting your MLB fantasy baseball lineups and placing bets for Tuesday's games, including top pitcher rankings and betting strategies.

MLB Week 22 Fantasy Baseball Forecast: Key Matchups, Pitcher Rankings, and Playoff Implications
MLB

MLB Week 22 Fantasy Baseball Forecast: Key Matchups, Pitcher Rankings, and Playoff Implications

Get ready for MLB Week 22 with our comprehensive fantasy baseball forecast, featuring key matchups, pitcher rankings, and playoff implications.

MLB Sunday Showdown: Expert Fantasy Baseball Lineup Tips and Betting Insights
MLB

MLB Sunday Showdown: Expert Fantasy Baseball Lineup Tips and Betting Insights

Get the latest expert advice on setting your fantasy baseball lineups and making informed MLB bets for Sunday's games. Includes pitcher rankings and hitter streams.

MLB Week 21 Fantasy Baseball Forecast: Key Pitcher Rankings and Hitter Insights
MLB

MLB Week 21 Fantasy Baseball Forecast: Key Pitcher Rankings and Hitter Insights

Get ahead in your fantasy baseball league with our detailed Week 21 forecast, featuring pitcher rankings, hitter ratings, and schedule insights.

Ultimate MLB Fantasy Baseball Lineup and Betting Guide for Wednesday
MLB

Ultimate MLB Fantasy Baseball Lineup and Betting Guide for Wednesday

Get expert advice on setting your MLB fantasy baseball lineup and placing bets for Wednesday's games. Includes pitcher rankings, hitter insights, and betting tips.

Ultimate MLB Fantasy Baseball and Betting Guide for Tuesday: Expert Tips and Lineup Strategies
MLB

Ultimate MLB Fantasy Baseball and Betting Guide for Tuesday: Expert Tips and Lineup Strategies

Get expert advice on setting your fantasy baseball lineup and placing MLB bets for Tuesday's games. Includes starting pitcher rankings, betting tips, and more.

Top MLB Fantasy Pickups: Keaschall and Rising Stars to Watch Post-Trade Deadline
MLB

Top MLB Fantasy Pickups: Keaschall and Rising Stars to Watch Post-Trade Deadline

Discover the top MLB fantasy pickups post-trade deadline, featuring Luke Keaschall and other rising stars to boost your team.

Ultimate MLB Fantasy Baseball Guide: Expert Lineup Advice & Betting Tips for Monday's Games
MLB

Ultimate MLB Fantasy Baseball Guide: Expert Lineup Advice & Betting Tips for Monday's Games

Get expert MLB fantasy baseball lineup advice and betting tips for Monday's games. Optimize your picks with ESPN Fantasy insights and strategies.

MLB Week 20 Fantasy Baseball Forecaster: Key Matchups, Pitcher Rankings, and Hitter Insights
MLB

MLB Week 20 Fantasy Baseball Forecaster: Key Matchups, Pitcher Rankings, and Hitter Insights

Get ready for MLB Week 20 with our detailed fantasy baseball forecaster, featuring pitcher rankings, hitter ratings, and key schedule insights.

Master Your MLB Fantasy Lineups and Betting Strategies for Thursday's Games
MLB

Master Your MLB Fantasy Lineups and Betting Strategies for Thursday's Games

Get expert advice on setting your MLB fantasy lineups and placing bets for Thursday's games. Discover top pitcher and hitter matchups, and key betting insights.

Sunday MLB Fantasy Baseball & Betting Guide: Expert Tips & Lineup Strategies
MLB

Sunday MLB Fantasy Baseball & Betting Guide: Expert Tips & Lineup Strategies

Get expert advice on setting your MLB fantasy baseball lineups and betting tips for Sunday's games. Includes starting pitcher rankings and hitter insights.

Aaron Judge's Injury: Fantasy Baseball Managers' Dilemma and Recovery Outlook
MLB

Aaron Judge's Injury: Fantasy Baseball Managers' Dilemma and Recovery Outlook

Explore the impact of Aaron Judge's injury on fantasy baseball leagues and his recovery prospects with the New York Yankees.

Saturday MLB Fantasy Baseball Guide: Expert Lineup Advice and Betting Insights
MLB

Saturday MLB Fantasy Baseball Guide: Expert Lineup Advice and Betting Insights

Get expert advice on setting your MLB fantasy baseball lineups and betting tips for Saturday's games. Make informed decisions with our comprehensive guide.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.