If you need recommendations on who to start during Friday’s fantasy baseball slate, here are three pitchers you should consider keeping close tabs on.
Why Shota Imanaga is a Strong Fantasy Start vs. the Pirates
Imanaga is one of two pitchers (the other being Edward Cabrera) who need to step up for the Cubs following the injury of Cade Horton (elbow) and the absence of Justin Steele (elbow). The good thing for Chicago is that Imanaga seems to be pitching at a level closer to the first half of the 2025 season rather than the form he showed in the second half of the campaign.
Through two starts, Imanaga sports an 11:3 K:BB over his first 10 frames, and he turned things around after a poor opening start against the Nationals at home. Considering the Pirates aren’t known for being an offensive juggernaut and that this game will be in the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field, feel free to start Imanaga with confidence in DFS contests, and if you have the chance to do so in season-long formats as well.
Why Shane Baz is an Excellent Streaming Option on Friday
Baz is rostered in around 60% or less of most leagues, so there’s a decent chance you might find him available on your waiver wire if you’re playing season-long formats. Conversely, if you’re targeting him for a DFS contest, he should be a strong option as well since he should carry a mid-tier price while being in line for a favorable outing.
The Giants have been one of the worst offenses in baseball this season, and while they’ve shown signs of a turnaround lately, they own the fourth-worst collective OPS with a .618 mark. Even though Camden Yards is one of the most hitter-friendly environments in the majors, it’s hard to bench Baz right now since he has a 4.09 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 9:3 K:BB across 11 innings in his first two starts. The favorable matchup against a struggling Giants offense presents an opportunity to boost those numbers.
Why You Should Trust Connelly Early on the Road vs. the Cardinals
The sample size on Early is minimal following two starts, as he’s tossed a combined 9.1 innings, allowing three runs on eight hits and six walks while striking out 10. Yes, that’s far from ideal, but he faces a favorable matchup against the Cardinals and at Busch Stadium, which happens to be one of the most pitcher-friendly environments in the majors this season.
His previous two outings were on the road against Cincinnati and at home against the Padres, so it wouldn’t be a stretch to say this will be his most favorable start of the season thus far. Early has never faced any of the Cardinals’ hitters, but with a 2.89 ERA through his first two starts and a strong matchup on tap, Early could deliver solid returns as long as he controls his command.
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