- Let's begin Sunday's "need to know" with noting the early game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals starts a half hour later than normal, with first pitch just after noon ET in Nationals Park. There are plenty of fantasy implications for the early birds, beginning with Phillies starter Zach Eflin checking enough boxes to be streamed on a day replete with good options. Elfin has tossed at least six frames on six occasions, four registering as quality starts. Homers have been a issue lately, but the Nationals sport the eighth-lowest home run rate against righthanders. With Corey Knebel relieved of his closing duties, Seranthony Dominguez(6%) and Brad Hand (4%) are both in play for saves. Phillies batters are also in play with Washington sending Jackson Tetreaultto the bump. Alec Bohm (20%), Bryson Stott(7%) and Matt Vierling (1%) are the primary targets.
- As mentioned, the slate is dotted with pitching for those needing a late boost in your head-to-head matchups. Consider the following: Brady Singer (12%), Adrian Houser (10%), Mike Minor (6%), Dane Dunning (9%), Alex Cobb (21%) and Merrill Kelly (46%). In points leagues, it's best to target them in that order. In category formats, use the W% column if you need wins, K for strikeouts and ER and BR in conjunction with IP for ratio help.
- Those waiting on the return of Dodgers southpaw Andrew Heaney (67%) from shoulder inflammation have a tough decision as he faces the pesky Cleveland Guardians. Heaney made three rehab starts, fanning 19 with one free pass in 12⅓ innings, allowing just one unearned run. Maybe the choice isn't so hard after all; Heaney is good to go. On the other hand, Blake Snell in Colorado and Yusei Kikuchi at home against the Yankees are both big ratio risks.
- There are several offenses to target, all facing inexperienced, or historically subpar hurlers. Joining the Phillies in this realm are the Boston Red Sox versus Andre Pallante, the Texas Rangers drawing Drew Hutchison, the Kansas City Royals stepping in against Jared Koenig and the Seattle Marinersfacing Kenny Rosenberg, as the Los Angeles Angels are again giving Noah Syndergaardan extra day's rest.
- Jon Berti (12%) has seven steals over the past week, including two on Saturday. The Miami Marlins wrap up a series with the Mets, who do a good job controlling the running game, but that hasn't stopped Berti (17-for-18 on the season). Dylan Moore (1%) has four pilfers this week as the Mariners and Rangers close out their weekend set. Moore is in a good spot to tack on another pilfer as the Angels have surrendered the second most stolen bases in MLB.
What you need to know for Sunday's MLB Games
- Thread starter biggins
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