Boston Red Sox pitcher Richard Fitts has been diagnosed with a mild right pectoral strain following his exit after five innings against the White Sox. Manager Alex Cora expressed relief, noting the injury was less severe than initially feared, although the timeline for Fitts's return is still uncertain. Tanner Houck is set to start in his place for the series opener against the Rays, while Walker Buehler will take the mound in the subsequent game. Meanwhile, Brayan Bello is on track for a return next week, and Lucas Giolito continues his rehab process. Fitts had an impressive start to the season, boasting a 3.18 ERA over his first three outings.

Michael Fulmer, former AL Rookie of the Year, has returned to the majors with the Boston Red Sox after a lengthy recovery from Tommy John surgery. Fulmer, now 32, last pitched in the big leagues in 2023 and has since worked his way back, posting impressive stats in the minors. With Richard Fitts sidelined due to a right pectoral strain, Fulmer's addition to the bullpen is timely as he looks to contribute significantly.

Fulmer's spring training performance was stellar, with a 0.79 ERA and 12 strikeouts over 11 1/3 innings. His previous success with the Detroit Tigers, coupled with the depth of the Red Sox bullpen, positions him as a potential game-changer. Red Sox manager Alex Cora anticipates utilizing Fulmer in critical game situations. Meanwhile, Fitts will undergo an MRI to assess the severity of his injury.

Saturday brings a full slate of MLB action with games throughout the day starting at 4 PM ET. Top pitching options include Sandy Alcantara (MIA) who boasts a strong track record against the Nationals, scoring a solid 46 FanDuel points in his last three home starts versus them. Also, Richard Fitts (BOS) is an intriguing candidate against the White Sox, who struggled last season, making him a potential value pick.

For hitters, Juan Soto (NYM) faces the struggling Athletics' pitching staff, looking to break out of his early-season slump. Brent Rooker (ATH) has shown power recently and could capitalize against lefties. Additionally, Xavier Edwards (MIA) and Rob Refsnyder (BOS) are both solid options in their respective matchups, with Refsnyder's dominance against lefties making him a key value play. Consider stacking the Mets against the Athletics for a high-upside play.

For fantasy baseball enthusiasts looking to bolster their pitching staff, several intriguing streaming options are available for the upcoming week. Jeffrey Springs of the Athletics is set to face the White Sox and Brewers, showing promise with his increasing velocity. Grant Holmes, also rostered at 73%, faces favorable matchups against the Blue Jays and Twins, despite previous efficiency issues. Chaos characterizes Mitch Keller's outings with the Pirates, yet his potential for high strikeouts can be enticing with two starts against the Nationals and Guardians. Keep an eye on Tylor Megill of the Mets; he’s been solid this season, albeit with uncertainty about a second start.

Tomoyuki Sugano has shown efficiency for the Orioles and could benefit from a weak Guardians batting lineup. JP Sears of the Athletics, currently at 27% rostered, is worth a flier, especially against the struggling White Sox. Landen Roupp has swing-and-miss potential and would be a good addition in points leagues. Finally, Richard Fitts boasts quality starts and might emerge as a sleeper against the White Sox. As we enter this scoring period, these pitchers present a variety of opportunities for fantasy managers.

This week’s fantasy baseball streamer options are limited, with a focus on just a few pitchers who have shown potential. Hayden Wesneski of the Houston Astros tops the list, boasting a solid strikeout rate and favorable matchups against below-average lineups. Richard Fitts of the Boston Red Sox also makes the cut, showcasing improved fastball velocity despite a rough season debut. Casey Mize of the Detroit Tigers should see expanded roster interest following a strong start, although his matchups are challenging. Luis Severino from the Athletics is an option in deeper leagues despite some concerning trends in walks and home runs. Matthew Liberatore and Simeon Woods Richardson provide additional streaming options, though they come with varying levels of risk.

On the hitting side, the Boston Red Sox look promising with favorable matchups against the Toronto Blue Jays, particularly for players like Wilyer Abreu and Kristian Campbell. The Kansas City Royals may find opportunities against a weak Twins rotation, making hitters like Michael Massey worth considering. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers will be looking to capitalize on the favorable hitting conditions at Coors Field.