Reese Olson, Matthew Liberatore, and Will Vest have emerged as intriguing options for fantasy baseball managers in 2025, showcasing remarkable early-season performances. Olson's changeup usage has surged, helping him achieve a 3.55 ERA, with impressive strikeout rates. Meanwhile, Liberatore has transformed into a reliable pitcher with a 3.19 ERA, showcasing improved command and a strong reliance on his slider. Vest has carved out a niche in the Tigers' bullpen, displaying excellent metrics despite a recent rough outing.

Assessing whether these pitchers are merely breakouts or potential league winners is vital for fantasy managers. Olson's early successes, bolstered by his enhanced changeup, suggest he could provide solid depth in standard formats, but consistency remains a concern. Liberatore's post-hype breakout may offer a more stable option, while Vest's high-leverage role indicates potential value, especially in leagues that reward holds and saves.

The Detroit Tigers fell short against the Houston Astros, losing 6-4, marking their second consecutive defeat in this series. The Tigers initially led 2-0, thanks to a leadoff home run by Kerry Carpenter and an RBI single from Gleyber Torres. However, the Astros came alive in the sixth and seventh innings, scoring six runs to seize control. Reese Olson, who held the Astros scoreless for five innings, faltered, allowing three runs in the sixth before Will Vest struggled in the seventh. Despite a ninth-inning rally, capped by a two-run homer from Torres, the Tigers couldn’t complete the comeback.

Olson’s performance was marked by strong off-speed pitches, yet his command slipped in critical moments. Torres’ efforts provided a glimmer of hope, but ultimately it wasn’t enough as the Astros struck back hard. The Tigers now sit at 18-12, looking to regroup in the series finale.

The Detroit Tigers face off against the Houston Astros in what promises to be an exciting matchup at Minute Maid Park. The Tigers, boasting a record of 18-11, are looking to rebound after a tough loss against the Astros, who improved to 15-13 with their recent victory. Tigers' Reese Olson takes the mound, fresh off a stellar performance where he pitched 7.1 innings without allowing any runs. On the other side, Astros' Ryan Gusto has been consistent, recording a 2.78 ERA so far this season.

Betting odds favor a close game, with the moneyline set at Tigers -112 and Astros -107, indicating a competitive environment. Notably, the recent form of both teams shows the Tigers winning four of their last five games, whereas the Astros have demonstrated profitability on the run line at home. Key players to watch include José Altuve and Christian Walker, who both showcased their power hitting with two-run homers in the last game. Fantasy managers should consider their performance closely as the teams prepare for this rematch.

Week 5 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season brings an intriguing slate of pitchers offering two starts, with key streamers available for managers looking to optimize their rosters. Among those over 50% rostered, Garrett Crochet and Jack Flaherty are solid options, while Gavin Williams and Reese Olson emerge as must-add streamers for their favorable matchups against struggling offenses.

Gavin Williams, despite previous challenges, has shown promise with a recent uptick in velocity and the return of his cutter, positioning him well against two bottom-tier offenses. Olson, fresh off a brilliant performance against the Padres, has also improved his pitch selection, making him a strong streaming candidate. Meanwhile, Andrew Heaney and David Peterson present riskier options due to their high strikeout potential, but also concerning underlying metrics. This week is pivotal for fantasy managers, and selecting the right pitchers could define the overall success of their teams.

Week 5 in fantasy baseball calls for strategic waiver wire moves, especially for starting pitchers. Among the top picks is Andrew Heaney of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who, despite a fastball under 90 MPH, has been effective with a 5.1% walk rate and an impressive K% of 26.3% in his last four starts. Mitchell Parker of the Washington Nationals also stands out, boasting a 1.39 ERA, but his low strikeout rate may limit his overall value. Landen Roupp from the San Francisco Giants shows promise with a significant K% increase, though inconsistency in his ERA raises questions. Jose Quintana of the Milwaukee Brewers remains a reliable option for controlling ratios and winning potential, albeit with limited strikeout upside. Deeper leagues may find value in Reese Olson of the Detroit Tigers, who has improved rapidly, and Matthew Liberatore from the St. Louis Cardinals, boasting four quality starts. Tobias Myers and Shane Smith, both rostered under 30%, are also worth consideration for streaming options.