Tarik Skubal showcased his elite pitching prowess once again, leading the Detroit Tigers to a 4-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Skubal threw seven scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and striking out six, which dropped his ERA to an impressive 1.99. This stellar performance marked his fourth consecutive start of at least seven innings.

Supporting Skubal, Dillon Dingler and Parker Meadows both contributed with home runs in a decisive fourth inning, allowing the Tigers to secure a series win against the Orioles. Meadows' three-run shot came after he snapped an 0-for-12 slump, while Dingler's solo homer kicked off the scoring for Detroit. Will Vest achieved his 12th save, ensuring the Tigers maintained their lead despite a late solo home run from the Orioles. This win elevates the Tigers to a strong season record of 45-25, placing them firmly in playoff contention.

As stolen bases surge across MLB, pinpointing the best base stealers and the most vulnerable pitchers and catchers is essential for fantasy teams. Last week, the Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays were highlighted for their aggressive base running, combining for 20 stolen bases. Jorge Mateo leads the league with 5 steals despite only starting four games, showcasing his explosive potential. Meanwhile, teams like the Colorado Rockies have struggled, allowing 15 stolen bases last week. The Baltimore Orioles have shifted their strategy under new management, attempting 14 steals last week, showing a willingness to take risks in a disappointing season.

Notably, the Marlins have dramatically improved their catchers’ effectiveness, limiting stolen bases against them significantly. This shift indicates an evolving dynamic within the league that fantasy players must monitor closely. The analysis extends to individual player efficiency, with names like Luis Robert Jr. and Bobby Witt Jr. dominating the overall season leaderboard with impressive numbers, while rookies like Jackson Holliday offer exciting potential.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are navigating through a challenging season, currently sitting at 30-19 atop the National League West, despite significant injuries to their pitching staff. With a strong roster, the team is eyeing potential improvements ahead of the trade deadline. Notably, they could leverage pitching prospect Nick Frasso, a 26-year-old ranked 12th in their system, along with outfielder James Outman, in a trade deal for the Baltimore Orioles' outfielder Cedric Mullins, who is having a standout season with 10 home runs.

With Michael Conforto struggling, the Dodgers are considering options in left field. Mullins' performance, combined with the Orioles' struggles, makes him an attractive target. As the trade deadline approaches, the Dodgers are likely to part ways with Frasso and Outman, reshaping their lineup for the better.

The fantasy baseball landscape is shifting as teams adjust to the early season. With injuries affecting some rosters, it's a strategic moment to prioritize high-upside prospects for stashing. Key players include Roman Anthony, who has shown remarkable performance in the minors for the Boston Red Sox, and Nick Kurtz, a promising first baseman for the Athletics. Both are anticipated to make impactful major league appearances soon. Other notable mentions are Emmanuel Rodriguez of the Twins, known for his power potential despite concerns over swing discipline, and Chandler Simpson of the Rays, who could lead the league in steals thanks to his elite speed.

Catchers Kyle Teel and Agustin Ramirez are also highlighted for their potential to contribute significantly once they reach the majors, given their strong offensive track records. As teams solidify their lineups, these young talents represent prime opportunities for fantasy owners looking to bolster their rosters. Monitoring these prospects will be crucial as the season unfolds.

Yahoo drafts are heating up as fantasy baseball enthusiasts prepare for the upcoming season. Understanding Average Draft Position (ADP) is crucial to maximize value during drafts, especially on Yahoo, which has distinct ADP trends compared to platforms like NFBC and Fantrax. Notable draft targets include Will Smith and Shea Langeliers at catcher, with Smith being a steady option for home runs and RBIs, while Langeliers shows breakout potential despite a low batting average.

At first base, Michael Toglia stands out after hitting 25 homers last season and providing unexpected speed. For second base, Luis Garcia Jr. is a rising star with a strong average and power, while Andres Gimenez offers solid defense and speed. Third base options include Luis Rengifo, known for his versatility and stolen bases, and Maikel Garcia, who is also a strong late-round pick. Shortstop target Oneil Cruz possesses the potential to produce big numbers if he can reduce his strikeouts. In the outfield, Lawrence Butler and Taylor Ward present appealing options with multi-category upside.

Pitching targets feature Garrett Crochet, who has excelled in strikeout rates, and Bailey Ober, who provides elite control. Hunter Greene could be a value pick with his potential upside, while Ryan Pepiot is ideal for late-round rotation depth. This season's draft strategies emphasize awareness of platform-specific ADP variations, with Yahoo drafters needing to be cautious of overpaying for popular players.