The MLB betting landscape is heating up as the Cincinnati Reds face off against the Atlanta Braves this Thursday. Starting pitchers Nick Lodolo and Spencer Schwellenbach are set for an intriguing duel. Despite a rough outing in his last start, Lodolo's track record suggests he bounces back well, especially away from Great American Ballpark. Schwellenbach, however, has struggled in his recent games, giving up significant earned runs in his last four outings.

This matchup also presents an opportunity to bet on the total runs. Recent games in this series have seen low scoring, and with both offenses struggling, the predicted under of 8 runs may prove to be a savvy wager. Additionally, with Schwellenbach's declining strikeout rate, betting on him to go under 5.5 strikeouts could be another profitable strategy.

Concerns are rising for the Cincinnati Reds as third baseman Noelvi Marte is facing a possible stint on the injured list due to ongoing issues with his left oblique. Following a re-evaluation, it was revealed that Marte, who has been coping with discomfort since being hit by a pitch in Louisville, exacerbated the injury during batting practice. Initially eager to play, Marte's performance has recently dipped, hitting just one for his last ten at-bats.

Manager Terry Francona confirmed the seriousness of the situation, noting that Marte's throw had triggered the discomfort again. With Marte's .306 batting average and .897 OPS since his April call-up, his absence would significantly impact the Reds' lineup as they navigate a competitive season.

In today's MLB DFS picks, the focus is on maximizing value amidst a smaller main slate. Jack Flaherty is highlighted as a strong pitcher against the Angels, particularly with Mike Trout sidelined. Flaherty's solid metrics make him a viable option. Nick Lodolo also stands out after an impressive outing against the Rockies, with favorable matchups against the Nationals' high strikeout rate. Luis Castillo's recent form against the struggling Rangers further solidifies his value.

Among hitters, Cal Raleigh is poised to shine against Patrick Corbin, leveraging his power stats effectively. Gleyber Torres, if cleared from injury, presents a solid option against Kyle Hendricks, especially given his successful metrics against changeups and sinkers. The outfield features Riley Greene, with a hot bat against Hendricks' pitches, while Randy Arozarena is expected to excel against Corbin's cutter.

Stacking the Detroit Tigers against Kyle Hendricks and the Mariners against Corbin offers promising potential for scoring, given their favorable matchups. This slate emphasizes the importance of monitoring injury news and starting lineups, as they can significantly affect player performance and value.

The early MLB season reveals which pitchers are exceeding expectations and which may be due for regression. Identifying breakout stars among the starting pitchers is key for fantasy players looking to boost their lineups. Dan highlights five pitchers who have notably elevated their performances, analyzing their stats and projecting future trends. Each pitcher presents unique strengths and potential red flags, making them intriguing trade targets or must-haves in fantasy leagues.

Hunter Brown of the Houston Astros has proven to be a valuable asset with a significant increase in strikeouts and a low WHIP, suggesting a real breakout. Meanwhile, Nick Pivetta from the San Diego Padres is showcasing refined control and impressive strikeout rates, though some regression may lie ahead. Jesús Luzardo of the Philadelphia Phillies has also made waves with a revamped pitch arsenal, demonstrating strong strikeout potential.