Thursday's MLB slate is packed with 16 games, divided between day and night. FanDuel has opted for the night games as the main slate, which features key pitchers and hitters. Cristopher Sánchez of the Philadelphia Phillies stands out with a solid 3.29 ERA and a remarkable 23+ FanDuel points in 13 of his 14 starts this season. He faces a struggling Miami lineup, enhancing his fantasy appeal.

Another pitcher to consider is Drew Rasmussen from Tampa Bay, boasting a 2.55 ERA. He’s consistently limited scoring opportunities and should perform well against the Baltimore Orioles. Among hitters, Jeremy Peña of the Houston Astros is a must-start with impressive stats against left-handed pitchers. Brent Rooker from Oakland and Jonathan Aranda of Tampa Bay also present great value picks. Lastly, stacking the Los Angeles Dodgers against a rookie pitcher could yield significant returns, especially with Shohei Ohtani leading the charge.

Thursday's MLB DFS slate features five exciting divisional matchups, kicking off at 6:40 p.m. ET, including the Phillies against the Marlins. With favorable hitting conditions projected at Sutter Health Park during the Astros and Athletics clash, fantasy managers should prioritize hitters from this game. The analysis highlights key pitchers like Spencer Strider, who recently showed remarkable form, alongside Cristopher Sanchez and Charlie Morton, who are also poised to make an impact. Sleeper picks include Gunnar Henderson and Jose Altuve, who are both on hot streaks and are well-positioned to capitalize on their matchups. The article emphasizes the importance of monitoring lineups and weather updates, particularly for the Tampa Bay game.

Max Kepler's decisive eighth-inning home run propelled the Philadelphia Phillies to a narrow 3-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays, marking their fourth victory in five games.

Cristopher Sánchez delivered a stellar performance on the mound, allowing just two runs over seven innings of work. Despite a lackluster offensive showing with only four hits, the Phillies capitalized on key moments, including a bases-loaded walk to Bryson Stott that tied the game at one.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contributed an RBI double for the Blue Jays, who had previously enjoyed a hot streak of 12 wins in their last 14 games. The loss is a setback as they aim to bounce back in the series finale against Phillies ace Zack Wheeler.

The Philadelphia Phillies are poised for a significant decision regarding their starting rotation for the 2025 season, boasting an impressive lineup of seven capable pitchers. Notable names such as Zack Wheeler, Christopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, and Aaron Nola hold solidified spots when healthy. Jesus Luzardo's strong start indicates he will likely remain a starter, while top prospect Andrew Painter is projected to make his big league debut mid-season. However, Taijuan Walker's transition from a traditional starter to a bullpen role raises questions about his fit.

Walker's recent performance has been underwhelming, showing a 6.00 ERA in his new role after a promising start as a starter. His reluctance to embrace the relief role was evident in his comments, where he expressed dissatisfaction despite trying to compete. With Nola's injury leading to this shift, how the Phillies manage their wealth of pitching talent will be crucial.

DraftKings and FanDuel MLB DFS enthusiasts will find ample opportunities today with a diverse nine-game slate. Top pitchers include Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates, known for his remarkable strikeout rate and low ERA, facing a Phillies lineup missing Bryce Harper due to injury. Cristopher Sanchez of the Phillies aims to rebound against a struggling Pirates offense. Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins has excelled against the Blue Jays, making him a strong DFS play.

Among hitters, the Arizona Diamondbacks and Minnesota Twins are primed for explosive performances. Ketel Marte of the Diamondbacks has been on fire, demonstrating impressive power metrics against sinkerballs. The Texas Rangers’ Corey Seager and Ivan Herrera are also excellent value plays against pitchers with high four-seamer usage, offering both consistency and upside for today's contests.