Rays at Giants on Friday night features Joe Boyle against Landen Roupp in Oracle Park. Tampa Bay (59-63) arrives off a series win over Oakland and has faded from playoff contention, while San Francisco (59-62) rides a five-game skid into the homestand. Odds tilt slightly toward the Giants, but the game shapes as a lower-scoring, pitcher-driven affair in a ballpark that suppresses offense. Our take for fantasy and betting centers on the two probables: Boyle (1-2, 3.82 ERA) and Roupp (7-6, 3.11 ERA), with the total set at 8 and the over a real upside argument tonight.

The matchup leans on bullpen usage and run-suppressing environment, with Rays likely hoping Boyle can navigate a mid-week rust against a Giants lineup looking to snap out of its funk. Roupp has shown flashes of efficiency (last start: 0 ER, 4 hits, 6 K), but he faces a Tampa Bay offense that can cluster hits in bursts. The story here is pitcher's duel vibes, late-inning leverage, and how the park and recent form tilt the balance toward the under and a narrow spread play.

Cal Raleigh delivered MLB-leading power, belting his 44th homer as Seattle defeated Tampa Bay 7-4 and stretched its winning streak to six—the longest in the American League. Raleigh’s three-run shot in the third capped a crucial swing after YOUNG’s earlier walk set the table for a bullpen-night that held the Rays to five hits. Julio Rodríguez supplied a two-homer night, including a 436-foot blast in the first, lifting Seattle’s offense and keeping the club within a half-game of Houston in the AL West. The victory capped a standout performance from the offense while Seattle’s pitching, though imperfect, managed the late innings to preserve the win.

The key moment came when Brandon Lowe started the Rays’ scoring with a homer, and Junior Caminero later added a three-run shot, but Seattle answered repeatedly. Rodríguez’s power complemented Raleigh’s season-long onslaught, as the Mariners kept pressuring opponents while their bullpen closed out the final frames. J.P. Crawford even showcased a marathon 17-pitch at-bat against Mason Englert that underscored Seattle’s resilience and depth.

Up next, Seattle hopes to keep the momentum as it chases within striking distance of the division lead; Tampa Bay will look to rebound as the two teams finish their series. Fantasy note: Raleigh’s 44 HR pace makes him an anchor at catcher, while Rodríguez remains a cornerstone contributor with multi-homer upside.

Brady Singer of the Cincinnati Reds has showcased a resurgence in recent outings, notably striking out 10 batters against the Atlanta Braves. With a 4.60 ERA overall, his last eight appearances have been characterized by a 3.20 FIP and an impressive 11.2 K/9 rate. While his sinker and slider remain his most utilized pitches, he has begun incorporating a cutter, which may provide a new dimension to his approach on the mound. However, concerns linger about his groundball rate, which has significantly dipped in 2025.

Meanwhile, Joe Boyle of the Tampa Bay Rays has also caught attention after delivering a shutout against the Dodgers. Despite past control issues, Boyle's fastball and slider have been effective, with a notable velocity that could translate into a solid strikeout rate if he can maintain command. Lastly, New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler displayed promise in a recent start, but inconsistencies raise questions about his reliability in fantasy leagues.

This week's analysis focuses on the key American League free agents poised to make an impact as the season progresses. Identifying potential targets and suggesting appropriate bidding amounts is essential for any fantasy league manager looking to enhance their roster.

Jason Alexander of the Houston Astros is struggling with injuries affecting the Astros' rotation. Despite a challenging return, his upcoming schedule holds some promise. Comparatively, Shane Bieber of the Cleveland Guardians is on the mend and could be the catalyst Cleveland needs to push for a playoff spot. Joe Boyle of the Tampa Bay Rays is also a name to watch, especially with his recent opportunity to step into a starting role.

Meanwhile, Kyle Bradish, recovering from Tommy John surgery, could be back in the mix soon with significant upside. The New York Yankees’ Luis Gil is also approaching a return, and with a solid strikeout rate, he may merit a look. Ryan Gusto and Cristian Javier from the Astros are also on the radar, but their recent performances have raised concerns.

In the realm of relief pitching, Seranthony Dominguez could be in line for saves if the Orioles shake up their bullpen. Robert Garcia of the Rangers has solidified himself as the closer, and Jon Gray is back after injury, providing depth for fantasy squads. Overall, understanding player performance trends and projected roles is critical in making informed bidding decisions.

Week 18 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season brings a host of starting pitcher waiver wire pickups that can bolster your roster. Eric Lauer has emerged as a standout for the Toronto Blue Jays, boasting a formidable 2.61 ERA and six wins. Ryne Nelson of the Arizona Diamondbacks has also shown consistency with a stellar 3.29 ERA over his last five starts. Baltimore's Dean Kremer remains a polarizing figure with eight wins but inconsistent outings, while Jose Soriano from the Angels offers an impressive 68.5% ground ball rate. Will Warren of the Yankees is an intriguing option if he can maintain his strikeout ability despite a high ERA.

For deeper leagues, Nick Martinez from the Reds provides reliable innings, while Zebby Matthews is showing promise after a strong outing against the Nationals. Luis Severino has turned a corner recently, exhibiting potential as a backend rotation piece. Kumar Rocker, who is adapting his pitch mix, could be a gem moving forward. Joe Boyle's recent promotion in Tampa adds to a growing list of options for fantasy managers looking to fill gaps in their pitching rotations.