The Texas Rangers recently faced an unfortunate 3-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics, continuing their offensive woes from April. Tyler Mahle showcased his pitching prowess, allowing only one run over six innings, striking out six batters while showcasing exceptional command. Despite Mahle's stellar performance and a season-low ERA of 1.19, the Rangers have struggled offensively, scoring two runs or fewer in nine of their last 13 games. Mahle expressed confidence that the team's struggling lineup would eventually turn things around.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy praised Mahle's determination, emphasizing that sometimes excellence comes without perfect command. Mahle, who relied heavily on his splitter in this outing, reflected on his need to command his fastball to effectively use his other pitches. As the Rangers hope for an offensive resurgence, Mahle's consistent performances remain a silver lining amidst their struggles.

Thursday's MLB slate features seven games, with the first starting at 12:35 p.m. ET, so adjust your DFS lineups accordingly. Rain is forecast in various cities, which could lead to delays or even postponements, so stay updated on game statuses.

Shane Baz is a prime pitching option against the struggling Royals, boasting a 2.45 ERA and strong strikeout ability. Tyler Mahle has been impressive for Texas, holding a minimal 1.14 ERA as he faces the Athletics, who are formidable in home runs.

Among hitters, Oneil Cruz and Wyatt Langford are notable targets due to their powerful starts to the season. Stacking options include the Brewers against Sean Burke, who has a high FIP, and the Mets against Zac Gallen, whose struggles have continued this season.

As we wrap up April and analyze the pitching landscape for fantasy baseball, several starting pitchers have emerged as key players in the early season. Hunter Brown stands out with a remarkable 24-inning scoreless streak, dominating the mound with consistent performances. His upcoming matchup against the struggling Royals could further solidify his status as a top-tier pitcher.

Meanwhile, Tyler Mahle's elite ERA of 0.68 raises questions about sustainability, as his underlying metrics suggest that he's likely due for regression. Max Meyer is another name to watch, demonstrating a potent strikeout rate and an impressive slider, while Landen Roupp is proving to be a promising talent with strong metrics despite some concerns about contact quality.

On the flip side, pitchers like Chris Sale and Corbin Burnes are struggling with inconsistent performances and elevated metrics, prompting potential panic among fantasy managers. With pitchers like Dylan Cease and Aaron Nola also facing uphill battles, it's crucial for fantasy owners to stay vigilant in their lineup decisions.

Week 4 of the 2025 MLB season brings a spotlight on players who are heating up and those who might be fantasy frauds. A notable buy is Trevor Story of the Boston Red Sox, who is hitting .318 with five homers and six steals. Despite his injury history, his early-season metrics indicate a potential breakout, making him a valuable addition for fantasy managers.

On the pitching side, Tyler Mahle of the Texas Rangers has turned heads with 25 scoreless innings, showing promise post-Tommy John surgery. Meanwhile, Seattle's Dylan Moore, despite a hot streak, is labeled a sell due to his historically low batting average. Other players worth noting include Carson Kelly and Andrew Abbott, both of whom are also trending upwards this week.

In a tightly contested game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford faced a crucial call during the ninth inning that ended with him being ruled out on an attempted steal. Despite his initial belief that he was safe, the replay confirmed he was tagged out by Dodgers shortstop Miguel Vargas, which ultimately sealed the Rangers' 1-0 loss and ended their chance to win the series against the reigning World Series champions.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy expressed his frustration over the close calls that have affected their recent losses. The team's offensive struggles have been evident, particularly in their inability to capitalize with runners in scoring position, going 0 for 5 in the latest game. With the Rangers still sitting atop the American League West at 13-9, Bochy remains optimistic that his players, including struggling hitters like Marcus Semien and Joc Pederson, will soon find their rhythm.