2025 has not been kind to the Colorado Rockies, as they struggle to maintain performance both on and off the field. Recently, an incident highlighted their ongoing issues when outfielder Johan Rojas was mistakenly denied entry onto the field by security prior to a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Rojas had stepped into the stands for a phone call but was halted upon his return as the security guards failed to recognize him. Thankfully, Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler intervened to clarify the situation.

This misunderstanding underscores the Rockies' unfortunate season, where they are on track to potentially break the record for the most losses in an MLB season. Fans might find humor in this situation, given that Rojas is not one of the more prominent players within the Phillies lineup. The Rockies, meanwhile, continue to grapple with their identity and credibility as a professional team.

Ronald Acuña Jr. returns to the Atlanta Braves lineup after nearly a year on the sidelines due to a torn ACL in his left knee. The 2023 NL MVP underwent surgery last June and spent time on a rehab assignment, showcasing his abilities with two home runs in just six games. His return marks a significant boost for the Braves, as he will lead off and play right field against the San Diego Padres.

Despite playing only 49 games last season, Acuña made a monumental impact in 2023, hitting .336 with 41 home runs and 106 RBIs, while also stealing an impressive 73 bases. To accommodate his return, Orlando Arcia, a 2023 All-Star, has been designated for assignment, losing his starting role due to diminished offensive performance.

This week's two-start pitchers present some intriguing options for fantasy managers. Joe Ryan is a must-start, boasting a 2.68 ERA and matching up against the Rays and Mariners. Jacob deGrom also stands out with a 2.33 ERA, facing the Blue Jays and Cardinals at home. Kevin Gausman’s improved command makes him a viable option against the Rangers and Athletics. Meanwhile, Gavin Williams presents a risk-reward scenario with high strikeouts but a high WHIP. For those looking to stream, Clay Holmes against the White Sox and Rockies at home is an ideal choice.

As the week unfolds, monitoring injuries in team rotations is crucial. The Astros are expected to shuffle their lineup due to injuries, impacting pitchers like AJ Blubaugh and Brandon Walter. Additionally, while some pitchers like Ryan Yarbrough have shown promise in hybrid roles, their matchups against tougher offenses could pose challenges. Caution is advised with those streamers who face potent lineups.

On this busy Friday night in MLB, there’s a wealth of talent to consider for your DFS lineups. Top among pitchers is Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies, who remains a dominant force despite a slight ballpark downgrade against the Oakland Athletics. His recent form includes consistent quality starts and high strikeout rates, making him a worthy investment at $11K on both DraftKings and FanDuel.

Noah Cameron's potential at $8.5K DK ($8.1K FD) as a rookie offers exceptional value against the Minnesota Twins, especially with their lineup weakened by injuries. Similarly, Slade Cecconi, priced at $7.8K DK ($7.2K FD), is a budget-friendly option after showcasing impressive strikeout ability in his debut.

In the infield, Nolan Schanuel has emerged as a solid choice against struggling pitcher Sandy Alcantara. For a slightly higher budget, Ketel Marte and Isaac Paredes present opportunities for big returns based on their recent performances. Meanwhile, outfielders like Marcell Ozuna and Cody Bellinger could provide great value as well, particularly in favorable matchups.