On April 9, the Toronto Blue Jays face off against the Boston Red Sox in Game 3 of their series at Fenway Park. Toronto has won the first two games, showcasing a strong lineup led by George Springer, who is hitting .459 this season. Kevin Gausman will take the mound for the Blue Jays, while Tanner Houck prepares for the Red Sox. Odds favor Boston slightly on the moneyline, but trends suggest Toronto's recent performance could sway bets.

In their last outing, Easton Lucas pitched impressively for Toronto, allowing no runs over 5.1 innings. As the matchup approaches, fantasy managers and bettors should consider Springer's recent surge alongside the pitching stats of Gausman and Houck for their strategic decisions.

As managers navigate the early season pitfalls of fantasy baseball, it’s crucial to exercise patience with certain players despite their rocky starts. Tanner Houck of the Boston Red Sox exemplifies this, having had a challenging outing against a formidable Rangers lineup, yet he boasts a solid 2024 season behind him with a 3.12 ERA and innings-eating capabilities. His matchups ahead against the White Sox and Mariners could see a bounce back.

Masyn Winn, the St. Louis Cardinals shortstop, has struggled immensely without a hit in his first 18 at-bats. However, his defensive prowess and desire for increased stolen bases suggest he can turn things around. Similarly, Michael Toglia of the Rockies is valuable due to his potential for power and speed, especially once he plays in the hitter-friendly Coors Field.

Jorge Soler, despite his slow start, remains a power threat, as he is only a year removed from a 36-home run season. The Angels' veteran is in a prime lineup spot behind Mike Trout and is worth holding onto for those explosive days. Lastly, Victor Robles of the Mariners has shown promise as a leadoff hitter with elite speed, and despite a lack of production so far, his potential for big steals warrants patience from fantasy owners.

As fantasy baseball drafts approach, some players are becoming overpriced, leading to potential regrets for those who invest heavily. Ronald Acuña Jr. is a notable case; despite his talent, concerns linger regarding his recovery from multiple ACL injuries, which could limit his aggressive base running style. Similarly, Jose Altuve's declining strikeout metrics and age raise red flags as he transitions positions in a weakening Astros lineup.

In the realm of catchers, Willson Contreras's recent injury history and the Cardinals' shift towards rebuilding makes his ADP too high. Jacob deGrom's history of injuries also keeps him off many rosters, as his past production levels seem unlikely to return. Rafael Devers, hampered by shoulder issues, and Adolis García's waning performance add to the list of players to approach with caution.

Brenton Doyle and Tanner Houck are other players whose rising ADPs may not reflect their true fantasy potential. Meanwhile, Mark Vientos may be a candidate for a breakout, but high draft prices could lead to disappointment if he fails to deliver. In summary, several talented players are currently being drafted higher than their performance may warrant, making them risky picks for this season.

Walker Buehler's move from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Boston Red Sox marks a pivotal shift in his career. The right-handed pitcher, who secured the World Series title for the Dodgers against the New York Yankees, now aims to contribute significantly to the Red Sox and help them ascend in the American League East. Buehler's free agency followed a challenging recovery from Tommy John surgery, which kept him sidelined for nearly two years.

His 2024 season with the Dodgers was marked by a 5.38 ERA across 16 games, yet he found his form in the playoffs with 10 scoreless innings, including a flawless ninth inning in the World Series. This inconsistency led to a one-year, $21.05 million deal with Boston as he strives to prove his value.

The Boston Red Sox have engaged in preliminary contract extension discussions with left-hander Garrett Crochet, acquired from the Chicago White Sox during the offseason. While the talks are in early stages, no agreement appears imminent. Crochet remains under contract through the 2026 season, alleviating immediate pressure for the Red Sox. However, securing a deal before he pitches this season could yield a more favorable contract.

In his first full season as a starter in 2024, Crochet recorded a 6-12 record with a 3.58 ERA, striking out 209 batters in 146 innings, earning him an All-Star selection. After a stint in the bullpen since his debut in 2020, he has faced injuries, particularly from Tommy John surgery. The Red Sox aim to bolster their rotation, featuring Crochet alongside Walker Buehler, Brayan Bello, Tanner Houck, and Lucas Giolito.