On Friday, the undefeated San Diego Padres (7-0) face off against the Chicago Cubs (5-4) at Wrigley Field in the first game of a series. Randy Vásquez is set to start for the Padres, while Shota Imanaga takes the mound for the Cubs. The Cubs recently dominated the Athletics, outscoring them 35-9 in a three-game series, highlighted by Seiya Suzuki's two home runs and five RBIs in a 10-2 victory. The Padres, boasting a strong pitching staff that has allowed only 11 runs in seven games, swept the Guardians earlier this week, achieving three shutouts so far this season.

Betting odds favor the Cubs at -165, with a moneyline of +140 for the Padres. The total runs are set at 6.5. Recent trends indicate the Padres have a solid run line record at 6-1, while the Cubs have a run differential of +14. Expert predictions lean towards the Padres covering the spread at +1.5 and the game total exceeding 6.5 runs. Stay tuned for insights and updates as this exciting matchup unfolds.

Right-handed pitcher Will Sanders has been named the projected starter for the Knoxville Smokies as they prepare for their season opener against the Birmingham Barons on April 4. Sanders, a 23-year-old fourth-round pick by the Chicago Cubs in the 2023 draft, is entering his second season in the minors after transitioning from the High-A South Bend Cubs. This season marks a significant moment for the Smokies as they return to Knoxville after a 25-year stint in Kodak, launching their campaign in the new Covenant Health Park.

The 2025 roster showcases familiar talents including infielders BJ Murray, Hayden Cantrelle, and Haydn McGeary, alongside outfielders such as Parker Chavers and Felix Stevens. Catchers Pablo Aliendo and Casey Opitz anchor the backstop position.

The Smokies are set to host 32 promotional nights and 27 fireworks displays during the season, with the highlight being a massive show on July 4. Various ticket packages are available for fans, including collaborations with local teams.

As the 2025 MLB season unfolds, an analysis of bat speed reveals key insights for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Bat speed, which correlates closely with power, offers a glimpse into players' potential for breakout performances. Notable risers in bat speed include Jesse Winker, who improved by 6.6 mph, and Junior Caminero, now boasting the highest average bat speed in the league at 80.3 mph. These increases suggest enhanced power potential, critical for those making strategic roster decisions.

However, it's essential to recognize that a rise in bat speed doesn't guarantee success. Players like Brendan Rodgers and Brett Baty are also improving, yet their past performance and injury history introduce uncertainty. With several other players showing promising bat speed advancements, such as Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ben Rice, fantasy managers must weigh the data against other performance metrics when making roster changes or trade decisions. Monitoring these metrics will be crucial as the season develops.

A.J. Puk has quickly established himself as the primary closer for the Arizona Diamondbacks, successfully converting both of the team's saves early in the season. Despite some career challenges against right-handed hitters, his impressive stats from last season (1.72 ERA, 0.75 WHIP) suggest he has the potential to dominate the role alongside Justin Martinez, who is also making waves with a 45.0 K-BB% thus far. The Atlanta Braves, meanwhile, are struggling despite their expected positive regression, with Rasiel Iglesias emerging as a potential buy-low candidate in fantasy leagues.

In the Boston Red Sox's bullpen, Aroldis Chapman is stepping into the closer's role, especially with Liam Hendriks sidelined. Chapman showed an uptick in performance post-All-Star break last year, making him a valuable fantasy asset. In contrast, the Chicago Cubs face uncertainty with Ryan Pressley leading saves but his high SIERA raises concerns. The White Sox, still without a save this season, are leaning towards Mike Clevinger, who has yet to prove effective.

Over in Cincinnati, Emilio Pagán is taking charge as the preferred ninth-inning option, but concerns about Alexis Díaz's performance when he returns from injury linger. The Colorado Rockies’ Seth Halvorsen has managed to get a save, though Coors Field remains a variable. The Detroit Tigers are also navigating murky waters with Tommy Kahnle likely to secure the closer's job, while the Los Angeles Angels, surprisingly leading the league in save opportunities, are getting solid returns from Kenley Jansen.

As the season progresses, keep an eye on the Miami Marlins' Anthony Bender, who has already notched a save, and the Milwaukee Brewers, who are still searching for their first save opportunity. With the season only just beginning, the evolving closer landscape will be crucial for fantasy players looking to fill key roster spots.

As the 2025 season approaches, bat speed statistics provide valuable insights into players' offensive potential. Notably, Jesse Winker of the New York Mets has increased his bat speed by 6.6 mph, reaching an impressive 76.1 mph. This improvement places him among the top ranks in the league, although his early-season performance has been lackluster, indicating the need for patience. Meanwhile, Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays boasts the highest average bat speed at 80.3 mph, which has significantly boosted his power potential. Brendan Rodgers from the Houston Astros also shows promise with a 3.7 mph increase, hinting at a healthier season. However, not every player with increased bat speed will find immediate success; factors such as contact point adjustments and swing decisions also play critical roles.