Cole Hamels, the 2008 World Series MVP, is set to make his broadcasting debut with NBC Sports Philadelphia during the Phillies' game against the Miami Marlins. After retiring in 2024, Hamels sought to stay connected to baseball, following in the footsteps of other former Phillies like John Kruk and Jimmy Rollins. He'll call games monthly, stepping in for Mike Schmidt when needed. His familiarity with the team, especially as a special advisor, will provide valuable insights as he transitions into this new role.

Despite initial trepidation, Hamels has expressed excitement about being in the booth with veteran announcers like Tom McCarthy. Having already faced challenges during spring training broadcasts, he's eager to improve and adapt to the demands of live commentary. As he navigates this new chapter, Hamels aims to balance his experience and personal flair while avoiding pitfalls experienced by others in the industry.

As the 2025 MLB season unfolds, fantasy baseball managers are grappling with early-season struggles from key players. Chris Sale, the reigning Cy Young winner, has only mustered 20 fantasy points through four starts, while Francisco Lindor, a top-15 pick, has just 32 points.

Players such as Sale and Lindor are experiencing familiar slow starts, prompting many to prematurely drop them. Yet, historical trends suggest patience is critical. Last season, Aaron Judge faced similar struggles at the start, only to rebound spectacularly. Managers are reminded to resist the urge to react too hastily to early season data, as some players notorious for slow starts, such as Lindor, often find their rhythm later on.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar emphasized the relevance of Jackie Robinson's legacy during the Dodgers' annual Jackie Robinson Day celebration, linking it to current political dynamics, particularly the opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives by political figures. His remarks highlighted a concerning trend where DEI references were stripped from MLB communications, reflecting a broader societal shift. The Dodgers' visit to the White House has also sparked debate among fans, complicating their celebratory efforts.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts echoed Abdul-Jabbar's sentiments on the importance of maintaining Robinson's legacy amidst these challenges, expressing a commitment to diversity within baseball management. Both figures stressed that honoring Robinson should extend beyond a single day, urging ongoing reflection on racial issues in the sport.

Brandon provides his top MLB DFS lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel, focusing on the game slate for April 14, 2025. Highlighted teams include the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays, with the Dodgers leading in implied team totals. Key pitching options include Sonny Gray and Easton Lucas, who are set to face struggling lineups. Infield targets feature Bobby Witt Jr., Freddie Freeman, and Zach McKinstry, while outfield selections include Fernando Tatis Jr. and Teoscar Hernández. The article also emphasizes the importance of monitoring injury news and suggests various stacks for maximizing fantasy points.

As the 2025 MLB season progresses into Week 3, several promising pitching prospects are emerging as crucial additions for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Stashing these players could yield significant returns as injuries plague numerous starting rotations across the league.

Leading the pack is Bubba Chandler of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who is making a strong case for a major league call-up after impressive outings at Triple-A, including a recent four-inning shutout. The Pirates' rotation struggles create an ideal opportunity for Chandler, who has demonstrated elite upside this season.

Next up, Brandon Sproat of the New York Mets also stands out, putting together solid performances after a shaky debut. With injuries impacting the Mets' rotation, Sproat could quickly find himself starting games in the majors, especially if current starters falter.

On the Minnesota Twins side, Zebby Matthews is another name to watch. His strong start at Triple-A, with a stunning 1.80 ERA and impressive K:BB ratio, suggests he could be the next pitcher called up as the Twins consider a six-man rotation.

Further down the list, Logan Henderson from the Milwaukee Brewers has shown promise, especially after back-to-back five-inning shutouts. He could be pivotal in filling gaps left by injured pitchers in Milwaukee.

Lastly, Quinn Mathews is inching closer to a major league debut after a solid minor league stint, despite a rough introduction to Triple-A. His previous performances indicate high potential that fantasy managers should not overlook.