Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal is on a personal quest to perfect his slider, aiming for a version akin to Clayton Kershaw's renowned pitch. Despite possessing a formidable fastball and changeup, Skubal's slider remains a point of frustration as he struggles to achieve the desired movement and velocity. His obsession with Kershaw's slider has driven him to experiment with various grips and techniques, yet he continues to fall short. Every offseason brings hope for improvement, reflecting the modern pitcher's approach to refining their arsenal.

Pitching coaches note that even without a Kershaw-like slider, Skubal remains an elite pitcher. As a member of the five-pitch club, he understands the significance of diversifying his offerings to stay competitive in an evolving game. The art of adding new pitches is prevalent in baseball today, with pitchers constantly seeking to enhance their effectiveness. Skubal's journey highlights the continuous struggle and triumphs faced by pitchers in their pursuit of perfection, reminding fans that behind every successful pitch lies a story of dedication and resilience.

The Detroit Tigers faced a tough challenge against the Kansas City Royals, falling 4-3 in extra innings at Comerica Park. Despite showing promise, including a brief lead in the seventh inning courtesy of Zach McKinstry's RBI single, the Tigers couldn't capitalize in the crucial moments of the game. Their failure to score in the 10th inning, even with a runner on second, ultimately sealed their fate as the Royals secured the win with significant contributions from Bobby Witt Jr.

Starting pitcher Tarik Skubal had a rocky beginning, allowing two runs in the second inning, but he settled down to limit the Royals to singles thereafter, finishing his outing with a respectable line. McKinstry was a bright spot for the Tigers, showcasing his batting prowess and adding to his RBI total, making him a player to watch as they head into their upcoming series against the San Diego Padres.

As Sunday approaches, MLB DFS players have a fantastic slate of 12 games to consider, excluding the Coors Field doubleheader. Notable pitching options include Tarik Skubal, who has excelled in his last two outings, boasting zero runs allowed in 13 innings, and faces a struggling Kansas City Royals lineup. Jesús Luzardo has been impressive for the Phillies, with a 2.01 FIP and 11.19 K/9, while Logan Allen offers value against a weak Pittsburgh offense.

For hitting, Kyle Schwarber is on track to surpass 40 home runs, while young star Elly De La Cruz is living up to expectations with both power and speed. Bargain options such as Jorge Polanco and Bo Naylor could provide valuable contributions at a lower price. Stacking players like Alex Bregman and Wilyer Abreu against the White Sox’s Sean Burke presents an enticing opportunity for DFS players.

On this Sunday, April 20, 2025, top MLB DFS picks include standout pitchers and valuable hitters across both DraftKings and FanDuel. Jesus Luzardo, facing the Miami Marlins, shows tremendous strikeout potential with a solid 2.31 ERA and has struck out 29 batters in 23.2 innings. Meanwhile, Tarik Skubal is on a hot streak, with 13 consecutive shutout innings against the Kansas City Royals, making him a prime target. Hitting-wise, the Boston Red Sox's Rafael Devers is now finding his rhythm, while Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles is also emerging as a sleeper pick following a recent strong showing.

With matchups at Boston's Fenway Park and Coors Field, where high-scoring games are anticipated, there's potential for explosive performances. Stacking players from these games provides an edge for DFS players. The Boston Red Sox's matchup against Sean Burke and the Philadelphia Phillies against Connor Gillispie are particularly enticing. Look for a combination of Devers, Abreu, and Turner to capitalize on these favorable conditions.

As always, stay updated on injury news and lineup changes, which are critical for optimizing your DFS lineups today.

The Detroit Tigers showcased an impressive performance in their 9-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, with Tarik Skubal leading the charge on the mound. Skubal was dominant, allowing no hits through four innings and finishing with nine strikeouts and only four hits allowed in seven innings.

The Tigers' offense was equally thrilling, with every player in the starting lineup contributing, highlighted by Kerry Carpenter's fifth homer of the season and Gleyber Torres driving in three runs. Defensively, the Tigers were flawless, while the Brewers struggled, committing two errors.