The Toronto Blue Jays (12-10) are set to face the Houston Astros (10-11) in a pivotal matchup at Minute Maid Park on April 21, 2025, with Kevin Gausman and Hunter Brown as the starting pitchers. Gausman enters with a 2-1 record and a 2.49 ERA, while Brown boasts an impressive 1.50 ERA with a 2-1 record. The Astros fell just short of a sweep against the San Diego Padres, losing the final game 3-2, while the Jays were swept by the Seattle Mariners over the weekend, including a devastating 8-3 loss where both Cal Raleigh and Rowdy Tellez hit home runs.

The betting odds favor the Astros at -139 on the moneyline and a spread of -1.5, but the Blue Jays are expected to put up a fight, especially with Gausman’s recent performance. Notably, Jake Meyers from the Astros is hot, hitting .444 in his last 18 at-bats. This matchup is crucial for both teams as they aim to improve their standings in the league.

As fantasy baseball enthusiasts navigate through Week 3 of the 2025 MLB season, it's crucial to identify waiver wire hitters who can boost your team's performance across various categories. Players like Zach McKinstry, Mike Yastrzemski, and Ty France are making waves in the Runs category, while Jonah Heim, Michael Busch, and Matt Mervis lead as promising options for Home Runs. Meanwhile, Jonathan Aranda, Wilmer Flores, and Cam Smith are showing potential in RBIs, with Zac Veen, Jake Meyers, and Jose Caballero stealing bases. Lastly, Geraldo Perdomo, Jacob Wilson, and Jorge Polanco are essential for enhancing batting averages. Act fast to secure these players who are projected to contribute significantly to your fantasy lineup.

Jhoan Duran, the Minnesota Twins' closer, recently introduced a new pitch to his repertoire: the sweeper. During a game against the Houston Astros, Duran struck out Jake Meyers with this pitch, which he had been developing over the past two years. His fastball can peak at 104 mph, and while his splinker has become popular among pitchers for generating ground balls, the sweeper adds a new dimension. This pitch moves away from right-handed hitters and can be thrown at 87 mph, similar to his curveball.

Initially, Duran faced challenges integrating the sweeper into his game, having shelved it after its first attempt last season went awry. He worked on refining it during the offseason with assistant pitching coach Luis Ramírez, focusing on grip and arm slot adjustments. Feedback from teammates and coaches has been encouraging, suggesting that the sweeper could be a valuable weapon in Duran's arsenal for the upcoming season.

The Houston Astros are currently in a phase of evaluating their outfield ahead of the opening day, with Jose Altuve taking on a new role in left field. Manager Joe Espada has expressed a preference to keep Altuve at one position this season, allowing him to adapt to the demands of left field. Altuve has shown progress, playing nine defensive innings against the Cardinals and actively engaging in outfield drills. He has successfully handled most plays but still has adjustments to make, particularly in wall awareness.

Espada acknowledged that the team is close to a decision regarding Altuve's primary position. Meanwhile, Jake Meyers continues to assert his place in center field, further complicating the outfield dynamics. The team is also evaluating top prospect Cam Smith in right field, marking potential shifts in the lineup. This evaluation process is crucial for establishing a solid outfield as the season approaches.

Zach Dezenzo's transition to the outfield is a testament to the Houston Astros' evolving roster. Faced with a lack of depth in the outfield, the Astros have allowed Dezenzo, primarily an infielder, to gain experience in left field during winter ball in Puerto Rico. His speed, surprising for his size, has been a focal point, with coaching staff emphasizing drills to enhance his comfort in tracking fly balls.

Training at an indoor facility in Ohio has been crucial for his development, with focused sessions on footwork and ball tracking. Dezenzo's performance in spring training, where he competes for a roster spot amidst an outfield mix that includes stars like José Altuve and Jake Meyers, will be pivotal. His offensive statistics from last season reveal potential, but improvements in plate discipline and swing mechanics are necessary for a successful career.