Mark Vientos is struggling in the early stages of the 2025 MLB season, starting with only two hits in five games. His frustration was evident in the Mets' recent loss to the Miami Marlins, where he failed to hustle down the line after hitting a ground ball. Teammates Francisco Lindor and first base coach Antoan Richardson addressed the importance of effort, emphasizing that such mistakes are unacceptable. Vientos acknowledged his need to focus on results without succumbing to pressure, particularly after a standout 2024 season where he hit 27 home runs.

Despite the poor start, manager Carlos Mendoza believes Vientos can overcome these challenges. The Mets as a team are struggling offensively, hitting just .125 with runners in scoring position. Vientos has also struggled in similar situations, leading to a drop in the batting order. As a player driven by high expectations, he remains determined to prove last season wasn't a fluke.

The New York Mets face off against the Miami Marlins today, aiming to improve from their recent struggles. After suffering a 4-2 defeat in the previous game, where Sandy Alcantara showcased his elite pitching by allowing only three hits, the Mets will look to rebound with Clay Holmes on the mound, who has a 3.86 ERA this season. The Marlins, meanwhile, are off to a strong start, currently holding a 4-2 record. Today's matchup is critical for the Mets as they attempt to regain offensive momentum, having scored only seven runs across their last four games.

Key players to watch include Francisco Lindor, who is still trying to find his rhythm this season with a mere .067 batting average, and Connor Gillispie, who is looking to bounce back from a lackluster start. Betting trends show the Mets have won six of their last ten matchups against the Marlins, and the odds are currently in their favor with a moneyline of -200 versus +166 for Miami. With total runs set at 8.0, this game could be pivotal for both teams.

The main MLB slate kicks off at 1:10 PM ET, featuring 10 games and top-notch pitchers, including Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal. The quality of the pitching pool has improved with many teams returning their aces. Skenes leads with a price tag of $10,300, while Skubal is slightly cheaper at $10,000, making him the preferred choice due to his potential for longer outings and higher win probability.

Dylan Cease sits at $9,300, touted for his strong strikeout potential and favorable matchup against Ben Lively. Other pitchers to keep an eye on include Freddy Peralta and Sonny Gray, both expected to perform well based on recent stats. For value picks, Ryan Pepiot against the struggling Pirates and Sean Burke as a low-cost option are also viable.

Hitting-wise, Fernando Tatis Jr. is notable for his strong form, while stacks like the New York Mets versus Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals against Toronto Blue Jays could offer substantial returns. The games promise exciting matchups and an opportunity for fantasy players to capitalize on pitcher and hitter performances.

As the MLB season kicks off, fantasy managers are confronted with an unusual 'getaway day' slate featuring afternoon games. Top pitching picks include Sonny Gray, who faces a struggling Angels' offense, and Garrett Crochet, whose left-handed prowess could neutralize an injury-depleted Orioles lineup. Dylan Cease is expected to bounce back after a rocky start against a mediocre Guardians team. Meanwhile, Clay Holmes, starting for the Mets, pairs well against a Marlins team projected to struggle offensively.

For hitting, Yordan Alvarez remains a standout, known for his power hitting, while Jackson Merrill shows promise with consistent contact. Bargain options like JJ Bleday and Jose Miranda offer value with potential high upside. Stacking the Mets against the Marlins is advisable, particularly with power hitters like Juan Soto and Pete Alonso. Similarly, a stack against Yusei Kikuchi could capitalize on the Cardinals' strong lineup. As the season progresses, such strategies will be crucial for DFS success.