Fernando Cruz is making waves in his first season with the Yankees, showcasing remarkable improvements on the mound. Acquired from the Reds in the offseason, Cruz has maintained a stellar 2.53 ERA with 18 strikeouts over 10.2 innings, highlighted by his signature splitter. This nasty pitch has drawn rave reviews from teammates like Anthony Volpe, who noted the difficulty good hitters have in making contact with it. Cruz attributes much of his progress to a pivotal conversation with bullpen coach Mike Harkey, which helped him hone his mental focus and pitch control.

His arsenal now includes a fastball that reaches 94-95 mph, making his splitter even more lethal when paired. Carlos Rodón aptly described it as a 'glitch pitch', emphasizing its unpredictable float. After struggling in spring training with a 9.95 ERA, Cruz has turned the tide, proving his potential as a valuable asset for the Yankees.

Today's MLB player prop bets are centered around strikeout props, showcasing several pitchers with favorable matchups. Logan Gilbert of the Seattle Mariners is a standout with over 5.5 strikeouts expected, having struck out 32 batters in his last four starts. Ben Lively is projected for over 3.5 strikeouts against the Pittsburgh Pirates, who have a high K rate against right-handed pitchers. Garrett Crochet's over 7.5 strikeouts against the White Sox looks promising, and Shane Baz's over 6.5 against the Yankees could be a solid play too. MacKenzie Gore and Michael King are also favored for high strikeout totals, while Chris Sale faces the strikeout-prone Twins.

As the season progresses, understanding matchups is crucial for making informed bets. With several pitchers showing a trend of success in recent outings, leveraging those insights can be the key to capitalizing on today's betting opportunities. Good luck to those following these picks!

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.

The Texas Rangers have made strategic adjustments to their pitching rotation as they prepare for a six-game homestand against the Los Angeles Angels and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Two-time Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom is positioned to start the series opener against the Dodgers, following Tyler Mahle, Patrick Corbin, and Kumar Rocker in the rotation. This change allows the team to optimize pitcher rest while maintaining their performance level.

With built-in off days earlier in the season, manager Bruce Bochy leveraged the schedule to create a sequence allowing for ideal rest durations for each pitcher. DeGrom is anticipated to throw on six days of rest, which should benefit his performance against the reigning World Series champions. The rotation shuffle is a tactical move, reinforcing the Rangers' competitive edge as they seek to maintain momentum early in the season.