The Pittsburgh Pirates secured their first win of the season, triumphing over the Miami Marlins 4-3 at loanDepot Park. Mitch Keller delivered a commendable starting performance, which paved the way for a thrilling finish. Oneil Cruz showcased his power with a two-run homer, further bolstering the Pirates' offensive efforts. David Bednar managed to close the game, despite some nerves in the ninth inning, marking his first save of the season.

Looking ahead, the Pirates aim for consecutive victories with Bailey Falter slated to start for them against the Marlins again. Falter, starting his second full season with the Pirates after joining from the Philadelphia Phillies, had a mixed bag last year with an 8-9 record and a 4.43 ERA over 28 starts. As the season progresses, fans are eager to see how Falter adapts and performs in this crucial matchup.

Oneil Cruz rebounded from a tough defensive performance with a powerful display, hitting a home run and contributing to a two-hit game against the Miami Marlins. The Pittsburgh Pirates secured their first victory of the season with a nail-biting 4-3 win, highlighted by solid pitching from Mitch Keller, who delivered a strong outing. The Pirates broke the deadlock in the fourth inning, thanks to Andrew McCutchen's timely double, allowing Cruz to score. An errant play by the Marlins further helped the Pirates extend their lead.

The FAAB article focuses on identifying valuable targets for fantasy managers ahead of their leagues' Thursday FAAB. With the MLB season kicking off, various rookies and players with potential are highlighted. Starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver of the Atlanta Braves, despite a shaky spring, shows promise as he steps into the rotation due to injury. Kumar Rocker from the Texas Rangers made headlines after throwing four shutout innings in a final spring appearance, making him a potential strikeout artist with fantasy implications.

Other notable mentions include Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who may be a streaming option against a weaker lineup, and Landen Roupp of the San Francisco Giants, whose surprising ascension to the starting rotation deserves consideration. Both Luke Jackson from the Rangers and Connor Wong of the Red Sox are also featured, showcasing their respective potential in high-leverage and offensive roles. With bids based on a limited FAAB budget, this article is tailored for managers looking to make strategic moves as the season begins.

As fantasy baseball auction drafts approach, knowing which players to target for $1 can be a game changer. Sal Frelick of the Milwaukee Brewers is a standout candidate, having bulked up this offseason and shown promising metrics, including a 12.9% whiff rate. Otto Lopez from the Miami Marlins also had a strong finish to last season, hitting .344 in September, making him a solid choice for those in need of batting average and stolen bases.

On the pitching side, Hayden Birdsong of the San Francisco Giants is making noise in spring training, boasting a 0.75 ERA over 12 innings. Chris Bassitt of the Toronto Blue Jays, while perhaps lacking in strikeout power, has been consistently reliable, making him a safe pick at $1. Lastly, Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates could bounce back from a rocky second half, offering potential value at his low auction cost, especially with his improving command.

As fantasy baseball draft season kicks off, those looking to fill their pitching slots late face both risk and reward. Late-round pitchers often come with questions—whether it’s control issues or injury histories—but they can provide significant upside. Securing players with stable WHIP stats without compromising on potential is key. Pitchers like Mitch Keller and Erick Fedde show promise, delivering good ratios and the potential for breakout performance.

With Keller showcasing a solid bounce-back in mid-season, recognized for his strikeout potential, and Fedde's steadiness in the lower-tier clubs, they both appear to be solid late picks. Similarly, Kris Bubic, despite injury setbacks, has an arsenal capable of generating strikeouts, and Dustin May’s potential could yield long-term rewards. Choosing wisely from this pool could enhance your fantasy lineup.