Wednesday's MLB slate offers a blend of potential and risk as teams gear up for an afternoon getaway schedule, with 10 matchups starting at 6:35 p.m. ET. Pitching options are less than stellar, but Aaron Nola stands out at $9,000 against the strikeout-prone Giants. Brandon Pfaadt and Robbie Ray provide intriguing alternatives, while value options like Clarke Schmidt and Osvaldo Bido may be worth considering.

Offensively, the Rockies' lineup presents a budget-friendly option against struggling pitcher Bobby Miller, while the Red Sox's Jarren Duran and Rafael Devers can be strong plays against Zack Littell. Stacking the Tampa Bay Rays against Sean Newcomb could yield returns, as could rolling with the Dodgers against German Márquez. This is an ideal opportunity for strategists to leverage mismatches and identify underpriced talent.

The San Francisco Giants (12-5) are set to face off against the Philadelphia Phillies (10-7) in Game 3 of their four-game series. After a 6-4 loss in Game 2, the Giants will send Robbie Ray to the mound, boasting a record of 3-0 with a 2.94 ERA, to counter Phillies ace Aaron Nola, who is still searching for his first win at 0-3 with a 5.51 ERA. The matchup is critical as both teams seek to gain momentum in this tightly contested series.

The Phillies' recent offensive surge, highlighted by home runs from Bryce Harper and JT Realmuto, indicates a powerful lineup that can capitalize on pitching missteps. For Giants fans, the performance of Justin Verlander, who gave up four runs over 5.2 innings in the last outing, raises questions about the pitching depth. Betting odds reflect a slight edge for the Phillies at -140 on the moneyline with an over/under set at 7.0 runs, suggesting an anticipated competitive game.

On April 16, the Philadelphia Phillies will host the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park in a pivotal matchup at 6:45 p.m. with Aaron Nola on the mound for the Phillies, seeking his first victory of the season against the undefeated Robbie Ray of the Giants. Fans can catch the action live on NBC Sports Philadelphia (NBCSP), with radio broadcasts available on 94WIP and WDEL. Streaming options include FuboTV, Hulu, Peacock, and MLB.TV.

The Phillies are looking to build momentum in their four-game series against a tough Giants team, and Nola's performance could be crucial for their chances. With both teams having different trajectories early in the season, this matchup will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

The MLB schedule is gaining momentum with a split slate Saturday. The night games are particularly intriguing, featuring a flat pricing structure for pitchers. Jacob deGrom ($9,000) stands out as an elite DFS option despite recent limitations, while Robbie Ray ($8,800) poses high-risk, high-reward potential against a team with a high strikeout rate. Tanner Bibee ($8,200) offers more stability for cash games. On the hitting front, Seattle hitters could exploit Ray's home run issues, and players like Randy Arozarena ($4,000) and Corey Seager ($5,400) are worth considering. Best value options include Kyle Stowers ($2,700) and Hunter Goodman ($3,600), who could shine in favorable matchups.

Stacks to consider revolve around Atlanta facing Miami's Cal Quantrill, with players like Michael Harris ($3,700) and Austin Riley ($4,500) likely to capitalize. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds against Milwaukee's Elvin Rodriguez present opportunities, particularly if Matt McLain ($5,200) is in the lineup post-injury. Overall, this slate offers several pathways for both tournaments and cash games, emphasizing the importance of matchup research in maximizing fantasy output.

At 42, Justin Verlander continues to amaze, impressing teammates with his dedication and performance during spring training with the San Francisco Giants. His meticulous preparation has raised expectations for the entire pitching staff, evidenced by the team's strong Cactus League record. Verlander's experience is invaluable, as he mentors younger pitchers while striving for 300 career wins—a feat not achieved since Randy Johnson. With a fastball averaging 94 mph, Verlander looks to reclaim his spot as one of baseball's elite pitchers this season.