As the final weekend of April approaches, MLB fans are treated to a robust slate of games, with 12 matchups set to begin after 7:05 p.m. ET. For DFS enthusiasts, standout pitching options include Logan Gilbert of Seattle, who boasts impressive stats with a 2.22 FIP and 6.83 K/BB rate, and Luis Severino of the Athletics, who faces a struggling White Sox lineup. Seth Lugo of Kansas City also offers value against a power-deficient Astros team.

Top hitting targets this weekend feature Jazz Chisholm, who may be hitting .165 but has 7 home runs and 6 stolen bases this season, and Steven Kwan, who has shown newfound power this year. For those on a budget, Randy Arozarena of the Mariners presents an enticing option, especially in a favorable matchup against the Indians. Stacking opportunities arise with the Reds at Coors Field, where right-handed batters Matt McLain and Austin Hays could thrive against Kyle Freeland.

The MLB season is heating up, and today's slate of strikeout prop bets offers several intriguing opportunities for savvy bettors. Pitchers like Logan Gilbert are in prime form, boasting impressive strikeout rates and favorable matchups, particularly against teams with high strikeout percentages. Players such as Andrew Abbott and Luis Severino also present appealing options. Betting on the over for these strikeouts could yield significant returns.

However, caution is necessary with pitchers like Carlos Carrasco, who faces a tough Blue Jays lineup that has shown low strikeout rates. Understanding the nuances behind each matchup, including recent performance and conditions, remains key to successful betting on strikeouts.

Lance McCullers Jr. is set to make his anticipated return to the mound for the Houston Astros on Saturday. After overcoming illness that postponed his last scheduled rehab start, McCullers will pitch for Double-A Corpus Christi against Frisco, with hopes that it will be his final rehab outing before rejoining the Astros. Having missed the previous two seasons due to flexor tendon surgery, McCullers’ return is critical for the Astros as they seek to bolster their pitching staff. Manager Joe Espada mentioned that no specific pitch count has been determined, but a familiar threshold around 61 pitches from his last outing is expected.

Alongside McCullers, fellow right-hander Kaleb Ort is also on track for a comeback, slated to pitch for Sugar Land. With his left oblique strain behind him, Ort looks to make an impact as the Astros prepare for their series against the Kansas City Royals. As both pitchers work to regain their form, their additions could mean considerable depth and strength for the Astros' pitching rotation moving forward.

Brayan Bello is expected to return from the injured list to start Tuesday's game against the Seattle Mariners after a successful bullpen session. The young pitcher has been on the mend due to a right shoulder strain, which hindered his preseason preparation. Despite allowing 11 earned runs in 14 innings over rehab starts, the Red Sox are ready to reintegrate him into the rotation.

In related news, catcher Connor Wong is showing improvement in his recovery from a pinky fracture, while starter Richard Fitts is also progressing with his shoulder strain. Kutter Crawford will head to Fort Myers for further rehabilitation, signifying that the Red Sox are taking a cautious approach with their injured players. Meanwhile, Lucas Giolito is set to make another rehab start, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring of pitching performances during recovery.

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.