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.

Nolan Arenado's powerful eighth-inning home run was pivotal, not only solidifying the St. Louis Cardinals' 5-3 Opening Day victory over the Minnesota Twins but also serving as an emotional highlight for the veteran third baseman. After a challenging previous season, Arenado, who was on the trade block during the offseason, received a heartfelt ovation from the fans, prompting an unexpected curtain call.

Reflecting on the moment, Arenado acknowledged the crowd's support and the significance of his performance. His teammates recognized the moment's importance, with outfielder Lars Nootbaar emphasizing how significant it was for the team and fans alike. St. Louis, under the guidance of manager Oliver Marmol, is undergoing a transition phase, leading to speculation about veteran trades later in the season, making this opening game one to remember.

Vanderbilt baseball continues to showcase its prowess in producing MLB talent, with 11 former players making the cut for the 2025 opening day rosters, tying for first among SEC schools. Notable names include veteran Sonny Gray, who will lead the St. Louis Cardinals, and rising stars Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter, both key members of the Texas Rangers' rotation.

Rocker, the 10th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, bounced back from Tommy John surgery to post a solid 3.86 ERA in three starts during his debut season in 2024. Leiter, selected second overall the same year, aligns with Rocker as the duo aims to solidify their roles. The exceptional performance of Vanderbilt alums like Bryan Reynolds and Dansby Swanson also highlights the Commodores' impact in the league, reinforcing their status as a powerhouse in collegiate baseball.

The Minnesota Twins are set to open their season against the St. Louis Cardinals today at 3:15 PM at Busch Stadium, marking the earliest opener in franchise history. Manager Rocco Baldelli, who experimented with 154 different lineups last season, is fielding a fresh lineup featuring Trevor Larnach as the designated hitter and new addition Harrison Bader starting in left field against his former team. The Twins lineup includes notable names like Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton, while the Cardinals will counter with their lineup led by Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras.

In the pitching matchup, the Twins' Pablo López, who has a solid Opening Day track record, faces former teammate Sonny Gray. López is aiming for his third consecutive Opening Day win, having previously led the Twins to victories in 2023 and 2024. Conversely, Gray, who had a remarkable 203 strikeouts last season, seeks to improve his 2-5 record against the Twins. The matchup promises to be competitive, given the teams' history and expectations for this season.

Injuries are a constant concern in baseball, and a slew of updates have emerged that could impact fantasy leagues. Brandon Woodruff of the Milwaukee Brewers is progressing well in his recovery from anterior capsule surgery, throwing 95 mph during a recent outing. However, caution is advised as returning from such an injury can be unpredictable.

Sonny Gray of the St. Louis Cardinals has faced velocity issues this spring, possibly stemming from a previous forearm injury. Fantasy owners should monitor his performance closely as he tries to regain his form. Meanwhile, Yu Darvish's elbow inflammation has pushed him to miss the start of the season, raising concerns about potential long-term implications.

Jared Jones from the Pittsburgh Pirates is seeking a second opinion on his elbow, which could signify a serious issue. Lastly, Shane McClanahan of the Tampa Bay Rays has suffered a triceps injury, causing him to start the season on the Injured List, which could impact his fantasy value.