The Tampa Bay Rays face off against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix as Drew Rasmussen takes the mound, boasting a 0.87 ERA and a strong recent performance. The Rays managed to win last night, but will need to continue their momentum against Corbin Burnes, who has struggled this season with a 4.64 ERA.

The betting odds favor the Diamondbacks at -135 on the money line, reflecting their recent success—winning four out of five against teams with losing records. However, the under has been profitable in Rays' road games, adding intrigue to the total set at 8.0 runs. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on Rasmussen's strikeout potential and consider the implications of Burnes' matchup against a potent Rays lineup.

Bobby Witt Jr. is making waves as one of the top performers in MLB, showcasing his skills with a nine-game hit streak and scoring in 8 of his last 13 games. He poses a strong threat for scoring against the Detroit Tigers, making him a prime candidate for prop bets. Meanwhile, pitcher Taj Bradley is also worth a look as he faces a Yankees lineup with a high strikeout rate. Conversely, Griffin Canning is expected to struggle, particularly against a Cardinals team that rarely whiffs, making him a solid fade in strikeout props.

Friday's MLB DFS slate features 13 games, providing numerous options for fantasy enthusiasts. Nick Pivetta is a strong pick against the Rockies, with a favorable matchup and the potential for strikeouts, especially given Colorado's poor performance against RHP this season. Taj Bradley also stands out, showing signs of a breakout with his strikeout ability against an underperforming Atlanta lineup.

In the infield, Kristian Campbell offers great value as a 2B/OF for the Red Sox, who face off against Davis Martin, a pitcher struggling to miss bats. Jake Cronenworth, positioned in the Padres lineup against German Márquez, looks to capitalize on his previous success against him. Lastly, Spencer Torkelson of the Tigers is another intriguing option as he faces David Festa, who has had his struggles against left-handed hitters.

Strikeout props take center stage as the MLB season gains momentum. As we head into April 5, 2025, the betting landscape is ripe with opportunities, especially for savvy bettors looking to capitalize on pitchers with favorable matchups. Today's highlighted picks include players like Reese Olson of the Detroit Tigers, who is projected to exceed 5.5 strikeouts against the Chicago White Sox, a team that has shown a tendency to strike out against right-handed pitching. Olson's recent strong performance against the Dodgers showcases his potential.

Spencer Arrighetti from the Houston Astros, also targeting 5.5 strikeouts, faces a Twins lineup grappling with strikeout regression. With a solid debut under his belt and a potent curveball, Arrighetti could easily exceed this mark. Taj Bradley, meanwhile, will need to navigate the deep Texas Rangers lineup, but his strikeout rate suggests he’s capable of meeting the 5.5 threshold. Brady Singer has reinvented himself with a potent mix of pitches leading to increased strikeouts in his recent outings. He'll encounter a Brewers lineup that has struggled against righties. Lastly, keep an eye on AJ Smith-Shawver, who faces the Miami Marlins, one of the more strikeout-prone teams in baseball, making his 4.5 strikeout prop an intriguing bet.

The Tampa Bay Rays are embracing their new home at Steinbrenner Field following the hurricane damage to Tropicana Field. Players praised the impressive upgrades that have transformed the facility into a first-class environment. Infielder/outfielder Richie Palacios exclaimed, "This is dope!" while third baseman Junior Caminero expressed his surprise at the grandeur of the new clubhouse with expansive amenities.

The rebranding effort was quick and thorough, with Rays signage replacing Yankees marks. The improvements include a high-tech gym, expansive dining areas, and state-of-the-art training facilities. Manager Kevin Cash emphasized the importance of these upgrades for player performance, stating the clubhouse is unmatched, and players are thrilled with their new digs.