This FAAB overview highlights key targets for fantasy managers as the MLB season progresses. Notably, the league-wide OPS has dipped below .700, signaling a concerning trend for hitters. Despite only three weeks into the season, the average batting average stands at a historic low of .235. Amidst this backdrop, standout pitchers like Tyler Mahle of the Texas Rangers, who boasts a 0.50 ERA, and luckier options like Emilio Pagan from the Cincinnati Reds, currently holding the closer role, emerge. Meanwhile, Carson Kelly from the Chicago Cubs shows remarkable offensive prowess with a .407 batting average, making him a prime target for FAAB considerations.

Several pitchers, including Jose Quintana and David Festa, are highlighted as potential acquisitions due to injuries impacting their respective rotations. The FAAB budget, set at $100, indicates strategic moves for managers looking to bolster their rosters ahead of the weekend. With offensive trends impacting player performances, savvy fantasy managers will need to adapt quickly to secure valuable assets as the season unfolds.

Tyler Mahle showcased his prowess on the mound in a 4-0 victory against the Los Angeles Angels, pitching six scoreless innings and striking out nine. His impressive performance has earned him a league-leading 0.92 ERA through four starts. Mahle's ability to excel with runners on base is noteworthy, as he has limited opponents to a .125 batting average with runners on, a testament to his skill in high-pressure situations.

Despite not having overwhelming velocity, Mahle's repertoire includes effective secondary pitches that complement his low 90s fastball, which proved particularly adept at generating swings and misses. With 18 swings and misses against the Angels, Mahle's fastball continues to be a vital weapon for the Texas Rangers' rotation, which ranks among the best in MLB.

The Texas Rangers have made strategic adjustments to their pitching rotation as they prepare for a six-game homestand against the Los Angeles Angels and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Two-time Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom is positioned to start the series opener against the Dodgers, following Tyler Mahle, Patrick Corbin, and Kumar Rocker in the rotation. This change allows the team to optimize pitcher rest while maintaining their performance level.

With built-in off days earlier in the season, manager Bruce Bochy leveraged the schedule to create a sequence allowing for ideal rest durations for each pitcher. DeGrom is anticipated to throw on six days of rest, which should benefit his performance against the reigning World Series champions. The rotation shuffle is a tactical move, reinforcing the Rangers' competitive edge as they seek to maintain momentum early in the season.

Corey Seager shone bright for the Texas Rangers, smacking two home runs in a commanding 6-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs, preventing a series sweep. Seager's performance marked his 18th career multi-homer game and his first since August 2024. Fellow Ranger Tyler Mahle was stellar on the mound, allowing only two hits and one run over seven innings, lowering his ERA to 1.32.

The Rangers pulled away decisively with a four-run fifth inning, highlighted by Jonah Heim's two-run blast. Chicago managed just four hits in total and will now head to Los Angeles for a matchup with the Dodgers.

On April 9, 2025, the Texas Rangers (8-4) face off against the Chicago Cubs (9-5) in the final game of their series. Chicago has won the first two games, including a dramatic 10-6 victory where Dansby Swanson's two-run single in the eighth inning secured the win. The matchup on the mound features Tyler Mahle (1-0, 1.35 ERA) for the Rangers against Shota Imanaga (2-0, 0.98 ERA) for the Cubs.

The betting odds favor the Cubs with a moneyline of -150 while the Rangers stand at +126. The spread favors the Cubs at -1.5, and the total is set at 8.0 runs. Recent trends show the Cubs winning 7 of their last 8 games and 8 of their last 9 games have gone over the total. Our experts recommend a bet on the Cubs for the moneyline, the Rangers at +1.5 on the spread, and the over on the game total of 8.0 runs.