Andres Gimenez showcased his power by hitting his third home run in five games, leading the Toronto Blue Jays to a 5-2 victory against the Washington Nationals. Gimenez not only homered but also walked, was hit by a pitch, stole his 100th base, and doubled in a stellar performance. Pitcher Bowden Francis contributed significantly, pitching six innings and allowing just two hits while striking out four.

Michael Soroka struggled for the Nationals, surrendering four earned runs in five innings before exiting with an injury. The Blue Jays secured their win with consistent scoring across the game, including an RBI double from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Yimi Garcia closed the game with a flawless ninth inning, ensuring the victory for Toronto.

Andres Gimenez showcased his power at the plate, hitting his third home run in just five games, while Bowden Francis dazzled with a strong pitching performance as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Washington Nationals 5-2. Gimenez not only homered but also added a double and his 100th career stolen base to his stat line. Francis, making his season debut, took a no-hitter into the sixth inning before giving up two solo home runs in a strong six-inning outing that included four strikeouts.

On the other side, Nationals pitcher Michael Soroka had a rough outing, leaving the game after just five innings due to discomfort. Despite the loss, C.J. Abrams and James Woods provided some late offense with their home runs. The Blue Jays continued to impress early in the season, while the Nationals struggled, having lost two of their three home games against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The MLB season kicks off with an exciting Monday slate featuring a mix of day and night games, but the focus is squarely on the night matchups packed with potential for DFS success. Pitcher Bowden Francis from the Toronto Blue Jays is a standout pick at $8,300, boasting a solid 3.30 ERA and 0.93 WHIP last season, particularly impressing with a 1.53 ERA in the second half. Facing the Washington Nationals, who struggled offensively last year, Francis walks into a great matchup as a -170 favorite.

On the other hand, Ronel Blanco of the Houston Astros at $9,000 is another viable option, thanks to his consistency over 29 starts, allowing four runs or fewer almost every time out. The matchup against the San Francisco Giants, who ranked low offensively last season, adds to Blanco's appeal.

As for hitters, Kyle Tucker from the Chicago Cubs ($6,000) is sizzling hot with two homers and five RBIs in recent games. Meanwhile, Fernando Tatis Jr. at $5,400 continues to showcase his elite potential with impressive stats, including three steals in the early season. For budget-friendly options, Lane Thomas ($4,100) and Jonathan Aranda ($2,900) provide excellent value against weak pitching matchups.

For stacking, consider the Cubs against Joey Estes of the Oakland Athletics, given Estes' struggles. A stack featuring Tucker, Ian Happ, and Michael Busch could yield high returns. The Tampa Bay Rays against Carmen Mlodzinski also show promise, with key players like Junior Caminero and Brandon Lowe rounding out an attractive stack.

The 2025 MLB season is underway, and savvy fantasy baseball players are scouring the waiver wire to enhance their rosters. This week’s top pickups include promising names such as Cam Smith, Kristian Campbell, and Matt Shaw, who have demonstrated strong performances early in the season. Smith, a third baseman, boasts a 46% roster rate and is a must-add in all leagues, while Campbell, the Boston Red Sox’s second baseman, is also a hot pick with a 39% roster rate after hitting his first home run. The article emphasizes the importance of keeping up with player news, including injuries and emerging talent, to make informed waiver decisions.

Other notable picks include Bowden Francis, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and several pitchers like A.J. Puk and Drew Rasmussen, each recommended for deeper leagues. The article recommends evaluating players based on their early-season performances and potential to fill gaps in your lineup. With a comprehensive list of 100 players, fantasy managers can prioritize their waiver wire strategies effectively. Stay ahead by monitoring the latest updates and adjusting your roster accordingly.

Bowden Francis showcased an impressive performance, allowing just three hits and striking out four batters over 5⅓ innings in a 4-1 victory for the Toronto Blue Jays against the Tampa Bay Rays. Anthony Santander shone at the plate, driving in three runs with an early RBI single and a double. Bo Bichette continued to impress this spring, going 3-for-4, elevating his batting average to .400.

The Blue Jays' pitching staff performed well, with four relievers combining to hold the Rays to only three additional hits. Tommy Nance sealed the win, picking up the save. Toronto's solid outing sets the stage for their upcoming matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies.