Fantasy baseball lineup advice for Friday: Houston welcomes Burrows to rotation
Check out all of our starting pitcher rankings and other roster selection tools here to help you make smart fantasy baseball roster decisions. All fantasy tips are for 10-team ESPN leagues with standard scoring.
Note: All information is accurate at the time of publication. For updates, as well as all the latest news that could impact today’s MLB roster, be sure to check out the latest Fantasy baseball buzz.
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ESPN’s 2026 Draft Guide | Betting Notes for Friday
Pitchers to be broadcast Friday
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It’s the third day of the season, but Mike BurrowsThe Houston Astros’ debut against the Los Angeles Angels might be the best streaming opportunity of the entire season. It may be hyperbole, but Burrows has gone unnoticed in almost 12.6 percent of ESPN leagues. The Astros targeted Burrows in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and with their reputation for developing pitchers — particularly pitchers who could spin the ball — Burrows immediately became intriguing. He allowed just three earned runs in 18 spring innings, securing third place in the Astros’ rotation. He will open at home against what is shaping up to be one of the worst offenses in the majors.
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There are only four other starters whose strength is below 50%. None are attractive, so let’s take a little liberty with this threshold and highlight Sandy Alcantaraas it is still available in a quarter of ESPN leagues. The Miami Marlins host the Colorado Rockies. Alcantara added a sweeper in the spring. He throws it slower than his slider, giving hitters something else to worry about as he continues to evolve into more of a “pitcher” than a “pitcher.” The Rockies’ lineup doesn’t have the usual thump, but it seems to focus more on players who can both put the bat on the ball and play defense. Alcantara’s control should thrive against this type of offense in LoanDepot Park.
Pitchers to Avoid Friday
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Early in the season, avoiding pitchers who are not fully extended can be an effective use of a limit on starts. One such example is Emmet Sheehan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who win the hill at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Sheehan only managed 10⅔ spring innings, fanning just 11 and walking six.
Hitters to stream Friday
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With only eight games on the schedule, most fantasy rosters will have a few holes. Miami is a great place to watch, with the Marlins lineup facing Rockies LHP Kyle Freeland. Even away from Coors, Freeland has been ineffective. Additionally, Miami offers some sneaky options with the platoon advantage, including Heriberto Hernandez, Christopher Morel, Connor Norby And Austin Slater. All four are currently available in almost every ESPN league.
