Todd ZolaJun 21, 2025, 05:30 PM ET
Close- Todd Zola is contributing writer for fantasy baseball at ESPN, specializing in game theory and player analysis. Todd is a member of the FSWA Hall of Fame. He won LABR and Tout Wars championships in 2016.
Check out all of our starting pitcher rankings and other lineup selection tools here to help you make smart fantasy baseball lineup decisions. MLB betting tips for each day’s slate of games will be added in the morning. MLB game odds are provided by ESPN BET, and all fantasy advice is geared toward ESPN 10-team leagues with standard scoring.
Note: All information is accurate as of the time of publication. For updates, including what you might have missed from last night, as well as any breaking news that might impact today’s MLB slate, be sure to check out the latest fantasy baseball news.
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Pitchers to Stream on Sunday
If you’re looking for a **last-minute boost in your head-to-head leagues**, today’s streaming options may disappoint. However, keep an eye on **Ryan Gusto** of the Houston Astros. He has caught fire recently, striking out **15 batters** over **11 innings** in his last two outings. Facing a Los Angeles Angels lineup with the highest strikeout rate against righties, Gusto is the **top streaming choice** this Sunday!
After a rocky start to the season, **Lucas Giolito** is finding his rhythm with the Boston Red Sox. He’s thrown **two consecutive quality starts**, striking out 10 while walking only one against the Seattle Mariners. Now, he faces a **San Francisco Giants** team that’s below average with a wOBA against right-handers. The move to Oracle Park, known for its **pitching-friendly** conditions, could further boost his performance.
Lastly, **Sandy Alcantara** has reeled off three impressive outings, sporting a **2.12 ERA** and a **0.88 WHIP** with **15 strikeouts** in **17 innings**. Sunday presents a formidable challenge against the potent Atlanta Braves, but pitching at home in **LoanDepot Park**—notorious for its vast outfield—could work to his advantage. With the Braves’ offense currently underperforming, using Alcantara could be a gamble worth taking.
Pitchers to Avoid on Sunday
If you’re still banking on **Brandon Pfaadt**, it may be wise to **reassess your options**. While he’s shown some promise lately with a couple of decent outings, trusting him against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field is a risky proposition. It’s best to keep him on the bench.
Hitters to Stream on Sunday
Looking to capitalize on hitting potential this Sunday? **Sutter Health Park** is expected to play small due to the afternoon heat, making it an excellent opportunity to stream hitters. Target the right-handed lineup of the Cleveland Guardians against **JP Sears**, whose lackluster **9.29 ERA** and **1.74 WHIP** over his last 31 innings make him an inviting target. Players like **David Fry**, **Carlos Santana**, and **Lane Thomas** are primed for standout performances in this matchup.
Betting Tips
Want to make informed betting decisions? Utilize insights generated by **THE BAT X**, a cutting-edge system crafted by Derek Carty. This advanced model incorporates a range of factors—including player talent, ballparks, bullpens, weather, and even umpire tendencies—to provide comprehensive projections.
Note: Expected Value is critical for evaluating the quality of a bet. It considers the likelihood of winning against the odds provided by bookmakers. For instance, if you place a $1 bet 100 times on an option with an Expected Value of $25, you can expect to profit $25 in total over the long run.
Keep in mind that betting odds are typically set after the previous day’s games conclude, so expect fresh tips to be available Sunday morning.