Check out all of our starting pitcher rankings and other lineup selection tools here to help you make smart fantasy baseball lineup decisions. 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, as well as any breaking news that might impact today’s MLB slate, be sure to check out the latest fantasy baseball buzz.
Other resources: RP depth chart | Start new league
ESPN’s 2026 Draft Guide | Betting notes for Saturday
Pitchers to stream on Saturday
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Tatsuya Imai struggled with control in his MLB debut, throwing 38 balls and just 36 strikes in his inaugural 2 2/3 innings with the Houston Astros. On Saturday, he faces the Athletics in Sacramento. Through Thursday’s action, the Athletics fanned more and walked less than the other 29 teams.
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Clay Holmes fell one out shy of a quality start in his opener, yielding two runs in 4 2/3 innings to the St. Louis Cardinals. Next up is a road date with the New York Mets visiting the San Francisco Giants. Holmes draws an offense that is slow out of the gate with the sixth lowest wOBA in the league.
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Ryan Weathers started the season in encouraging fashion with seven strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings, allowing just one run, albeit on four hits and two walks. His second start comes in the Bronx with the New York Yankees hosting the Miami Marlins. The visitors platoon several spots in their lineup and have faced four straight right-handers, so some of their right-handed hitters could struggle with timing.
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Shane Baz allowed seven hits in 5 1/3 innings in his Baltimore Orioles debut, but only three registered as hard-hit. On Saturday, Baz faces the Pittsburgh Pirates and rookie phenom SS Konnor Griffin.
Pitchers to avoid Saturday
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As discussed in this space earlier this week, it’s always a risk starting opposing pitchers in Coors Field, especially when they’re the caliber of Jesus Luzardo. With Saturday being the penultimate day of the first scoring period, the decision may hinge more on team needs than on evaluation. Complicating matters is Luzardo’s strikeout ability and a few left-handed hitters in the Colorado Rockies lineup. Avoiding him if you’re leading in close matchups is defensible, but so is starting him if you’re behind.