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.
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ESPN’s 2026 Draft Guide | Betting notes for Thursday
Pitchers to stream on Thursday
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Jacob Lopez is slow out of the gate with 13 walks and three homers allowed in 13 innings while striking out only 11. While looking elsewhere for a streamer is understandable, Lopez enjoys a favorable matchup with the Athletics hosting the Texas Rangers. History suggests that the southpaw will start fanning more while walking fewer hitters, and on Thursday he faces one of the least patient lineups that also strikes out at an elevated clip.
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It’s just three starts spanning 16 frames, but Shane Baz‘s pitch mix in his first season with the Baltimore Orioles is different from what he used with the Tampa Bay Rays. He’s throwing fewer four-seam fastballs and changeups while increasing his cutters and knuckle curves. Last season, his cutter and knuckle curve registered the highest Stuff+ marks of his repertoire, but they’re both down a bit this season. Look for Baz to feature his cutter Thursday on the road against the Cleveland Guardians when he faces a lineup with the fifth-lowest wOBA in the league against the offering.
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Foster Griffin’s 1.76 ERA is artificially low as he’s benefiting from a .214 BABIP and 98.7% left-on-base rate, both of which are unsustainable. A correction is forthcoming, but he should be safe for Thursday’s outing when the Washington Nationals visit the Pittsburgh Pirates. Griffin benefits from holding the platoon edge over several of the Pirates’ best batters.
Hitters to stream on Thursday
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Jack Leiter continues to combine dominance with spotty command and control, as he’s punched out 21 in 14 2/3 innings. However, he’s also issued six walks while surrendering three long balls. The Rangers take on the Athletics in a Thursday matinee. While it won’t be as hot as later in the summer, the temperatures will still favor hitters. Lawrence Butler has been leading off for the Athletics and enjoys the platoon edge. Jacob Wilson, Jeff McNeil, Max Muncy and Denzel Clarke are also in play on an abbreviated 10-game slate.