Penned By: @Ryan_Humphries on Twitter/X and LineStar Chat.

• Rate LineStarApp on the App store and get a shoutout on Twitter from @LineStarApp official account!

• Have questions? Check out the LineStar Tutorial Wiki.

• LineStar’s 2025 MLB DFS Primer & Strategy Guide ⚾

Top DFS Offers 4/1/25 💸

Our editors found the top deals in sports-books so you don’t have to! Tapping below links will help support LineStar through an affiliate referral.

• Sleeper DFS - Deposit Match up to $100 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

• Underdog DFS - 50% Deposit Match up to $250 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

• Chalkboard DFS - Deposit Match up to $100 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Must be 18+ (some states may require 21+) and be present in an eligible state; if you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.

OnDeck MLB DFS & Prop Bet Podcasts 🎙️

Like, Subscribe, and Comment @ LineStar YouTube channel! You never know when we’ll shout you out or give you something cool. New episodes drop Mon-Fri feat. hosts Shannon Sommerville & Tyler Wiemann! Every episode is quick, informative, & easy to watch.

Main Slate Rundown 🏟

For anyone new to the MLB DFS scene, Tuesdays will generally feature massive slates as teams are in the middle of their early week series, and no one is dealing with day-of travel logistics. That will be the case today with a behemoth 11-game main slate on the board! Some teams on this slate will be flipping back to the top of their pitching rotation while others are still on the back-end of their rotation. So, we will be seeing a wide array of offensive matchups ranging from positive to negative. Seven teams currently own an implied run total of 4.8 or higher while ten teams are pinned with 3.5 implied runs or lower. There is much to dive into today so let’s jump to it! Best of luck!

Main slate match-ups with implied run totals and moneyline odds:

💣4/1 Dinger Report💣

Today’s Top Dinger Odds (sorted by LineStar projected odds)

Main Slate Weather Outlook 💨🌦️☁️

Check LineStar's MLB Daily Dashboard to see an overview of the most up-to-date game forecasts.

• PIT at TB (7:05 ET, 9.0 O/U): Warm temps in the low-80s to begin the game, fairly humid, and 5-10 mph winds OUT to right. Great spot for bats.

• ARI at NYY (7:05 ET, 8.0 O/U): Chilly temps in the mid-40s. 10-15 mph winds a bit left-to-right, a bit OUT to right. Those cold temperatures will make this more of a neutral hitting environment, but as we all know, those Torpedo bats have been doing some work at Yankee Stadium.

• MIN at CWS (7:40 ET, 7.5 O/U): Cold, around 40 degrees, with stiff 15+ mph winds blowing IN from left. Some rain is also in the forecast. They could probably just play through the light stuff, as the worst of it doesn’t look to arrive until later. But there is a possibility that this game doesn’t go the full nine innings if the heavier rain moves in earlier than expected. Good pitching conditions, overall, though.

• LAA at STL (7:45 ET, 8.5 O/U): Mid-50s temps with 10-15 mph winds IN from right. Bump to pitchers.

• CLE at SD (9:40 ET, 7.5 O/U): Upper-50s with 15 mph crosswinds blowing left-to-right.

• CHC at OAK (10:05 ET, 8.0 O/U): A few scattered showers in the area which brings a late start or delay into play. Would not expect any PPD risk. Light winds OUT to center.

Pitchers to Consider ⚾

Quick Note on Pitching: During the initial portion of the season, many starting pitchers are not going to be throwing a full workload unless otherwise noted by the team’s manager (and even then, that’s not information we can fully trust). This makes spending up on pitching a bit riskier in the early goings.

Logan Gilbert (RHP), SEA | DK: $9k, FD: $10.6k | vs. DET

Gilbert opened up the season with a gem versus the Athletics, needing just 83 pitches to cover seven full innings while allowing just one run on two hits, and he struck out eight. T-Mobile Park was the No. 1 pitcher’s park in 2024 and that is very likely to be the case once again this season. Gilbert was especially dominant across his 101.1 IP at home last year, pitching to a 2.49 ERA, 2.88 xFIP, .188 opp AVG, 0.83 WHIP, 29.8% kRate, and 3.9% BB%.

The Tigers’ bats have gotten off to a strong start, and in 108 PA vs. RHPs, they’re hitting .320 with a .884 OPS and 149 wRC+. However, they have been fairly strikeout-prone, posting up a 26.9% kRate, and they have benefitted from an unsustainably high .431 BABIP against righties. Expect some regression to kick in for Detroit tonight as they go up against a very skilled Logan Gilbert. Vegas is pinning the Tigers with a slate-low 2.8 implied run total as well.

Corbin Burnes (RHP), ARI | DK: $8.6k, FD: $9.7k | at NYY

Everyone is probably going to be hesitant to attack this Yankees’ lineup with pitching right now, as they probably should be. But Corbin Burnes is a top-flight pitcher and could stifle all of this torpedo bat talk by holding these NYY bats in check tonight. Burnes is making his season and D-Backs debut tonight -- the only reason he wasn’t Arizona’s Opening Day starter is so he could stay on a regular five-day pitching schedule. Burnes pitched 16 innings in the spring and, while his 5.06 ERA from ST may look ugly, it was backed up by a much more Burnes-esque 2.54 xFIP. He had some horrible BABIP luck against him (.468 opp BABIP in ST), which explains the inflated ERA. Otherwise, he was extremely sharp from a strikeout standpoint, racking up a monster 30.6% kRate against just a 2.8% BB%. Burnes has also found success against these Yankees’ hitters. In 102 PA versus the current Yankees’ roster, Burnes has allowed a meager .212 AVG, .257 xwOBA, and has posted a 32.7% kRate next to a 4.8% BB%.

The Yankees, who have played just three games thus far, are near or at the top of most major offensive category rankings. They’re hitting .333 with a 1.231 OPS, .496 wOBA, .471 ISO, 233 wRC+, 16.9% kRate, and they’ve mashed 15 homes in those three games. Absolute video game numbers. But, needless to say, these numbers are unsustainable, even for a massively talented offense. And, as mentioned in the weather section above, this shouldn’t be a stadium environment where balls will fly out left and right given those chilly temps in the 40s in the Bronx tonight. There will still be risk attached to Burnes because this is a dangerous lineup to go against, especially for his first start of the season, but if you want to go somewhat against the grain, he’s worthy of consideration today.

Shane Smith (RHP), CWS | DK: $6.5k, FD: $6.3k | vs. MIN

If you want to roll the dice on a cheap arm, Shane Smith may fit the bill. He will be making his MLB debut as a Rule 5 draft selection that the White Sox got from the Brewers. Smith was rock-solid in the Spring, pitching to a 3.38 ERA, .139 opp AVG, 0.84 WHIP, and 26.2% kRate across 10.2 IP. How deep he’ll pitch in this game is a big question mark, but he did clear four full innings in his final ST appearance, so there is some optimism that he can get through five innings tonight. In a more substantial sample size across 94.1 IP in the minors last season, Smith posted an excellent 3.05 ERA, 2.94 xFIP, .202 opp AVG, 1.05 WHIP, and 29.6% kRate. The conditions in this game are also prime for pitching. Gametime temps are going to hover around 40 degrees and there will be some noticeable winds blowing in from left field.

Once again, it’s tough to judge any player or team just a few games into the season, but the Twins have gotten off to about as rough of a start at the plate as you could imagine. Across their 136 plate appearances, they’re hitting an MLB-worst .143 with a .436 OPS, .199 wOBA, 23 wRC+, and 23.5% kRate. The kRate isn’t overly high but everything else has been atrocious for these Twins’ hitters. Landing in a potential “get right” spot against an inexperienced pitcher making his MLB debut may turn things around, but this is also a battle that Shane Smith could win. Still, tread with caution with this SP value option.

Other Pitchers to Consider

Justin Steele (LHP), CHC | DK: $8.2k, FD: $8.7k | at ATH

Dustin May (RHP), LAD | DK: $8.1k, FD: $8.2k | vs. ATL

Simeon Woods Richardson (RHP), MIN | DK: $7.8k, FD: $8.6k | at CWS

Casey Mize (RHP), DET | DK: $7.5k, FD: $7.8k | at SEA

Matthew Liberatore (LHP), STL | DK: $7.3k, FD: $7.2k | vs. LAA

Team Stacks to Target 🎯

Disclaimer: Stacking in MLB DFS is not a requirement but it is a very common strategy used to take down GPPs. This strategy is covered in more detail in the MLB DFS strategy guide linked in the header at the top of this newsletter. Check out the MLB StackFinder on LineStar.

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Thomas Harrington (RHP), PIT

It’s safe to say that we’ll be targeting the Rays and visiting teams at George Steinbrenner Field this season. The Florida heat and humidity will make this outdoor ballpark a drastically better hitting environment than the currently out-of-commission Tropicana Field, which is of course an indoor ballpark. Temps in Tampa are already in the 80s and fairly humid. To make matters even more beneficial for hitters, winds will be blowing out to right field tonight. I’m not ready to label this ballpark the “Coors Field of the South” but we’re probably going to see plenty of high-scoring games down in Tampa this season, especially when the top-flight offenses come to town.

But enough about the ballpark. The Rays will go up against Thomas Harrington, making his MLB debut tonight. Harrington only has 46.0 IP worth of experience above the Double-A level. Though he did post decent numbers at Triple-A last year (3.33 ERA, 4.79 xFIP, 0.93 WHIP, 21.2% kRate), he did not look great in his brief outings in the spring. Across 9.1 IP in ST, Harrington provided a 5.59 ERA, 5.23 xFIP, 17.9% kRate, and gave up a couple of dingers. The Pirates’ bullpen has also struggled to a 1.75 WHIP so far this season.

The Rays’ bats have jumped out to a great start against righties (albeit in a small sample size, yadda yadda yadda). In 99 PA vs. RHPs, they’re mashing for a .352 AVG, .914 OPS, .397 wOBA, 165 wRC+, and a low 15.2% kRate. For what it’s worth, they’re also leading the MLB in the early goings with a 43.2% HardContact% vs. RHPs. Tampa Bay is being pinned with a slate-leading 5.3 implied runs today.

Favorite TB Bats: Brandon Lowe, Junior Caminero, Jonathan Aranda

Bargain Bat: Kameron Misner

Kansas City Royals vs. Chad Patrick (RHP), MIL

We’ll be looking to attack another inexperienced pitcher here with the Royals taking on RHP Chad Patrick. Patrick made his MLB debut three days ago in an inning of relief where he gave up a homer and a couple of runs against the Yankees. Tonight will be his first MLB start. Patrick does have some minor league achievements under his belt as he won the AAA pitching Triple Crown last year, leading the PCL and International League in ERA (2.90), wins (14), and strikeouts (145) across 136.1 IP. However, his 26.1% kRate, while strong, wasn’t in elite territory and his sub-3.00 ERA was backed up by a less impressive 4.43 xFIP. Across 8.1 IP in the spring, Patrick recorded a rough 5.40 ERA, .351 opp AVG, and 1.68 WHIP. The Milwaukee bullpen is also off to an abysmal start with a 12.32 ERA, 7.36 xFIP, .333 opp AVG, 2.16 WHIP, 2.84 HR/9 Rate, and 12.7% kRate.

The Royals have been right around a league-average offense thus far, based on their 101 wRC+. But they jumped on the Brewers in the opening game of this series yesterday for 11 runs on 14 hits, which was easily their best offensive output of the young season and shows the sort of numbers this team can put up. I’m a big fan of the top half of this Royals lineup which is headlined by one of the elite five-tool players in the game, Bobby Witt Jr. Behind Witt are a pair of power hitters in Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez. One of the new additions to this lineup, Jonathan India, also adds some versatility to the lead-off spot. We’ll look for the Royals to build on the big showing yesterday and keep it rolling into tonight.

Favorite KC Bats: Bobby Witt Jr., Jonathan India, Salvador Perez

Bargain Bat: Michael Massey

Low-Owned Stack That Just Might Work Out 🤔

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chris Sale (LHP), ATL

You’re not going to see many slates where all of the Dodgers’ hitters are projected under 10% ownership, but that is the case today. They will have to deal with reigning NL Cy Young Award-winning Chris Sale. That’s no easy task, but if they can do a bit of damage versus him and/or force him off the mound early, there could be an opportunity for a late-inning surge versus the Braves bullpen. As a Braves fan, I have zero confidence in any bullpen arm behind closer Raisel Iglesias, and thus far the ATL BP has accounted for a 6.19 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and 1.69 HR/9 Rate. Of course, the stacked Dodgers lineup, even if it is missing Freddie Freeman (ankle/day-to-day), is about as matchup-proof of a lineup as you’ll ever find in professional sports. So they’re going to be in play regardless of who is pitching against them. We may as well get some exposure when they’ll be “under the radar” on this massive slate.

Favorite LAD Bats: Shoehei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Tommy Edman

Bargain Bat: Will Smith (Not exactly “bargain” tier pricing, but Smith is ‘cheap’ by LAD lineup standards)

Home Run Calls of the Day 💣

Make sure you’re following @LineStarApp on Twitter. Retweet the Home Run Calls of the Day tweet for your chance to win prizes!

Ryan’s PrizePicks Power Play of the Day

Here is a two-pick “Power Play” I’m liking for today's MLB action over on PrizePicks! Nothing is ever a guarantee to hit but I put my own money on these picks so I don't just lightly throw them out there without believing they'll cash! If it hits, it will return 3× the wager.

Bobby Witt Jr. MORE than 0.5 Runs

Kyle Tucker MORE than 7.5 Hitter Fantasy Score

🔥 Props AI 🔥

In LineStar’s ongoing mission to improve, innovate, and help you reel in some cash, we are introducing Props AI for MLB! This tool can help you find value and mispriced odds on player props from sportsbooks and, more specifically, for PrizePicks and UnderDog Fantasy!

Speaking of props, put the Props AI tool to use by signing-up for UnderDog Fantasy for a month of LineStar Premium (Promo code: LINESTAR). Plus deposit match for new customers.

Best of luck out there today, everyone!