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Every team in MLB will be a part of Friday’s 15-game slate, which will begin with two games at 1:05 p.m. ET. The final matchup of the night will be between the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres at 9:10 p.m. ET. There’s a ton of baseball to keep track of before the weekend gets started, and we’ve highlighted some of the best games, fantasy options, and rookies to watch.
Best Game To Watch
The Giants and Padres trail the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West but have a chance to climb to the top spot in the Division. The Padres are one of MLB’s most productive teams at the plate and have stolen more bases (33) than any team in the league. Yu Darvish is set to get his fifth start of the year and tallied nine Ks in each of his last two outings. He boasts a 2.27 ERA and should make things difficult for San Francisco at the plate.
The Giants are even with the Dodgers at 16-9 and have showcased spectacular defense. Only the New York Mets have given up fewer runs than San Francisco this season. Logan Webb hasn’t necessarily been a stud this year, but he’s coming off his best performance of 2021. He held the Miami Marlins scoreless in his last start through seven innings and dialed up a season-high eight Ks.
Fantasy Spotlight
The Tampa Bay Rays’ Ryan Yarbrough has struggled against quality batting this season and gave up a total of 12 runs to the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers in 11 innings. The Houston Astros are cut from the same cloth. Few teams have scored more runs than Houston, and the Astros are due for a big game after being held scoreless against the Seattle Mariners on Thursday.
Rookies to Watch
Chicago White Sox rookie Yermin Mercedes didn’t start for the first time this season in the first leg of his team’s Thursday doubleheader against the Detroit Lions but entered the matchup batting .432. He has Chicago’s best batting average and leads his team in hits (32) and OBP .475. Expect Mercedes to get back on track against one of MLB’s worst defenses.
MLB regular season schedule for Friday, April 30th
If no streaming option is listed, game is available on MLB.tv pending blackout restrictions.
Cardinals vs. Pirates, 6:35 p.m.
Tigers vs. Yankees, 7:05 p.m.
Marlins vs. Nationals, 7:05 p.m.
Mets vs. Phillies, 7:05 p.m.
Cubs vs. Reds, 7:10 p.m.
Astros vs. Rays, 7:10 p.m., ESPN+
Braves vs. Blue Jays, 7:37 p.m.
Red Sox vs. Rangers, 8:05 p.m.
Indians vs. White Sox, 8:10 p.m.
Royals vs. Twins, 8:10 p.m.
Dodgers vs. Brewers, 8:10 p.m.
Orioles vs. Athletics, 9:40 p.m.
Rockies vs. Diamondbacks, 9:40 p.m.
Angels vs. Mariners, 10:10 p.m.
Giants vs. Padres, 10:10 p.m.
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