:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69498722/1324967363.0.jpg)
We have a short 10-game slate in the majors on Thursday, beginning at 1:05 p.m. ET. Before first pitch between the Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees, we’ll take a look at the best games on the schedule, rookies to keep an eye out for, and spotlight a relevant fantasy option.
Best Games To Watch
If you are looking for a couple of games to watch Thursday, then your best bet would be to check out MLB Network. The Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds will begin a four-game series at 7:10 p.m. ET. This series should have a lot of offense as the Reds are averaging 5.01 runs per game, while the Braves are producing 4.67 runs per game this season.
When that game is done, keep it on MLB Network for the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers at 10:10 p.m. ET. The Dodgers will be looking to get back into the win column coming off a three-game sweep at the hands of the Padres. Walker Buehler will be on the mound (7-0, 2.38 ERA) for Los Angeles, while the Cubs will start Zach Davies (4-4, 4.66 ERA).
Fantasy Spotlight
Detroit Tigers first baseman Jonathan Schoop is having a good year at the plate and could be moved by next month’s trade deadline. Schoop is batting .279 with 15 HRs, 39 RBI, .828 OPS, and averaging 8.0 fantasy points per game. The 29-year-old has been on a tear in his last five games, slugging .333/.391/.857 with 3 HRs and 7 RBI. He’s also producing 16.2 FPPG is MLB DFS, which is outstanding for a player whose salary value has risen to $5100. He will look to keep up his hot hitting on Thursday night against the Houston Astros.
Rookies to Watch
Tampa Bay Rays’ top prospect Wander Franco has thus far lived up to the hype through his first two MLB games. Franco is hitting .286 with 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3 walks and 1 strikeout. Many people thought that baseball’s best prospect would have come up when the team traded Willy Adames to the Milwaukee Brewers. However, Tampa Bay opted to bring up another top prospect in Taylor Walls. That being said, it was worth the wait to promote Franco to the big leagues, who will bring a spark to the Rays.
MLB regular season schedule for Thursday, June 24th
If no streaming option is listed, game is available on MLB.tv pending blackout restrictions.
Royals vs. Yankees, 1:05 p.m. ET
Athletics vs. Rangers, 2:05 p.m. ET
Orioles vs. Blue Jays, 7:07 p.m. ET
Braves vs. Reds, 7:10 p.m. ET
Red Sox vs. Rays, 7:10 p.m. ET
Astros vs. Tigers, 7:10 p.m. ET
Nationals vs. Marlins, 7:10 p.m. ET
Indians vs. Twins, 8:10 p.m. ET, ESPN+
Pirates vs. Cardinals, 8:15 p.m. ET
Cubs vs. Dodgers, 10:10 p.m. ET
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/MI/PA/WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA) or Call or Text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789. 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/IA/IN/CO/IL/TN/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.