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 Thursday
Pitchers to stream on Thursday
David Peterson is the top streamer on the truncated three-game slate (the home opener for the Chicago White Sox against the Toronto Blue Jays has been postponed until Friday). The New York Mets lefty didn’t get a decision in his first start, but he posted 5 1/3 scoreless innings in his first start, fanning three with two walks while allowing six hits. Peterson opposes an offense averaging just 2.6 runs per game over the first five contests.
A high pitch count chased Taj Bradley from his opener after only 4 1/3 innings. He had yielded just one run on three hits, but nine strikeouts and especially three walks led to 92 pitches. Bradley will get the call when the Minnesota Twins visit the Kansas City Royals. He faces a team averaging only 2.25 runs per game, the lowest mark in the league.
Hitters to stream on Thursday
A popular ploy in daily leagues with category (and points) scoring is streaming the hitters most likely to record a stolen base. Overall, steals are down, with four players leading the league with three through Tuesday, but none are in action on Thursday. Alek Thomas reached base in just four of his first 20 plate appearances, but the Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder has a pair of swipes.
Kyle Isbel is off to a fast start for the Royals, posting a 1.100 OPS with two steals over his first three games. It appears he is in a platoon, but the lefty should be in the lineup against Bradley so he is worth considering for a vacant lineup spot.