MLB lineups for Thursday, April 6th: George Springer, Yoan Moncada out

The New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Minnesota Twins and Baltimore Orioles have all postponed their 2023 home openers due to inclement weather, making for a lighter MLB slate on Thursday, April 6th. Just six games means plenty of off days to manage in your fantasy lineup, but there’s still plenty of lineup news to monitor. Here’s your MLB starting lineup report for Thursday, April 6th, complete with fantasy streaming advice.

MLB starting lineups for Thursday, April 6th

Boston Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers, 1:10 p.m. ET

After Kiké Hernandez and Adam Duvall got the day off during Wednesday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, both are back in the lineup as Boston heads to Detroit for the Tigers’ 2023 home opener. Duvall represents a particularly appealing play as he’s gotten off to a strong start this season, but he’s been far more effective against lefties — while Detroit will start righty Spencer Turnbull this afternoon.

The Tigers, meanwhile, have shifted Matt Vierling up to the leadoff spot against Red Sox lefty Chris Sale — Vierling had intriguing underlying metrics as a part-time player with the Phillies last year and now should get extended run in a weak Detroit outfield.

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Kansas City Royals, 2:10 p.m. ET

The big news here is George Springer getting a day off atop Toronto’s lineup, with Kevin Kiermaier filling in center field. Brandon Belt will get a start at first base with righty Jordan Lyles on the mound for Kansas City, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr. slides to DH.

For the Royals, Edward Olivares draws the start in left field and will bat a surprising fifth in the order, making him a sneaky streaming option — he’s displayed a solid hit tool and the ability to steal a base in the past but has struggled to earn consistent playing time. Kyle Isbel remains out on paternity leave, giving Nate Eaton another start in center.

San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago White Sox, 2:10 p.m. ET

After a late scratch yesterday, Thairo Estrada is back in the lineup for the Giants on Thursday as he looks to continue his strong start to the season against Chicago righty Lance Lynn.

Yoan Moncada gets the day off for the White Sox, while Jake Burger starts at DH in place of the injured Eloy Jimenez — such a drastically diminished lineup gives Giants starter Alex Wood some potential upside as a streaming option.

Washington Nationals vs. Colorado Rockies, 4:10 p.m. ET

Lane Thomas is a favorite DFS play today, and worth a roster add in deeper fantasy leagues — he has a stranglehold on the leadoff spot in D.C., which may not be the best offensive environment but should still produce enough counting stats to make his 20 homers and 15 steals plenty valuable (especially in Coors). Alex Call gets the, er, call in left today over Corey Dickerson.

Jurickson Profar will continue to provide excellent value every day he mans the leadoff spot at Coors Field, which figures to be often, while Bud Black appears to be giving Elehuris Montero every chance to realize his potential — the outlines of a power/speed dynamo are there, especially given the home park.

San Diego Padres vs. Atlanta Braves, 7:20 p.m. ET

Matt Carpenter will hold down the DH spot against righty Spencer Strider, while Rougned Odor continues to earn playing time in right field against right-handers (at least until the impending return of Fernando Tatis Jr.).

Marcell Ozuna’s awful start to the season has officially left him on the bench. With lefty Blake Snell on the mound for San Diego, Atlanta will give righty Kevin Pillar the nod in left field tonight while Travis d’Arnaud mans the DH spot.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks, 10:10 p.m. ET

Still no Miguel Vargas or Miguel Rojas for the Dodgers, but the good news is that Mookie Betts appears to be no worse for the wear despite the ankle scare on Tuesday.

Josh Rojas’ strong start to the season has him entrenched in the leadoff spot in Arizona, while Corbin Carroll has climbed all the way up to fifth in the lineup (still not high enough, but baby steps here).