How to watch, what to watch for on April 17th of the 2021 MLB regular season

After a loaded 15-game schedule on Friday, we have a stacked 17-game slate beginning at 1:05 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon. Before first pitch between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, we’ll take a look at the best games on the schedule, rookies to keep an eye out for, and fantasy spotlight.

Best Games To Watch

On Saturday, we have multiple doubleheaders scheduled after Friday postponements due to inclement weather. We’ll see Jacob deGrom, Steven Matz, Tyler Glasnow, Casey Mize, and more all on the mound. However, the best game to watch will not begin until 8:40 p.m. ET between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. On the mound for the Dodgers will be Clayton Kershaw, who will be opposed by Yu Darvish for the Padres. Kershaw has a record of 2-1 with an ERA of 2.89, while Darvish has an ERA of 3.06 to go along with a 1-0 record.

Fantasy Spotlight

The fantasy spotlight for Saturday is coming out of the AL Central and no we’re not talking about the Detroit Tigers — even though veteran catcher Wilson Ramos and outfielder Akil Baddoo have been playing outstanding baseball to start the season. However, we will be looking at Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton. The 27-year-old outfielder has gotten off to a hot start this season. Buxton is slashing .469/.528/1.094 with five home runs and nine RBI. The former second overall pick from the 2012 MLB Draft has been a great play in MLB DFS and standard fantasy baseball.

Rookies to Watch

Chicago White Sox designated hitter Yermin Mercedes is continuing to play well and make an early season case for AL Rookie of the Year. Mercedes is second in the majors in hits (20), right behind Atlanta Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. In 11 games played, the 28-year-old is slashing .476/.522/.786 with three home runs and 10 RBI. At his current pace, he is projected to hit 37 homers and 125 RBI. It’s highly unlikely that Mercedes will reach those projected stats, but if he continues to hit for a high average, then he’ll be the lead candidate for the AL ROY award.

MLB regular season schedule for Saturday, April 17th

If no streaming option is listed, game is available on MLB.tv pending blackout restrictions.

Diamondbacks vs. Nationals, 1:05 p.m. ET, ESPN+
Rays vs. Yankees, 1:05 p.m. ET
Blue Jays vs. Royals, 2:10 p.m. ET
Braves vs. Cubs, 2:20 p.m. ET
White Sox vs. Red Sox, 4:05 p.m. ET
Cardinals vs. Phillies, 4:05 p.m. ET
Tigers vs. Athletics, 4:07 p.m. ET
Indians vs. Reds, 4:10 p.m. ET
Giants vs. Marlins, 6:10 p.m. ET
Orioles vs. Rangers, 7:05 p.m. ET
Pirates vs. Brewers, 7:10 p.m. ET
Mets vs. Rockies, 8:10 p.m. ET
Dodgers vs. Padres, 8:40 p.m. ET
Twins vs. Angels, 9:07 p.m. ET
Astros vs. Mariners, 9:10 p.m. ET

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