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MLB’s 10-game Thursday slate will begin with an Orioles-Indians game at 1:10 p.m. ET and end with a Rays-Mariners matchup that’s set to get started at 10:10 p.m. ET. While this is a lighter slate, there’s still plenty to evaluate ahead of the action. So we’ve picked out some of the best games, fantasy options, and rookies to watch here.
Best Games To Watch
The Reds have slowed down some since getting off to a scorching start at the plate but remain one of the best offensive teams in baseball. Nick Castellanos leads MLB in hits (86) and batting average (.350) and has helped Cincinnati ranks seventh in hits (555) and sixth in batting average (.248) as a team. The Padres’ Joe Musgrove has been elite this year, though. The 28-year old has 96 Ks and a .83 WHIP. Seeing his face off against one of the better lineups around shouldn’t disappoint.
Shohei Ohtani will pitch for the Angels against the Tigers o Thursday, so prepare for a ridiculous stat line. He’s tallied at least seven Ks in seven of his nine appearances this season and will face an abysmal Detroit offense. Ohtani also ranks third in home runs with 19, and Detroit’s Matt Manning is set to make his MLB debut. If Ohtani can tee off on a new pitcher, you won’t want to miss it.
Fantasy Spotlight
The Toronto Blue Jays have been known to get ridiculously hot at the plate and will have a chance to light it up again in the final game of their three-game series against the New York Yankees on Thursday. New York is starting the winless Michael King at pitcher. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is looking like an MVP frontrunner and can power his team’s offense to an explosive outing as he looks to build on his nine-game hitting streak.
Rookies to Watch
The Rays’ Randy Arozarena isn’t getting as much hype as he was ahead of the 2021 season but is riding an 11-game hitting streak in which he’s tallied 14 hits. He’s notched two bombs with eight RBIs during that span and could stay hot against Justin Dunn, who’s given up three home runs in his last five outings.
MLB regular season schedule for Thursday, June 17th
If no streaming option is listed, game is available on MLB.tv pending blackout restrictions.
Orioles vs. Indians, ESPN+
Diamondbacks vs. Giants
Yankees vs. Blue Jays
Cubs vs. Mets
Cardinals vs. Braves
White Sox vs. Astros
Reds vs. Padres
Brewers vs. Rockies
Tigers vs. Angels
Rays vs. Mariners
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