Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo carried the offense on Thursday, going 3-for-4 with a homer, a triple, and a double. This was an extremely encouraging start for the former top prospect, who possesses massive raw power but looked overpowered by his first taste of major league pitching in 2024. He did hit all five of his home runs last season in September, and it certainly looks like he's carrying that momentum straight into 2025. He is in line for everyday playing time at DH in the heart of the Guardians' lineup and has the potential to be a must-start fantasy player if everything breaks right.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Josh Hader picked up the save on Thursday, closing the doors on the Mets in a 3-1 victory. It wasn't a flawless inning by any means, as he allowed one run on two hits and one walk. Early season rust aside, Hader should continue to be one of the game's most dominant closers. In 2024, he collected 34 saves while posting a 3.80 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 71 innings. He did need 35 pitches to finish the frame, so don't be surprised if he is unavailable out of the pen for the next game or two.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon pitched 5 1/3 innings on Thursday, allowing one earned run on four hits and two walks while striking out seven on the way to picking up his first win of the season in the 4-2 Opening Day victory over the Brewers. The southpaw, who had a forgettable 2023 season, is coming off a bounce-back campaign in 2024 in which he posted a 3.96 ERA (3.78 SIERA), 1.22 WHIP, and an 18.8 percent K-BB% with a 16-9 record. The 32-year-old is just a few seasons removed from 2021 and 2022, when he pitched well enough to earn Cy Young votes, so perhaps at full health, he can make some modest improvements over last season's ERA and WHIP numbers. The two-time All-Star lines up with the Diamondbacks at home next week for his next start.

Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman slugged two home runs in Thursday's 12-2 drubbing of Jose Berrios and the Toronto Blue Jays. The 27-year-old went 3-for-5 with three RBI and three runs scored in the contest, picking up where he left off Grapefruit League play, where he slashed .357/.438/.595 with three home runs in 16 games. The former first-overall draft pick started strong last season, earning his second All-Star nomination, however, he struggled mightily in the second half. Hopefully this performance sets the switch-hitter up for sustained success throughout the entire 2025 season, and he lives up to the 60th-overall fantasy draft price.

New York Yankees closer Devin Williams notched his first save of the season, securing the team's 4-2 victory over the Brewers on Thursday. It wasn't without drama, however, as the first three batters got on base (two hits, one walk) in the ninth against the righty to load the bases with no outs in a 4-1 game. The 30-year-old yielded a sacrifice fly to the next batter, allowing one run to score, but proceeded to strike out the next two hitters to end the threat. Williams should have ample opportunities to save games for the Yankees this season, and with a career ERA of 1.83, WHIP of 1.02, and superb 27.6 percent K-BB%, the 2x All-Star is locked in as a Top 3 closer.