👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Fantasy Baseball Players To Watch For The Week Ahead (April 14 - April 20)

Spencer Strider - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, MLB Injury News

Dawn's fantasy baseball watch list -- hitters, pitchers, and relievers he's keeping an eye on for April 14 - April 20 (2025). Hot bats, good matchups, pitchers on a roll, and more.

Welcome to RotoBaller's Fantasy Baseball Players to Watch for the Week Ahead series for 2025 as we look ahead to the week of April 14 - April 20. In this article, I'll look at players like Spencer Strider, Alex Verdugo, Jason Adam, and others.

Here at RotoBaller, we like to take a look around and discuss players who might be under-owned in redraft leagues, potential DFS candidates, players returning from injury, or some names that are just flat-out hot.

Looking ahead to this week's action, we've got some very fantasy-relevant names putting up some eye-opening numbers thus far, an ace making his return after a year away, and a few other tidbits. Let's dig in!

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball draft tools and resources:

 

Fantasy Baseball Players to Watch: Hitters

Alex Verdugo, Atlanta Braves

What I'm Watching: Will Atlanta call him up? 

Alex Verdugo hit his second home run of the season with Triple-A Gwinnett Saturday, leading Braves fans to ask (not so politely) why he isn't being called up. The outfielder entered Saturday hitting just .150 in Triple-A, but after a three-run homer day versus Norfolk, fans are hopeful he can provide a spark.

The Verdugo of old, with Boston and then, to the horror of Sox fans everywhere, the New York Yankees, is desperately needed to help with Atlanta's recent offensive woes. The 4-11 Braves are fifth in the NL East.

With former MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. still recovering from knee surgery and Jurickson Profar in the middle of an 80-game suspension, Atlanta's outfield is thin. Keep an eye out for his return, which can't come soon enough for the Atlanta faithful.

Michael Conforto, Los Angeles Dodgers

What I'm Watching: Stack the Dodgers and stream the 19 percent rostered lefty versus six righties this week

This is a great week to stream the 32-year-old left-hander in your fantasy leagues while stacking the Dodgers in DFS. The Dodgers face six right-handed pitchers this week, three of whom they will face at home.

Conforto is slashing .348/.464/.609 overall at home this season, compared to .115/.233/.269 on the road. When facing righties at home, he is slashing a strong .333/.474/.733 line with a 1.207 OPS, two homers, five RBI, and seven runs.

Miguel Andujar, Athletics

What I'm Watching: Righty with reverse-splits

The A's face five right-handers next week, so I automatically started looking at lefties. Well, Andujar is just 1 percent rostered in Yahoo! leagues, and against righties this year, he is slashing .316/.350/.421 with a .771 OPS.

He belted his first home run this season on Friday, April 11, in a 7-6 loss to the Mets. Andujar has had a solid start this year, batting .316 through 12 games with six runs and six RBI.

The A's are just 6-10 this season, but they are another team with an excellent matchup this week. All six games are on the road versus five RHPs, and the A's have been better on the road than at home this season, slashing .242/.312/.422 with 12 home runs compared to .241/.306/.381 and eight long balls.

 

Fantasy Baseball Players to Watch: Starting Pitchers

Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves

What I'm Watching: Continuation of a strong Triple-A rehab start

After only two starts last year, the Braves ace suffered a season-ending right elbow injury. Just over a year later, after a successful rehab start, Strider is set to make his season debut on Wednesday in Toronto.

In his final rehab start against Norfolk on Thursday, April 10, the righty allowed just one run over 5 1/3 innings while striking out 13 batters. Over three rehab starts, Strider recorded 27 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings.

 

Fantasy Baseball Players to Watch: Relief Pitchers

Jason Adam, San Diego Padres

What I'm Watching: Can he take advantage of a strong week of pitching from the Friars?

Adam has had a very impressive start to the season, leading the majors with five holds and an 11:4 K:BB over 7 1/3 scoreless innings. The righty is 40 percent owned in leagues, and given the injury history of Robert Suarez, he has a strong chance of securing regular save opportunities.

The right-hander made his MLB debut with the Kansas City Royals in 2018 and has played for several MLB teams, including the Royals, the Toronto Blue Jays, the Chicago Cubs, and the Tampa Bay Rays. 

This is Adam's second stint with San Diego, and while he has been flying under the radar, he is quickly becoming the guy who fans recall being on their team and are left to wonder why he is no longer there. Grab him if he's available!



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Cedric Tillman

Dynasty Managers Losing Patience?
Josh Jacobs

Remains a Strong RB1 Option
Devon Witherspoon

Seahawks Pick Up Devon Witherspoon's Fifth-Year Option
Aaron Nesmith

Could Miss Saturday's Game
Andrew Nembhard

Could Miss Fourth Straight Game
Brice Sensabaugh

Remains Out Saturday
Grayson Allen

Could Miss Third Straight Game
Royce O'Neale

Unlikely to Play Saturday
Kristaps Porzingis

Exits Early, Likely Out Saturday
Landry Shamet

Leaves Friday's Game with Knee Issue
Jake Allen

has Excellent Performance in Defeat
Logan Thompson

Nearly Perfect In Victory
Pascal Siakam

Uncertain for Saturday Against Spurs
Stephon Castle

Questionable for Saturday Versus Pacers
Donovan Mitchell

Questionable as Cavaliers Visit New Orleans
Kevin Porter Jr.

Listed as Questionable Against Phoenix
Isaiah Collier

to Miss Second Straight Game
Joel Embiid

Out Saturday Against Utah
Tanner Bibee

to Take the Ball on Opening Day
Logan Webb

to Start on Opening Day for Giants
Christian Wilkins

"Fully Intends" to Play in 2026
Jake Bobo

Jaguars Sign Receiver Jake Bobo to an Offer Sheet
Trent Williams

49ers Decline to Pick Up Trent Williams' $10 Million Option Bonus
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seahawks Exercise Jaxon Smith-Njigba's Fifth-Year Option
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez to Start on Opening Day for Phillies
Chris Sale

Braves Name Chris Sale as Their Opening Day Starter
Kyle Stowers

Leaves Friday's Game With Hamstring Tightness
DJ Chark

Hangs Up his Cleats
Naz Reid

Ruled Out Friday Against Portland
Jasson Domínguez

Jasson Dominguez Optioned to Triple-A
GG Jackson II

Out Friday Against Boston
Austin Reaves

Added to Injury Report Saturday
Kawhi Leonard

Questionable Against Dallas
Trae Young

Still Sidelined Saturday
Terance Mann

is Unavailable on Friday
Tyler Toffoli

Won't Play Saturday
Andrew Wiggins

Remains Out Saturday
Marcus Sasser

to Sit Out on Friday
Joel Armia

Ready to Return From Back Injury
Joel Eriksson Ek

Kirill Kaprizov, Joel Eriksson Ek to Remain Out Saturday
Ross Colton

Still Out Friday
Yan Kuznetsov

Remains Sidelined Friday
Shayne Gostisbehere

Misses Seventh Straight Contest
Jacob Misiorowski

Named Opening Day Starter
Morgan Rielly

Cleared to Play Friday
Mike Trout

X-Rays Come Back Negative on Mike Trout's Hand
Ja'Tavion Sanders

Panthers Expect Ja'Tavion Sanders to be Ready for Offseason Program
Dylan Crews

Optioned to Triple-A Rochester
Quinshon Judkins

Does Quinshon Judkins Have RB1 Upside in Dynasty Formats?
Jayden Reed

Is Jayden Reed a Buy-Low Candidate After Injury-Marred 2025 Campaign?
Lerone Murphy

Set For UFC London Main Event
Chris Olave

Rehabs his Dynasty Value With Resurgent 2025 Performance
Movsar Evloev

Looks To Remain Unbeaten
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in New York
Michael Aswell

Jr. An Underdog At UFC London
Luke Riley

Set For UFC London Co-Main Event
Chimere Dike

Could See a Diminished Role in 2026
Joe Ryan

Named Opening Day Starter for Twins
Chase Brown

Profiles as a High-End Dynasty Running Back Heading into 2026
Sam Patterson

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Michael Page

Set For Welterweight Bout
Austen Lane

In Dire Need Of Victory
Iwo Baraniewski

A Favorite At UFC London
C.J. Stroud

Will C.J. Stroud Ever Rediscover his Rookie-Season Magic?
Bijan Robinson

Finally Has the Falcons' Backfield All to Himself
Najee Harris

Remains on the Open Market
George Kittle

Injury Complicates Price Tag
Jameson Williams

Flashes WR1 Upside Ahead of 2026
Parker Washington

a Solidified Fantasy Option Despite Crowded Offense?
Sergei Bobrovsky

Shuts Out Oilers with 21 Saves
Trent Frederic

Exits Early Against Panthers
Mason Appleton

Hurt Thursday Night
Tyler Toffoli

Suffers Lower-Body Injury in Thursday's Loss
Victor Hedman

Makes Early Exit Due to Illness
Juuse Saros

Dealing with Upper-Body Injury
Spencer Knight

Shuts Down the Wild on Thursday
Adam Fantilli

Scores Two Goals in Victory
Francisco Alvarez

Pulled Early Thursday With Back Tightness
Auston Matthews

Ruled Out for 12 Weeks
Yaroslav Askarov

Still Out Thursday
Luis Severino

to Start for A's on Opening Day
Kirill Kaprizov

Won't Play Against Blackhawks
Alex Tuch

Expected to Return Thursday
Logan Gilbert

Named Mariners Opening Day Starter
José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez Back in Cactus League Lineup on Thursday
Hayden Birdsong

to Have Tommy John Surgery, Miss Entire 2026 Season
Zack Wheeler

to Pitch in Minor-League Game on Monday
Paul Skenes

Pirates Officially Name Paul Skenes Their Opening Day Starter
Jurickson Profar

Officially Suspended for Entire 2026 Season
Carson Williams

"Likely" to Be Rays Opening Day Starting Shortstop
Trey Yesavage

Will Open 2026 on the Injured List Due to Shoulder Impingement
Max Fried

to Start on Opening Day for Yankees
Akshay Bhatia

Withdraws From Valspar Championship
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Drawing Positive Reviews at Georgia Tech
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Impressing in Nebraska's Spring Practices
J.J. Spaun

Offers Upside Despite Poor Course History at Innisbrook
Aaron Rai

Looks to Bounce Back at Valspar Championship
Johnny Keefer

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Valspar Championship
Billy Horschel

a Volatile Play at Valspar Championship
Ben Griffin

Looks to Rebound at the Valspar Championship
Corey Conners

Brings Elite Ball-Striking to Valspar Championship
Xander Schauffele

Trending In The Right Direction For Valspar Championship
Sahith Theegala

Has Shot to Challenge at Valspar Championship
Mackenzie Hughes

Looking to Bounce Back at Valspar Championship
Nicolai Hojgaard

Finding Rhythm For Valspar Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Continues Hot Start to 2026 Heading to Valspar Championship
Pierceson Coody

Heads to Valspar Championship Following Two Missed Cuts
Wyndham Clark

Searching for Momentum at Valspar Championship
Justin Thomas

Is Justin Thomas Back Ahead of This Week's Valspar Championship?
Jordan Spieth

to Bounce Back at Favored Valspar Championship?
Brooks Koepka

is Starting to Find His Groove Again Ahead of Valspar Championship
Viktor Hovland

is One of The Best DFS Plays at Innesbrook
Rasmus Hojgaard

to Get Back on Track at Valspar Championship
Tony Finau

is Again a Scary Option at Valspar Championship
Blades Brown

Continues PGA Tour Run at Valspar Championship
Josh Emmett

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Kevin Vallejos

Scores First-Round TKO
Amanda Lemos

Drops Back-To-Back Fights
Gillian Robertson

Extends Her Win Streak
Andre Fili

Drops Decision on Saturday
Denny Hamlin

Dominates and Gets His Third Career Las Vegas Win
Chase Elliott

Earns Runner-Up Finish at Las Vegas
William Byron

Wins A Stage and Finishes Third at Las Vegas
Christopher Bell

Finishes Fourth at Las Vegas After Strong Run
Kyle Larson

Fades to Seventh Despite Leading Laps Early at Las Vegas
Andre Fili

Jose Delgado Edges Andre Fili in Split-Decision Win
Oumar Sy

Suffers First-Round Submission Loss
Ion Cutelaba

Returns To The Win Column
CFB

CJ Carr Enters Sophomore Season as Heisman Favorite
CFB

Aaron Philo Not a Lock to be Florida's Starting QB?
CFB

George MacIntyre the Favorite to Win Tennessee Quarterback Battle?
CFB

Keelon Russell, Austin Mack Battling for Alabama QB1 Duties
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF