Jack Flaherty Is Taking on the Mets Tonight and Your Fantasy Lineup Needs Him

Look, one solid start doesn't automatically mean Jack Flaherty is back to being a lock, but it's solid enough to trust the veteran for a road matchup at Citi Field against the New York Mets on Tuesday. Last time out, Flaherty struck out 10 Boston Red Sox hitters in five frames while walking just one. That's the kind of control you're looking for. Now he's stepping into a Mets lineup that ranks among the worst against right-handers this month with the fifth-lowest wOBA in that matchup. If you're looking for a stream play, Flaherty is your guy.

The Spot Starters Making Their Case

Stephen Kolek is another name worth watching on Tuesday. He posted a quality start in his 2026 debut last week against the Cleveland Guardians, giving up three runs over six frames with only three strikeouts, though he didn't walk a batter. Here's the story: Kolek dealt with an oblique strain in spring training and went through four rehab starts before finally getting the call. After that debut, he was sent back to Triple-A Omaha, but then Cole Ragans went down to the 15-day IL and Kolek got the recall. Now the Kansas City Royals have a road matchup with the Chicago White Sox, and that's a lineup playing some ugly baseball. The White Sox have the seventh-lowest wOBA against righties and the third-highest strikeout rate in those matchups. That's the kind of setup where a pitcher can eat innings.

Jeffrey Springs continues to improve his strikeout and walk rates over last season through his first eight starts, but here's the problem: he's still giving up too many home runs. Normally that would be a red flag, especially at a park like Sutter Health Park when the Athletics are home, but Springs is facing the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, and they have a below-average home run rate when facing left-handers. That's a favorable spot for him.

Who to Leave on Your Bench

Tatsuya Imai is tempting in his first game back when the Houston Astros host the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday. On paper, sure, the Mariners sport the second-highest strikeout rate versus right-handers, so that looks like a dream matchup. But here's why you pump the brakes: Imai managed just three innings in his final rehab start because he issued five walks. He threw only 63 pitches, which means he's almost certainly going to be under a strict pitch count. That limits his innings and destroys his strikeout upside. Pass on this one.

Catch the Astros hosting the Mariners on Tuesday night and watch how the matchups play out. Your fantasy lineup could look a lot different depending on who you trust in these early-season spots.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.