DraftKings. After avoiding control issues that had plagued him in his professional career in a breakout 2024 campaign, Ronel Blanco has struggled with his command to start 2025. He’s only hitting the zone 37% of the time (41%) last season, and he’s issued 7 walks in 11.2 innings (and 5 in 10.2 spring training innings). As a result, his strike rate is down (61.8%) and his pitches per plate appearance are way up (4.49). He’ll face off against a Cardinals team that has a below average chase rate (12th lowest), and has been hot at the plate (117 wRC+ and a .766 OPS over the last two weeks against righties). The Astros pen is in good shape, and they have an off-day tomorrow.

I'd prefer +1 cheaper but not an option, so we roll with this -- the main reason I'm taking the Cards is simply that Yordan Alvarez is getting the afternoon off for Houston, although I suppose he could pinch-hit (homered last night). All of the Astros' high-leverage relievers were used Tuesday which may be a factor. The Cards' Steven Matz probably will turn into a pumpkin soon but has a 2.31 ERA as a pseudo-opener. Counterpart Ronel Blanco has a 6.94 ERA.