What happened: ESPN identifies Chicago White Sox starter Sean Burke and Baltimore Orioles pitcher Brandon Young as key targets for Friday's fantasy baseball slate. Both starters offer potential streaming value heading into the weekend based on their upcoming opponents.
Why it matters: Burke has emerged as a reliable waiver wire pickup, bolstered by an improved four-seam fastball and strong strikeout metrics. Young provides valuable innings volume in deeper formats, though underlying numbers indicate his run prevention carries more risk.
By the numbers: Burke recently posted a 1.89 ERA and a 23 percent strikeout-minus-walk rate across a three-start stretch. Young carries a 3.11 season ERA, though his expected ERA sits higher at approximately 4.65.
What to watch: Managers must finalize their lineups before first pitch and monitor any changes to scheduled pitching probables.