Yoshinobu Yamamoto Underdog MLB Picks Today, 4/1: Baseball Projections + More

Quick Summary of Today’s Top Underdog Plays: 

• Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD): Higher Than 6.5 Strikeouts (Facing strikeout-prone offense; strong K numbers at home) 
• Trevor Rogers (BAL): Higher Than 5.5 Strikeouts (Favorable matchup as he builds on last year’s breakout)

The 2026 MLB season is now in full swing. It’s been an entertaining first week of baseball with plenty of highlights, storylines, and breakout players to watch. Let’s now focus on the Wednesday, April 1st slate of games with our top Underdog MLB Picks. We’ll break down a pair of MLB DFS projections to lock in as you enjoy today’s action. 

Underdog Fantasy MLB Picks: Wednesday, 4/1

Yoshinobu Yamamoto MLB Underdog Fantasy Pick: Higher Than 6.5 Strikeouts 

There are several Cy Young-caliber arms taking the mound today, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The right-hander impressed in his season debut, giving up just two runs while striking out 6 over six strong innings. 

Let’s roll with Yamamoto to record at least 7 strikeouts against Cleveland tonight. The Guardians have been piling up the strikeouts early on this year, posting a 29.5% K rate through the first 6 games (third-highest in MLB). They’re also averaging 10.8 strikeouts per game as a team. The struggles are even more pronounced against right-handed pitching, where they have a 32.0% strikeout rate. It sets up nicely for Yamamoto. 

The Dodgers’ ace was excellent at home last year, registering a 30.0% strikeout rate and averaging 6.9 strikeouts per start. He also looked strong this spring, totaling 21 strikeouts across 16.1 innings between Spring Training and the World Baseball Classic. It appears Yamamoto is carrying that momentum into the regular season. 

Trevor Rogers MLB Underdog Fantasy Pick: Higher Than 5.5 Strikeouts 

Trevor Rogers is coming off a resurgent season for the Baltimore Orioles. The left-hander posted a 1.81 ERA and 0.90 WHIP across 18 starts for the O’s in 2025. He’s now begun this year on a high note, with 7 scoreless innings in his first start against the Twins last week. 

Rogers struck out 5 in that outing, and he can exceed the total in today’s matchup. The Rangers were a bottom-tier offense against left-handed pitching last season, and it looks like that may be the case again. Texas faced a pair of southpaw starters in its opening series vs. Philadelphia. Both Cristopher Sanchez (10 strikeouts) and Jesus Luzardo (7) had swing-and-miss success against the lineup.

Rogers can follow suit. The lefty’s 24.3% strikeout rate last year was his best since 2021, and his 6.9% walk rate was a career-low mark. If he can carry those trends into this season, it brings upside in certain matchups. Rogers averaged 6.4 strikeouts per home start a year ago, with a 0.96 ERA at home as well. He can take advantage of this Rangers offense, which is also in a getaway day road game.