Daily Fantasy Baseball News and Notes I First Pitch Podcast 4/18/26

In this weekend edition of the First Pitch Podcast, host Carson Picard delivers a fast-paced breakdown of April 17, 2026’s MLB action with a sharp focus on fantasy-relevant performances. The episode opens with injury updates on Daniel Palencia and Zach McKinstry, while highlighting positive recovery signs for Juan Soto, Adley Bruchman, and Tyler O'Neill. Picard names Nico Horner as his top hitter of the day after a three-for-five, home run performance that lifted his average to .342—spotlighting a contact hitter’s rare power surge. The Braves’ offensive explosion, led by Austin Riley’s two homers and Michael Harris’ three-for-four day, contrasts with the Pirates’ surprising offensive resurgence, fueled by O’Neal Cruz, Ben Rice, and Jordan Alvarez. On the mound, Casey Mize earns the pitcher of the day honors with a dominant six-and-two-thirds-inning, zero-earned-run outing, while Peter Lambert—making his MLB return—stuns with a 40% whiff rate despite a rough line. The episode’s comedic highlight comes from the Guardians’ bullpen meltdown in a 4-0 lead, where three relievers combined to blow a save and lose the game in the top of the eighth. Picard closes with a deep dive into Sunday’s key matchups, headlined by a marquee clash between Chris Sale and Cristopher Sánchez in a Braves-Phillies showdown that could shape early-season playoff positioning.