As the MLB season moves into the heat of late June, fantasy managers are facing some of the toughest roster decisions of the year. Injuries are mounting, rotations are shifting, and the waiver wire is becoming a battlefield for those looking to gain an edge. Thursday’s slate offers a particularly intriguing set of challenges, making it essential to have the right fantasy baseball lineup advice before the first pitch is thrown on June 25, 2026.
The primary focus for many managers today is the return of a familiar face to the mound. Left-hander Matthew Boyd is set to make his first start back, providing a high-variance option for those desperate for pitching help. Whether you are leading your league or fighting to climb the standings, understanding how to handle these specific player situations is the key to a successful Thursday.
The Matthew Boyd Dilemma: Start or Sit?
Matthew Boyd has long been a polarizing figure in fantasy baseball. When he is on his game, his slider generates elite whiff rates, and he can rack up strikeouts as well as any mid-rotation arm in the league. However, his return on Thursday comes with significant questions regarding his stamina and command after a stint on the sidelines.
If you are looking for fantasy baseball lineup advice regarding Boyd, the decision should be based on your league format. In points leagues, his strikeout upside often outweighs the risk of a short outing. However, in Roto or H2H category leagues, managers should be wary of the potential damage to their ERA and WHIP. Most pitchers are on a pitch count in their first start back, meaning a "Quality Start" might be out of reach today. Unless you are desperate for strikeouts, the safest play is to observe his performance from the bench today and prepare to deploy him for his next turn.
St. Louis Cardinals Spotlight: Nootbaar and Winn
While the pitching matchups draw headlines, the St. Louis Cardinals offer some of the most consistent offensive value for Thursday’s games. Lars Nootbaar continues to be a darling of advanced metrics, consistently putting up high-quality plate appearances. His ability to draw walks and score runs makes him an essential piece of any daily lineup, especially in OBP-heavy formats.
Alongside him, Masyn Winn has proven that his early-season success was no fluke. Winn provides a rare combination of middle-infield stability and stolen base potential. As the Cardinals look to maximize their offensive output today, both Nootbaar and Winn should be considered locks in your starting nine.
Prospects on the Rise: Names to Stash Now
Success in fantasy baseball isn't just about managing your current roster; it's about anticipating the next big call-up. Several prospects are currently forcing the issue with stellar performances in the minor leagues.
Jimmy Crooks: Offensive Upside at Catcher
Jimmy Crooks is quickly becoming a name to watch at the catcher position. Known for his disciplined approach and developing power from the left side, Crooks offers the kind of offensive profile that is rare behind the plate. If you are in a deep league or a dynasty format, now is the time to track his progress before he becomes a popular waiver wire addition.
Blaze Jordan: Elite Raw Power
Blaze Jordan has been a household name in prospect circles for years due to his massive raw power. He is currently showing better contact skills, which was the final hurdle in his development. If he can maintain this balance, his home run potential could provide a massive boost to fantasy rosters in the second half of the season.
Nathan Church: The High-Contact Machine
For managers struggling with a low team batting average, Nathan Church is a name to keep on your radar. His ability to put the ball in play and avoid strikeouts makes him a high-floor prospect. While he may not provide elite power, his ability to contribute in hits and average is a valuable commodity.
Pitching Depth: Arms for the Future
Beyond the immediate return of Matthew Boyd, several other pitchers are making cases for fantasy relevance through their performance in the developmental tiers.
Ian Seymour: Command and Efficiency
Ian Seymour has been turning heads with his ability to navigate through lineups efficiently. His command of the strike zone allows him to go deep into games, a trait that is becoming increasingly valuable in the modern game. He is a prime candidate for a spot-start or a permanent rotation role if an injury occurs at the big-league level.
Landen Roupp: The Ground-Ball Specialist
Landen Roupp utilizes a devastating curveball to keep hitters off balance and generate high ground-ball rates. For fantasy managers, this profile usually leads to a lower ERA, even if the strikeout numbers aren't league-leading. He is a strategic add for those looking to stabilize their pitching ratios.
Tatsuya Imai and Connelly Early: High-Upside Options
Both Tatsuya Imai and Connelly Early represent the next wave of high-upside arms. Imai brings an aggressive style that challenges hitters, while Early has shown a sophisticated pitch mix for his age. Keeping an eye on these two could pay dividends as the season progresses into the final months.
Final Verdict for Your Fantasy Baseball Lineup Advice
When finalizing your fantasy baseball lineup advice for this Thursday, June 25, the key is to balance immediate production with long-term strategy. While the return of Matthew Boyd is a major talking point, don't let it distract you from the steady contributions of players like Lars Nootbaar and Masyn Winn. Ensure your bench is stashed with high-upside prospects like Blaze Jordan or Ian Seymour to stay one step ahead of your competition. Thursday is a day for calculated risks—choose yours wisely.
Sources & Original Reporting
