Zac Gallen

Happ doubled home a pair of runs in the first, and then swatted a solo shot off an ineffective Zac Gallen to extend the Cubs' lead to 4-2. The 30-year-old is coming off a 2024 campaign where he socked 25 homers and stolen 13 bases in a solid -- if unspectacular -- fantasy campaign. Happ should be in line for similiar numbers in 2025. You can do a lot worse.

Gallen was given the Opening Day nod over Corbin Burnes, and it didn't go particularly well. He issued four walks while throwing just 43-of-83 pitches for strikes, and he also gave up a solo shot to Ian Happ. It's just one start, but fantasy managers have the right to be disappointed. Just don't do anything stupid. Gallen will try and bounce back against the Yankees next week.

After missing the two games of the Tokyo Series against the Dodgers, Hoerner is back in there at second base and batting sixth for the Cubs against Zac Gallen and the Diamondbacks on Thursday. His return shifts Jon Berti back to a reserve role for the Cubs and saps him of any fantasy relevance.

Justin Steele and Zac Gallen will take the mound for their respective teams

Kelly will be followed by Brandon Pfaadt and Eduardo Rodriguez to close out a four-game series against the Cubs. Marquee offseason addition Corbin Burnes takes the ball for Tuesday's showdown at Yankee Stadium before Opening Day starter Zac Gallen draws his second turn through the rotation.