Yordan Alvarez

This could turn into a really frustrating situation for fantasy leaguers. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli definitely showed more confidence in Jax than in Duran at the end of last year, but it was assumed Duran would remain the primary guy to start 2025. However, it's been really tough to tell with the Twins not having any save chances previously. Jax was reserved for the top of the Astros order today after Duran easily dispatched the eight, nine and one hitters in the eighth. Jax then entered with a two-run lead and gave up a single to Isaac Paredes, a game-tying homer to Yordan Alvarez and a double to Christian Walker, only to strike out the next three batters and preserve the tie. We'd have plenty of faith in Jax as a closer, but we have plenty of faith in Duran, too. There's little to be gained from mixing and matching a pair of right-handers, so Baldelli really ought to just stick with one for the most part.

Alvarez already had a single and a sac fly on the day when he took Griffin Jax deep to tie the game in the ninth. The later went ahead on a Jose Altuve single in the 10th. Alvarez's homer was his first in nine games this season. His relatively slow start might continue in Seattle this week, but it's only a matter of time until he truly busts out.

Alvarez has not had anything close to his best week to open the 2025 season, but was able to put together a nice game Wednesday, even in a loss. Even with the two hits and the walk, he's still slashing .150/.280/.200 which probably isn't what fantasy managers are hoping for. Imagine being concerned about Yordan Alvarez in April. Couldn't be us.

Smith will take a seat with Yordan Alvarez getting a rare -- at least in 2025 -- start in left field, and Jose Altuve getting some "rest" as the designated hitter. Smith has struggled early on, but fantasy managers should remain patient. For now, anyway.

Walker didn't show any ill effects of the back tightness that sidelined him over the weekend, needing just 13 pitches (nine strikes) to retire Isaac Paredes, Yordan Alvarez and Christian Walker in succession. The 29-year-old right-hander has now converted each of his first two save chances while compiling a 3.00 ERA, 0.67 WHIP and 2/1 K/BB ratio across his first three innings.