The Houston Astros face a critical juncture in their season, grappling with injuries to their starting rotation and the quest for a reliable pitcher. Sports Illustrated's Dylan Sanders suggests a trade for Arizona Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly, potentially costing promising outfielder Jacob Melton and top prospect Michael Knorr. Despite Melton's limited play, hitting .241 in 11 games with three stolen bases, his departure would signal a significant loss for the Astros. Kelly, boasts a 3.55 ERA and a 7-3 record this season, would offer much-needed depth behind Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown, but Houston must weigh the risks of losing two young prospects for a half-season of a veteran pitcher.

The Arizona Diamondbacks face ongoing challenges in their playoff pursuit due to significant injuries affecting key players. Catcher Gabriel Moreno is sidelined with a fractured finger, and outfielder Corbin Carroll is recovering from a wrist injury that initially raised concerns about his absence. Remarkably, Carroll has shown rapid progress, recently participating in a minor league game just two weeks after sustaining a chip fracture in his wrist.

During a simulated game, Carroll exhibited impressive hitting, prompting manager Torey Lovullo to express surprise at his quick recovery. Despite missing Carroll's impact, the Diamondbacks remain close in the Wild Card race, currently 12.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. Their recent struggles, marked by six losses in eight games, highlight the need for Carroll's return to bolster their offensive lineup.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are set to face the Kansas City Royals in a compelling matchup at Chase Field, with Eduardo Rodriguez pitching for the Diamondbacks and Kris Bubic on the mound for the Royals. Rodriguez has been impressive lately, limiting opponents to no more than two runs in his last five starts, showing signs of consistency with a 4.09 ERA against Kansas City in his career.

Bubic, despite his recent struggles, boasts a strong changeup that has yielded a .155 average against hitters. The Royals are seeking to address their offensive shortcomings, averaging just 3.3 runs per game, which is the lowest in the American League. Their starting rotation, highlighted by Bubic, remains a key strength.

As the fantasy baseball season progresses into the summer months, savvy managers are looking to stash injured players who can provide significant value upon their return. Top targets include Luis Gil of the New York Yankees, who is nearing a return after a successful rehab stint, and Grayson Rodriguez from the Baltimore Orioles, who is also ramping up for his comeback. With both of these pitchers having shown impressive strikeout abilities last season, they could be pivotal assets down the stretch.

Outfielders like Joc Pederson of the Texas Rangers and Noelvi Marte from the Cincinnati Reds are also worth considering, as both are set to return shortly and have demonstrated strong offensive capabilities in previous seasons. Lastly, Gabriel Moreno of the Arizona Diamondbacks remains a compelling option behind the plate, particularly in an offense that benefits from his hitting prowess. Snagging these players now could pay off immensely during crucial weeks ahead.

Robbie Ray delivered a masterful performance on Thursday night, leading the San Francisco Giants to a 7-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Pitching a complete game for the first time since 2017, Ray showcased his skills by allowing only three hits and striking out seven batters, all while throwing just 102 pitches. This marks an impressive milestone in Ray's career as he improved his record to 9-3 for the season, with a commendable 2.68 ERA.

This outing was particularly significant as it came against his former team, the Diamondbacks, who Ray pitched for during his complete game against the Pirates in 2017. The Giants' offense supported Ray effectively, enabling him to dominate the game and secure a much-needed win. As he continues to shine, Ray's performance enhances his value in fantasy leagues.