The MLB action on Wednesday, June 18, is highlighted by Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves, who looks to extend his impressive run against the New York Mets after a string of five starts allowing one run or less. The Braves are slightly above .500 in those outings, yet Sale remains a solid target for prop bets. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Twins are struggling against the Cincinnati Reds, having lost their last five games. The Reds, currently favored at -128, have a 59% chance of winning according to the latest simulations. Lastly, the New York Yankees are eager to end their five-game losing streak against the Los Angeles Angels, with Aaron Judge struggling at the plate, yet the Yankees are still favored to win...

The Atlanta Braves are slowly regaining their form in the 2025 season, winning four of their last five games despite earlier inconsistencies. Manager Brian Snitker's position remains secure, although some fans are calling for change. The return of Ronald Acuña Jr. from injury and Jurickson Profar from suspension adds optimism. However, ace pitcher Chris Sale's name has surfaced in trade rumors due to his earlier struggles, although the Braves' GM has stated that a trade is unlikely.

Sale, the 2024 Cy Young award winner, originally had a rough start to the season but has improved significantly in May, boasting a 2.79 ERA in his last several outings. The Braves hold an option for Sale at the end of the season, giving them the potential to retain him if his performance continues to rise. As the season progresses, watch for how both Sale's form and the team's overall performance evolve.

In a tightly contested matchup, the New York Mets suffered a heartbreaking 5-4 loss to the Atlanta Braves, marking their fourth consecutive defeat. A critical ninth-inning mistake on the base paths by Juan Soto, who was doubled off after misjudging a catch, sealed the Mets' fate, leaving them frustrated and questioning their execution. Despite a promising rally with Soto's single earlier in the inning, the miscommunication and lack of awareness proved fatal.

After the game, Soto expressed his disappointment with the umpire's slow call, which hindered his ability to react appropriately. He emphasized the significance of clear communication in high-stakes moments and lamented how such missteps could derail what seemed to be a game-changing inning for the Mets. This loss underlines the need for improved base running and situational awareness as they seek to right the ship.

On June 18, the New York Mets face the Atlanta Braves in Game 2 of their series. Last night, the Braves clinched victory with a dramatic 5-4 walk-off thanks to Austin Riley's sacrifice fly. The Mets, who held a 4-1 lead at one point, struggled to close the game. Tonight's pitching matchup features Paul Blackburn (0-0, 6.75 ERA) for the Mets and Chris Sale (4-4, 2.79 ERA) for the Braves. Recent performances show that Sale has struck out 21 hitters in his last two starts, while Blackburn's last outing ended poorly against the Rays. The betting lines currently show the Braves favored at -186, while the Mets sit at +154.

Looking ahead, the Mets have been strong on the road against teams with losing records, winning four of their last five. Additionally, the over has hit in four of the last five Braves matchups against NL East teams. Key players to watch include Juan Soto, who began the series with a solid performance, raising his batting average to .340 in June.

Today's MLB DFS slate features a plethora of standout players and potential value picks. Chris Sale and Framber Valdez headline the pitching options, both enjoying favorable matchups. Sale, with a remarkable 31.3% K-rate against righties, faces a strikeout-prone Mets lineup, while Valdez's groundball prowess is a boon against the Athletics.

In the hitter's realm, Shohei Ohtani is a must-start against Stephen Kolek, especially considering his elite xwOBA and ISO against righties. Elly De La Cruz, with impressive power-speed upside, also has a significant chance to shine. Don't overlook the weather risks in Midwest matchups, as rain could impact lineups in cities like Cincinnati and St. Louis.

With an 11-game slate packed with opportunities, fantasy players need to stay updated on player news and lineups to optimize their daily fantasy strategies effectively.