The Milwaukee Brewers recently completed a stunning three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers, solidifying their position as serious contenders in the National League. Behind exceptional pitching performances from Quinn Priester and Freddy Peralta, along with timely hitting, the Brewers showcased both depth and resilience. Caleb Durbin emerged as a pivotal player, contributing significantly on offense. Meanwhile, the Dodgers struggled offensively, raising concerns about Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw's performances as key players in their lineup. This series has reignited discussions about the Dodgers' capabilities moving forward as they attempt to regain momentum in their season.

The New York Mets have surged to a 5-1 record since the last podcast episode, showcasing strong performances against weaker teams like the White Sox and Rockies. Francisco Lindor has consistently delivered clutch hits, while Francisco Alvarez showed promise with a key double against the Dodgers, hinting at a potential resurgence. Paul Blackburn's impressive return adds depth to the rotation, especially with the impending returns of Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea. The Mets are now discussing Lindor's role as a leader, with fans expressing confidence in his abilities during critical moments, reminiscent of David Wright's legacy. As the team gears up for more challenging matchups, the excitement around prospects like Ronnie Mauricio grows, offering a glimpse of a revitalized lineup.

Several players are heating up as the season progresses, and fantasy baseball managers need to take notice. Andy Pages of the LA Dodgers stands out with an impressive .600 batting average over two weeks, showing potential for immediate gains. Meanwhile, Hunter Goodman from the Colorado Rockies is also performing well, hitting .346 with six RBIs in the last week, making him a viable option at 35% ownership. Gavin Lux, now with the Cincinnati Reds, has been demonstrating his hitting ability with a .472 average recently. Josh Jung of the Texas Rangers, despite being in a slump, still boasts 30-35 home run potential and is worth stashing. Lastly, Luis Angel Acuña, the younger brother of Ronald Acuña Jr., is making waves with his speed and batting prowess, suggesting he could be a sleeper pick for those looking to bolster their rosters.

Jeff McNeil has been diagnosed with a low-grade oblique strain and will be sidelined for approximately three to four weeks. This timeline indicates that he might miss only one to two weeks of regular-season games, depending on any potential setbacks. This injury comes at a critical time as McNeil is aiming to build on a strong second half from last season. The absence of McNeil could force the Mets to consider short-term replacements, creating an opportunity for players like Brett Baty or Luis Sanheluna to step in.

Considering the depth issues, the team might lean towards a super utility player like Donovan Walton. With McNeil's injury, the Mets face additional pressure as they evaluate their roster and how to manage playing time among their infielders. Notably, this injury may also lead to increased scrutiny on Baty, who needs to prove his capability against major league pitching.