In crafting winning Sorare MLB lineups, recognizing that not all players on struggling teams are underperformers is crucial. This week focuses on players from underperforming teams who are having solid seasons, along with downgrades from teams performing well but featuring struggling players. For instance, Nick Kurtz of the Oakland Athletics is a promising upgrade, showcasing his power in a hitter-friendly park despite team struggles. Meanwhile, New York Mets' Tylor Megill is downgraded as his production has sharply declined, threatening his rotation spot.

Shane Smith from the Chicago White Sox emerges as another upgrade with an impressive rookie ERA, providing hope for a beleaguered pitching staff. Conversely, Ian Happ of the Chicago Cubs is struggling this season despite the team's success, making him a candidate for downgrading. Holding steady are players like Logan Gilbert, who is set to return from injury, and Bo Bichette, whose performance reflects the Blue Jays’ average standing.

The Chicago Cubs faced off against the Philadelphia Phillies in a tightly contested game that saw dramatic moments and managerial controversy. Kyle Tucker opened the scoring with a solo home run, giving the Cubs an early lead. However, the Phillies responded with a run from J.T. Realmuto and an RBI single by Weston Wilson, which put them up 2-1. The Cubs tied it up with Ian Happ's impressive solo shot in the fifth. Tensions flared in the bottom of the ninth as Cubs manager Craig Counsell was ejected after requesting a replay review for interference, which sparked a social media storm critiquing the officiating standards in MLB.

Despite the Cubs' late-game efforts, the Phillies clinched the win with a walk-off single from Brandon Marsh in the 11th inning. The game highlighted not only the competitive spirit of both teams but also raised questions about umpire performance and the need for potential changes within the league.

In a tightly contested match, the Philadelphia Phillies edged out the Chicago Cubs 4-3 in walk-off fashion at Citizens Bank Park, attributed largely to a critical error by Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd. After achieving a pickoff earlier in the game, Boyd's errant throw allowed a runner to advance from first to third, leading to a run that turned the tide for the Phillies. Despite the Cubs' defense, which produced three double plays and two outfield assists, their offense struggled against Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, who struck out 1,000 batters in his career during this game.

The Cubs managed to tie the game late with a solo home run from Ian Happ, demonstrating resilience, but they couldn't hold off the Phillies, who responded with two runs in the 11th inning, including a bases-loaded single by Brandon Marsh. Manager Craig Counsell lamented that if not for Boyd's error, the inning's outcome would have been different.

Memorial Day signifies the unofficial start of summer and a crucial checkpoint in the MLB season for fans and daily fantasy sports (DFS) players. With a packed 12-game schedule, players like Juan Soto are becoming focal points for DFS lineups, as he attempts to bounce back after disappointing performances earlier this season. Recent outings show promise, particularly a game against the Dodgers where he tallied three RBIs.

High-profile hitters such as Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are also on the radar, with their recent performances justifying their cost. Fantasy expert Mike McClure emphasizes the importance of leveraging reliable projections and strategies as players finalize their lineups. Notable picks include Ian Happ and Lars Nootbaar, who face favorable matchups against the struggling Colorado Rockies and the underperforming Orioles, respectively, making them compelling options for DFS rosters this Memorial Day.

The Chicago Cubs are set to activate Ian Happ from the injured list for their game against the Miami Marlins. Happ missed the minimum 10 days due to a left oblique strain. In 39 games this season, he has a .269 batting average, .364 on-base percentage, three home runs, and 19 RBIs. Rookie Moisés Ballesteros will be sent back to Triple-A Iowa to make room for Happ, after struggling offensively with a .188 batting average in five games.

With Happ's return, he is expected to reclaim the leadoff position despite Pete Crow-Armstrong's recent success. The Cubs favor Happ at the top of the order due to his superior on-base skills. This decision could affect the lineup's dynamics as they seek to improve performance amid a competitive season.