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.

On June 17, 2025, the MLB presents an enticing lineup of games, and Casey Wilson shares his top home run prop bets. Notable recommended bets include New York Yankees' Anthony Volpe, Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer, Cincinnati Reds' Elly De La Cruz, and Baltimore Orioles' Jordan Westburg. Wilson advocates for cautious bankroll management, suggesting a maximum of four home run bets to maintain profitability.

Volpe faces Kyle Hendricks in favorable Yankee Stadium conditions, possessing strong stats against right-handers. Springer has a prime opportunity against Brandon Pfaadt, showing exceptional recent form. De La Cruz is expected to thrive in Great American Ballpark against David Festa's challenging pitching. Lastly, Westburg's impressive stats against Littell's pitches position him as a solid pick.

Elly De La Cruz's impressive performance this MLB season has drawn attention as he currently stands fourth among National League shortstops in All-Star voting. Despite his strong showing with 312,538 votes, he trails behind notable players like Francisco Lindor of the New York Mets and Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Reds fans voiced their disappointment and rallied support through social media, urging more votes for De La Cruz, which is crucial as the first phase of voting ends soon.

Alongside De La Cruz, teammates like Hunter Greene have also garnered attention for the All-Star game. The Reds' franchise continues to showcase emerging talent, with players like TJ Friedl and Austin Hays also contributing solid performances, although they currently lag behind in the voting standings.

In a disappointing series finale against the Cincinnati Reds, the Detroit Tigers suffered an 8-4 defeat marked by defensive blunders and missed opportunities. Manager A.J. Hinch expressed his frustration with the team's sloppy play, as three errors and a crucial mishap during a potential double play led to the Reds' comeback. Notably, third baseman Zach McKinstry's bobble in the eighth inning allowed the Reds to tie the game, setting the stage for their victory. Even pitchers Sawyer Gipson-Long and Brant Hurter contributed to the loss with throwing errors that led to critical runs.

The Tigers' defense, generally one of their strengths, faltered under pressure, with Hinch stating, "This is not our identity." Despite having one of the league’s better defensive records, the Tigers were unable to execute essential plays, which not only frustrated the manager but also left fans questioning the team’s consistency. The loss not only affected the series outcome but also left the Tigers looking to rebound quickly to maintain their competitive standing in the division.

As we approach mid-June, several players are catching the attention of fantasy baseball managers. Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds is making headlines with a home run streak that has seen him hit four consecutive homers, showcasing his impressive power. With 15 home runs and 20 steals this season, he’s a must-start in daily leagues. Meanwhile, Josh Smith from the Texas Rangers is on a seven-game hitting streak, including multiple-hit games, making him a valuable asset in fantasy rosters.

Giancarlo Stanton is expected to return from the injured list, adding a powerful option to the New York Yankees lineup, while Brady House, the Washington Nationals' top prospect, is set to make his MLB debut. The week includes critical matchups for pitchers like Jameson Taillon, who looks to extend his streak of quality starts as well as Logan Gilbert, returning from injury. This week is crucial for fantasy owners looking to capitalize on hot bats and emerging pitching talent.