On the evening of June 18, 2025, the Houston Astros (42-31) are set to face off against the Oakland Athletics (30-45) in a compelling matchup featuring Framber Valdez and Luis Severino on the mound. Valdez enters the game with a solid 3.10 ERA and recent impressive outings, striking out 12 hitters in his last appearance. Severino, despite a rough season, displayed resilience with a strong performance against Kansas City, allowing only one earned run. The Astros have been hot, winning four of their last five games, making them heavy favorites in this contest.

Betting odds reflect this sentiment, placing the Astros at -162 on the moneyline with a 1.5 spread favoring them. The over/under is set at 9.0 runs, indicating potential scoring opportunities given both teams' recent offensive trends. The Athletics have notched four covers in their last five outings, hinting at competitive spirit despite their underwhelming season. Expert picks lean towards the Astros winning outright and advise considering the Athletics +1.5 with a possible over bet.

Weekly analysis brings a focus on trending starting pitchers, crucial for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Jacob Misiorowski had an impressive MLB debut, throwing five hitless innings for the Milwaukee Brewers. His fastball reached 99 mph, showcasing potential but also revealing command issues. Eury Pérez from the Miami Marlins, returning from Tommy John surgery, displayed inconsistent command in his first two starts, making him less appealing in shallow leagues.

Brayan Bello of the Boston Red Sox has evolved significantly, opting for cutters over his once-dominant changeup. His recent usage suggests he’s finding a new identity on the mound, which could impact his fantasy relevance. Lastly, Brandon Walter of the Houston Astros demonstrates a refined pitch mix, making him a potential target for deeper fantasy leagues.

Framber Valdez is scheduled to start against the Oakland Athletics, a matchup he has historically excelled in, which should be a consideration for MLB DFS players crafting their lineups. With a career ERA of 2.64 against the A's and having allowed only one earned run in 13.1 innings last season, Valdez is a viable option for starting pitcher on platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings. While he won't be a budget pick, his strong past performance against Oakland makes him a formidable choice for daily fantasy lineups.

In addition to Valdez, Astros second baseman/outfielder Jose Altuve is also highly recommended, especially given his history against Athletics starter Luis Severino, with a batting average of .275 and a home run in 40 at-bats against him. Severino's struggles this June, marked by a 6.63 ERA, further enhance Altuve's appeal as a solid value pick for DFS players. Similarly, Carlos Correa of the Twins presents a favorable matchup against left-handed pitcher Nick Lodolo, having hit .269 with a significantly elevated OPS against lefties this season. As insights from expert Mike McClure suggest, these players could be key to a successful DFS strategy on June 18.

The Milwaukee Brewers have traded minor-league slugger Wes Clarke to the Houston Astros, confirming the move earlier this week. Clarke, 25, was drafted as a catcher from South Carolina in 2021 and had been showcasing power at the AAA level, hitting 26 homers in 2023 and posting an impressive .812 OPS. Despite his potential, he struggled with strikeouts, tallying 55 this season alone, which raises concerns about his ability to make consistent contact.

Clarke's role has shifted over the years, as he spent little time catching recently, favoring first base and designated hitter positions instead. The Astros are expected to evaluate him further before adding him to their major league roster, as he has yet to make his debut. Meanwhile, the Brewers have other first-base prospects on their 40-man roster, including Tyler Black and Ernesto Martinez, indicating they are prepared for Clarke's absence.

MLB DFS players have a wealth of options with 11 games on Wednesday, offering numerous strategies for lineup optimization. Notable pitcher Sonny Gray (STL) stands out, with a 3.20 FIP and facing a struggling White Sox team. Meanwhile, Kris Bubic (KAN) presents a solid choice against the low-scoring Rangers, despite a rough outing against the Yankees.

For hitters, Isaac Paredes (HOU) is emerging as a power threat with 15 home runs this season, while Gunnar Henderson (BAL) is showing promising stats with eight home runs and nine stolen bases. Budget-friendly picks like Masyn Winn (STL) could provide value, boasting a decent OPS against righties.

Potential stacks to consider include Yankees batters against Angels’ Jack Kochanowicz, known for struggling against left-handed hitters, and a formidable Blue Jays lineup against Eduardo Rodriguez (ARI), who has been prone to giving up home runs this season.