Hunter Brown outperformed Jacob deGrom in a thrilling pitcher's duel, posting a 1.43 ERA and 0.83 WHIP this season, with nine strikeouts in his latest outing. His rapid ascent in fantasy rankings places him among the top-tier starting pitchers, even as deGrom showcases flashes of brilliance with a 1.49 ERA over his last six starts. The debate on whether to trade deGrom continues, given his risk factors, yet many managers remain hopeful for a second-half resurgence. Meanwhile, Josh Lowe returned from injury displaying his potential as a valuable asset, and Brandon Lau's multi-hit games suggest a solid buy-low opportunity. With plenty of upcoming matchups, fantasy managers should assess pitching prospects like Zebie Matthews and streaming options for the week ahead.

Max Meyer has emerged as a standout performer for the Miami Marlins, showcasing dominance with a career-high 14 strikeouts in just six innings against the Cincinnati Reds. His impressive pitching is highlighted by a staggering 76% whiff rate on his slider, which has been a key weapon this season. Despite his talent, concerns linger regarding his innings limit and the Marlins' lack of offensive support, raising questions about his long-term viability in fantasy leagues.

Hunter Brown of the Houston Astros continues to impress, boasting five consecutive quality starts and a significant drop in his walk rate. His improved control and a high ground ball rate position him as a potential SP1 for fantasy managers. While he has yet to achieve a consistent strikeout rate, the changes in his pitch usage and velocity upgrades signal a positive trajectory for his performance this season.