The Kansas City Royals showcased a stunning performance against the Texas Rangers, sweeping the series with a decisive 16-5 outscoring. This marked a successful turnaround from a six-game losing streak. Pitchers Seth Lugo, Kris Bubic, and Michael Wacha combined for an impressive 2.63 ERA, with both Lugo and Wacha delivering quality starts. However, the spotlight shone brightly on rookie Jac Caglianone, who hit his first two home runs in a thrilling display, raising his OPS significantly and sending a clear message about his potential.

In a somewhat controversial decision, the Royals activated Sam Long from the injured list, despite his poor rehab stats. Long's previous performance during the 2022 postseason may indicate potential for revival, but fans expressed skepticism over his return. As the Royals prepare for a series against the struggling San Diego Padres, they aim to maintain their momentum and capitalize on Caglianone's emerging star power.

The upcoming week in MLB fantasy baseball is shaping up to be pivotal, especially for two-start pitchers. With the Dodgers likely set to announce a two-start pitcher amidst uncertainty due to injuries, owners should keep a close watch on Emmet Sheehan, who was recently optioned to Triple-A but could return. Meanwhile, Tarik Skubal of the Tigers stands out with an impressive 2.06 ERA and will face the Athletics and Twins at Comerica Park, making him an automatic start for any fantasy manager.

Framber Valdez and Kris Bubic are also noteworthy, with decent matchups despite the challenges they may face against top-tier lineups. The Mariners' Bryan Woo and Luis Castillo are solid picks, especially with their health and form looking good. In the National League, Eduardo Rodriguez of the Diamondbacks and Spencer Schwellenbach of the Braves are notable mentions, with favorable matchups that make them excellent options for fantasy lineups this week.

As the fantasy baseball landscape shifts, Scott White offers ten reliable pitchers under 80% rostered for the upcoming scoring period. Among them, Shane Smith of the Chicago White Sox stands out with a resilient performance, maintaining an ERA below 3.00 despite a recent rough outing. His matchups against Arizona and San Francisco present an opportunity for streaming success.

Matthew Liberatore of the St. Louis Cardinals also garners attention, showcasing elite control throughout the season. While his matchups against the Cubs and Indians might be challenging, his recent performance signals a potential rebound. Chad Patrick of the Milwaukee Brewers enters the mix with favorable matchups against struggling lineups, and Hayden Birdsong from San Francisco appears poised for a win against the Marlins. Other notable mentions include Michael Wacha, Jose Soriano, Eduardo Rodriguez, Justin Verlander, Ben Brown, and Will Warren, each with their unique circumstances that fantasy managers should monitor closely.

The MLB action heats up with a full slate of games, offering opportunities for savvy bettors focusing on No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks. Key matchups on June 20, 2025, feature solid pitching duels that enhance the potential for scoreless first innings. Notable matchups include Tomoyuki Sugano facing Max Fried, Blade Tidwell against Zack Wheeler, Michael Lorenzen squaring off with Nick Pivetta, and Hunter Dobbins challenging Hayden Birdsong.

One of the highlights is the matchup between the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees. Sugano's recent form, including a previous outing where he dominated the Yankees with five scoreless innings, presents a favorable scenario for an NRFI bet. Similarly, Fried's stellar 1.89 ERA underlines the Yankees' struggles against left-handed pitchers, making this a compelling pick.

In the game featuring the New York Mets against the Philadelphia Phillies, Wheeler's impressive stats complement Tidwell's potential, especially with the former boasting a 2.76 ERA. The familiarity gap could benefit Tidwell, making this match another NRFI target. The Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres matchup also looks promising with Lorenzen's effective start against Pivetta's strong home performance.

Lastly, the Boston Red Sox face the San Francisco Giants, where both pitchers have shown an ability to limit early scoring opportunities. Given the favorable odds across these matchups, bettors should keep an eye on weather and lineups before placing wagers.

The Kansas City Royals face the San Diego Padres tonight in a matchup featuring two teams looking to regain momentum. Kansas City, with a record of 37-38, has struggled recently, going just 4-6 in their last ten games and trailing the Detroit Tigers by 10.5 games in the AL Central. Michael Lorenzen will take the mound for the Royals with a 4-7 record and a 4.91 ERA.

On the other hand, the Padres have also faced challenges, despite a win against the Dodgers in their last game. With a 40-34 record, they sit 5 games behind the first-place Dodgers in the NL West. Nick Pivetta, boasting a 7-2 record and a 3.40 ERA, will start for San Diego. As both teams search for consistency, this game is critical for their playoff aspirations.