Kris Bubic is out for the 2023 season, a significant blow for the Kansas City Royals as they continue to struggle offensively. Salvador Perez, another key player, left a recent game after being hit on the elbow by Spencer Strider, adding to the team's injury woes.

After finishing strong last season with an 86-76 record, the Royals now find themselves at 52-55, making a repeat of last year's performance increasingly unlikely. They would need to win 34 of their remaining 55 games to match last year's record. With a lackluster performance since the All-Star break, the focus is shifting towards rebuilding for the future.

The MLB trade deadline is approaching, and with it comes a full slate of 12 games, providing ample opportunities for daily fantasy sports (DFS) lineups this Sunday. Ranger Suárez of the Philadelphia Phillies is a top pitching pick against the Los Angeles Angels, boasting a stellar 1.46 ERA in his last 12 appearances. Kris Bubic of the Kansas City Royals is also a solid choice, facing a Miami Marlins team that has struggled offensively. Andrew Heaney from the Pittsburgh Pirates could be worth a gamble, particularly at home against a weak Chicago White Sox lineup.

For hitters, James Wood from the Washington Nationals is proving to be a rising star with a .273 batting average, 24 home runs, and 13 stolen bases. Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves could also shine against Marcus Stroman, given his strong performance against right-handed pitching. Consider including players like Oneil Cruz and Tommy Pham from the Pirates in stacks to capitalize on their favorable matchups. With Coors Field on the schedule, Byron Buxton and Matt Wallner from the Minnesota Twins also offer tremendous power potential.

In a tightly contested match on Wednesday night, the Pittsburgh Pirates fell to the Kansas City Royals, suffering their sixth consecutive loss, ending the game 4-3. Salvador Perez's eighth-inning home run against Isaac Mattson sealed the Pirates' fate at Kaufman Stadium.

The Royals established a commanding lead early, with Perez's solo homer in the second and Jac Caglianone's stunning 466-foot two-run blast in the fourth. However, the Pirates fought back in the sixth, with Oneil Cruz grounding out to bring in a run. Ke'Bryan Hayes then stepped up, hitting a two-run single to level the score.

Kris Bubic's effective pitching kept the Pirates at bay until the sixth inning. The matchup showcased the Royals' resilience, with timely hitting and strong pitching, while the Pirates showcased determination despite their extended losing streak.

As MLB's brief break approaches, take advantage of the Wednesday's 11-game slate for your DFS lineups. Notable pitching options include Kris Bubic, who has a commendable 2.36 ERA after 17 starts, and Lucas Giolito, who has rebounded with a 0.83 ERA over his last five outings. Dylan Cease, while facing a tough offense, boasts impressive metrics that make him a wild card for your roster.

Top hitters to target include Corey Seager, who has a .968 OPS in recent weeks, and Maikel Garcia, who excels against left-handed pitching. Bargain bats like Spencer Steer and Jake Cronenworth are also recommended for their recent performances. Consider stacking players facing struggling pitchers, particularly the Athletics and Cubs, to maximize your scoring potential this week.