The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a much-needed 7-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Memorial Day, ending a rough stretch of games that saw them win just three out of their last nine contests. Manager Dave Roberts had expressed frustration over the team's poor fundamentals and pitching injuries, emphasizing the need to regain hitting consistency.

Shohei Ohtani ignited the offense with a leadoff home run, leading to an early two-run start by Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Dodgers scored two runs each in the fifth and sixth innings, showcasing a revitalized offense. While the bullpen experienced some shakiness, Will Smith capped off the evening with a home run in the ninth, sealing the victory and boosting the team's morale.

Home runs are trending upwards as warmer weather hits the league, and today's MLB player props focus on leveraging matchups and batted ball data for home run betting. Key players highlighted include Cleveland Guardians' José Ramírez, who boasts an impressive .394 average against lefties and favorable conditions to connect for a home run against Andrew Abbott. Detroit Tigers' Riley Greene is another strong candidate, facing Jose Berrios after homering twice in his last three games. The analysis also suggests looking at Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays, who has a prime matchup against Cal Quantrill, and Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who thrives against left-handers. Additionally, Corbin Carroll of the Arizona Diamondbacks is expected to continue his power surge against rookie pitcher Chase Dollander.

On May 13, 2025, a packed MLB schedule offers numerous opportunities for home run betting. Notably, Byron Buxton, facing struggling southpaw Cade Povich, is highlighted with a strong statistic showing a .443 wOBA against lefties. Gunnar Henderson is also a favorable pick against Simeon Woods-Richardson with impressive performance metrics. Elly De La Cruz is expected to shine at the Great American Ballpark, where home runs are frequent, as he faces Jonathan Cannon. Seiya Suzuki's recent form makes him a top candidate against the Marlins' weak pitching. Lastly, Will Smith is poised for a strong performance against the Athletics, given his season stats against left-handers.

The Los Angeles Dodgers bounced back from a rough 10-game stretch with a resounding 6-2 win against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium, improving their season record to 17-4. Uncharacteristic defensive mistakes and chasing errant pitches plagued the Dodgers during their prior games, but Tuesday’s performance showcased their resilience. The game coincided with Jackie Robinson Day, an emotional tribute to the baseball legend, as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized the powerful legacy of breaking barriers.

In the fourth inning, Will Smith hit a two-run homer, bringing his on-base percentage to an impressive .482. Meanwhile, Tommy Edman contributed significantly with four hits, helping the Dodgers establish a solid lead. Landon Knack, who started in place of injured players, pitched effectively over 4 1/3 innings, demonstrating the team's depth. The Dodgers' stellar defense, highlighted by spectacular plays from Edman and Mookie Betts, kept the Rockies at bay, securing their second consecutive win against Colorado, which continues to struggle in the early season.

Finding value in your fantasy baseball drafts can set the stage for championship success. By targeting players at each position who are projected to put up comparable numbers to more popular counterparts, but are available significantly later in drafts, savvy managers can enhance their rosters without breaking the bank.

This approach begins with catchers, where Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers is a compelling alternative to the overvalued Adley Rutschman. While Rutschman (ADP 73) is expected to play more games, Smith (ADP 126) could produce similar stats, thanks largely to the Dodgers' utilization of Shohei Ohtani in the DH spot. Moving to first base, Vinnie Pasquantino could outperform Josh Naylor while being drafted much later, offering a better value proposition despite concerns over injury histories.

The second base spot offers a similar story, with Jordan Westburg providing a cheaper alternative to Ozzie Albies. At third, Eugenio Suarez, who has consistently delivered power stats, is a solid pick over the hyped Mark Vientos. Lastly, in the outfield, Heliot Ramos has the potential to match Nick Castellanos’ production, making him a great late-round target. These selections reflect a strategic mindset, focusing on maximizing value across all positions.

By leveraging these insights, fantasy managers can bolster their teams effectively and position themselves for a successful season.