Eight-game Wednesday slates demand precision in MLB DFS. David Peterson is the obvious anchor, armed with a 2.33 ERA at home this season and a 2.76 mark since 2023, especially against Atlanta. Rasmussen has kept health and results steady, carrying a 2.66 ERA across 23 outings and a recent run of clean innings, despite Sacramento’s hitter-friendly park. Kyle Tucker is a standout top target, boasting 18 homers and 24 steals, while Freddie Freeman rides a three-week .998 OPS hot streak. Freeman’s numbers against righties and on the road add to his appeal.

Value and balance come from Addison Barger, Otto Lopez, and Gavin Williams, with Lopez offering multi-position utility and strong righty splits for just $2,900. Mets stacks against Carrasco—Alonso, Lindor, Mullins—bring power and speed into a favorable matchup, while Kevin Gausman brings price-to-performance upside at home. The Rays’ trio of Brandon Lowe, Chandler Simpson, and Josh Lowe faces J.T. Ginn, presenting a clean lefty-heavy stack. Carrasco’s struggles and Ginn’s road era create clear target windows for fans chasing upside on a tight slate.

The optimizer angle is highlighted but not required; the focus remains on leveraging favorable matchups and price points. Wednesday’s slate rewards disciplined exposure and smart stacking—especially Mets and Rays—with a few well-timed bargains shaping the day’s outcomes.

As July comes to a close, fantasy baseball managers must act decisively, especially with the MLB trade deadline approaching. Consider adding players like Royce Lewis, who boasts a .423 batting average over the last week, and Ivan Herrera, a catcher with a strong .306 average and an impressive OPS. Ryan McMahon's recent trade to the Yankees provides him with a fresh start, while Otto Lopez is showing potential with career highs in multiple offensive categories. Lastly, Chandler Simpson's elite speed makes him a valuable asset for stolen bases.

The Miami Marlins may not be playoff-bound this season, but their offense is showing signs of resurgence. Leading the charge is Kyle Stowers, who has proven to be a power hitter with a recent three-homer game against the Baltimore Orioles and a walk-off against the Kansas City Royals. Over the past 30 days, the Marlins have scored 122 runs, matching the Chicago Cubs for the ninth-highest output in MLB. Stowers, along with teammates Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards, has become indispensable to the Marlins' lineup.

Stowers is the most-added player in ESPN leagues, significantly improving his performance from last season. His batting average has soared to .380 in July, with impressive power and plate discipline. Meanwhile, Lopez and Edwards contribute in different ways, with Lopez excelling in RBI production and Edwards maintaining a high batting average and low strikeout rate. The Marlins' lineup is finally attracting attention, and fantasy managers should take note of their emerging stars.

Yordan Alvarez, the Houston Astros' formidable slugger, has commenced hitting practice again after a lengthy hiatus due to a right hand injury that has kept him sidelined since early May. After facing a setback due to inflammation, he is now back engaging in light swings off a tee, working toward a return to the lineup. His progress is promising, as he is scheduled for additional hitting sessions.

Meanwhile, the Astros are managing the rehabilitation of several pitchers recovering from surgeries, with Cristian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti slated for minor-league assignments. This highlights the team's depth as they navigate injuries while remaining competitive in the AL West.