Aaron Sabato, the former first-round pick of the Minnesota Twins, is on the verge of reaching the major leagues after being promoted to Class AAA with the St. Paul Saints. The 26-year-old first baseman has been working through injuries and a high strikeout rate since being drafted 27th overall in 2020. With a recent batting average of .305, nine home runs, and a reduced strikeout rate at Wichita, Sabato is showing promise and has gained attention as a legitimate prospect.

While his early career has been hampered by injuries and challenges at Class AA, this promotion signifies a turning point. Manager Toby Gardenhire and player development director Drew MacPhail have praised Sabato's renewed swing and readiness for the next level. As the Twins struggle, Sabato's performance could provide the team with a much-needed boost as they look to integrate young talent into the roster.

Framber Valdez is scheduled to start against the Oakland Athletics, a matchup he has historically excelled in, which should be a consideration for MLB DFS players crafting their lineups. With a career ERA of 2.64 against the A's and having allowed only one earned run in 13.1 innings last season, Valdez is a viable option for starting pitcher on platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings. While he won't be a budget pick, his strong past performance against Oakland makes him a formidable choice for daily fantasy lineups.

In addition to Valdez, Astros second baseman/outfielder Jose Altuve is also highly recommended, especially given his history against Athletics starter Luis Severino, with a batting average of .275 and a home run in 40 at-bats against him. Severino's struggles this June, marked by a 6.63 ERA, further enhance Altuve's appeal as a solid value pick for DFS players. Similarly, Carlos Correa of the Twins presents a favorable matchup against left-handed pitcher Nick Lodolo, having hit .269 with a significantly elevated OPS against lefties this season. As insights from expert Mike McClure suggest, these players could be key to a successful DFS strategy on June 18.

Wednesday's MLB slate features 11 games, showcasing a mix of top-tier pitchers and some intriguing matchups. Chris Sale stands out with a robust 31.7% strikeout rate despite a challenging matchup against the Mets. Other notable pitchers include Sonny Gray, who seeks redemption against the White Sox, and Kris Bubic, facing the Rangers. Jacob Misiorowski's promising debut is tempered by a tough matchup against the Cubs, while Eduardo Rodriguez's strikeout potential is offset by a recent home run issue.

Offensively, the Yankees' hitters are back on the radar against Jack Kochanowicz, who has struggled recently. Cincinnati's lineup looks potent against Bailey Ober, who is dealing with mechanical issues. Players like Trevor Rogers and Yandy Diaz are highlighted as potential breakout candidates, particularly in favorable matchups. Overall, both pitching and hitting strategies will be crucial for fantasy enthusiasts looking to capitalize on today's slate.

On June 18, the Minnesota Twins (36-36) are set to face off against the Cincinnati Reds (38-35) as they aim to break a five-game losing streak. Bailey Ober will start for the Twins against Nick Lodolo from the Reds. In their previous encounter, the Reds clinched a 6-5 victory, with standout performances from Will Benson and Jake Fraley contributing four runs collectively. The Reds are riding a three-game winning streak, heightening the stakes for the Twins.

The betting odds for the matchup indicate a tight contest, with the Twins at -108 on the moneyline and the Reds at -111. The run line favors the Reds at 1.5, while the total runs are set at 9.0. Ober, who holds a 4-3 record with a 4.40 ERA, hopes to rebound after a disappointing outing against Texas, where he allowed seven earned runs. Conversely, Lodolo comes in with a 4-5 record and a 3.76 ERA, having struggled in his last start against Cleveland.

In the current fantasy baseball landscape, identifying sell-high candidates can be a challenging yet rewarding strategy for managers navigating the trade market. Players like Byron Buxton and Jeremy Peña, who are enjoying breakout seasons, may not maintain their current production levels due to historical injury concerns and unsustainable performance metrics, respectively. Buxton, despite a solid .273 average and 12 homers, has struggled to stay on the field, while Peña's high BABIP might not be indicative of his long-term potential.

Others like Jacob Wilson and Hunter Goodman are also highlighted as players who are performing above expectations. Wilson's incredible batting average of .360 seems unlikely to be sustainable, given his subpar exit velocity. Similarly, Goodman, while thriving as a catcher, may find himself under pressure as the season progresses. In contrast, veterans like José Altuve are also mentioned; while he remains productive, his recent performance metrics raise questions about his long-term value. The overarching theme is that fantasy managers should not get too attached to players who are currently overperforming, as trends suggest regression is likely.