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.

In a significant trade, the San Francisco Giants acquired All-Star infielder Rafael Devers, sending a clear message to their clubhouse. The deal is expected to bolster the team's performance as they approach the second half of the season.

Shohei Ohtani is set to return to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking his first pitching appearance since 2023, against the San Diego Padres. This comeback adds excitement for the Dodgers as they continue their playoff push.

Athletics rookie Denzel Clarke showcased his defensive prowess by making a phenomenal catch, robbing a home run at Angel Stadium. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees hit a towering home run in response to comments from Boston's Hunter Dobbins.

In injury news, Pablo Lopez of the Minnesota Twins has been sidelined for 8 to 12 weeks due to a Grade 2 shoulder strain. Contrastingly, Mike Trout marked his return from injury with a home run over the Green Monster.

In roster updates, Jac Caglianone, a top prospect, is set to debut for the Kansas City Royals while Carlos Correa has been activated from the concussion list.

The Minnesota Twins faced a tough loss against the Houston Astros, falling 3-2 in a dramatic ninth inning. Joe Ryan delivered a commendable performance with seven innings pitched, allowing only two hits, but was overshadowed by the Astros' Hunter Brown, who dominated the Twins with 12 strikeouts. In the deciding inning, Jhoan Duran walked Christian Walker and surrendered crucial hits to Jake Myers and Cam Smith, sealing the Astros' victory and ending the Twins' winning streak against them.

Ryan's only errors came in the third inning when Yanier Diaz hit a home run, putting the Astros up by two. The Twins tied it up later by Brooks Lee's homer off Brown, but ultimately couldn't secure the win. This loss not only extended the Twins' current losing streak to three games but also marked the Astros' clinching of the season series against Minnesota for the first time since 2022.

The New York Yankees are on a scoring spree, averaging 7.8 runs over the last five games. Despite Ben Rice's impressive 12 home runs this season, he hasn't connected in this series. However, he may find success against Royals pitcher Seth Lugo, who has yielded five home runs in his last three outings. Rice's better performance against right-handed pitchers, with eight of his homers against them, adds to his potential. Currently, his odds to hit a home run are pegged at +525, marking him as a favored pick for bettors.

In addition to Rice, other players also present strong betting value. Spencer Torkelson from the Tigers, with a line of +475, is on a five-game hitting streak, while Carlos Correa of the Twins shows promise at +575, particularly against left-handers. The upcoming games on June 12 feature a plethora of home run prop bets, bolstered by SportsLine's computer model insights, which has been markedly successful in its predictions.

Byron Buxton delivered a spectacular performance, leading the Minnesota Twins to a 6-2 victory over the Texas Rangers at Target Field. He showcased his elite skills with a jaw-dropping 479-foot home run, the sixth-longest in the stadium's history, and added three hits overall, reaching base every time he stepped up to the plate.

His highlight-reel diving catch prevented a two-run double, solidifying his role as a defensive and offensive powerhouse for the Twins. Buxton's impressive night included a double and a stolen base, marking his second consecutive game with three hits, and bringing him just a triple short of completing the cycle. This performance not only glorified his talent but also placed him among Twins legends, surpassing Hall of Famer Joe Mauer in career home runs. The Twins, bouncing back from a tough loss to the same team the previous night, looked rejuvenated and poised to build on this momentum.