Jack Leiter of the Texas Rangers headlines this week's two-start pitchers, facing the lowly Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite a 3.88 ERA that suggests potential for regression, his matchup against the 29th and 30th ranked offenses offers a chance for solid fantasy returns.

Next, Mick Abel of the Philadelphia Phillies presents a mixed bag with a commendable 2.35 ERA but a recent rough outing against the Cubs. He faces the Miami Marlins and New York Mets this week, making him a solid choice. Lance McCullers of the Houston Astros, while having control issues, has a favorable schedule against the Athletics and Angels.

Chad Patrick of the Brewers and Jake Irvin of the Nationals complete the list, with both having tough matchups but showing promise in strikeout potential. Hitting matchups are plentiful, particularly for those facing struggling pitching staffs like the Astros and Phillies against the Athletics and Marlins, respectively.

In the world of baseball trades, not every move grabs headlines, yet some deals that fly under the radar can yield significant returns. This season's trade landscape reveals that less-publicized acquisitions are proving valuable as teams gear up for postseason play. Players like Carlos Narvaez, Griffin Canning, and Chase Meidroth have emerged as key contributors, showcasing the often-overlooked potential that comes with strategic trades.

Narvaez, now a standout catcher for the Boston Red Sox, has outperformed expectations after his low-profile swap from the New York Yankees. Meanwhile, Canning's transition to the New York Mets has provided stability in their rotation, a role he was not initially celebrated for. Meidroth's versatility in the Chicago White Sox lineup has proven essential despite initial skepticism about his profile. These examples underscore the importance of looking beyond the flashy trades to recognize the gems hidden within.

Paul Skenes continues to demonstrate elite pitching skills, going 7⅔ innings against the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing only one unearned run while striking out seven. Despite his strong outing, he finished with a no-decision as the Pirates rallied to win 2-1. This game marked a significant point in the season, helping Pittsburgh sweep the series and ending the Phillies' losing streak.

With an impressive 1.88 ERA, Skenes’ performance remains vital, even as he searches for more wins. The Pirates have struggled offensively, averaging just 3.35 runs in his starts, which has hampered his win-loss record. Nonetheless, Skenes remains positive, emphasizing the importance of the team’s recent victors and his focus on continuous improvement.

As June begins, MLB DFS enthusiasts are treated to an exciting slate of games and top lineup recommendations. Among the standout pitching options is Kodai Senga of the New York Mets, priced at $9,000 and boasting a phenomenal 1.60 ERA. His matchup against the struggling Colorado Rockies, who are last in runs scored, makes him an intriguing choice. On the other hand, San Francisco's Hayden Birdsong shows promise with a 2.37 ERA, facing an Atlanta Braves lineup that sits in the bottom ten for runs scored.

Notable hitters include Mike Trout, whose return to form features a staggering 1.208 OPS. He is matched against a struggling Bryce Miller. For value plays, Adley Rutschman at $3,900 is a catcher with a history of performing against lefties, while Lourdes Gurriel, hitting .833 OPS in the last three weeks, could also be a viable option. Teams to stack include the Mets against Rockies starter Antonio Senzatela and the Red Sox facing Will Warren at Yankee Stadium, where left-handed hitters often thrive.

David Festa receives a surprise call up to the Minnesota Twins after starting pitcher Pablo López faces a shoulder strain. Festa, already impressing in his prior appearances, is set to step in as a starter in Sacramento with little notice. Having showcased his skills with a solid performance earlier this season, he now aims to solidify his place in the major leagues. Meanwhile, Carlos Correa sits out due to lower back tightness, potentially affected by the playing conditions in Sacramento.

Festa’s adaptability and performance under pressure are commendable, and he embraces the challenge of being the next man up. With his recent success in the minors, including only one run allowed in his past two outings, he looks to prove his readiness for the major league spotlight.