The Milwaukee Brewers are in the midst of a heated race for both the NL Central and Wild Card spots, leading to speculation about potential trades as the deadline approaches. Unlike a full sell-off, the Brewers may engage in strategic moves to enhance their roster.

Starting pitcher Nestor Cortes, currently on the injured list, is expected to return before the deadline, and if his rehab goes well, he could be a valuable trade piece. Meanwhile, first baseman Jake Bauers has already been linked to trade rumors, especially with Milwaukee's depth at the position. Additionally, Jose Quintana, while less likely to be moved, could also be on the trading block for the right offer.

The Mets triumphed 3-2 over the Brewers in a game marked by strong pitching and timely offensive contributions. Jose Quintana, facing his former team, started with a solid performance, limiting the Brewers to just three hits through five innings. However, momentum shifted in the sixth inning when Juan Soto's groundball single broke a 1-1 tie, followed by Pete Alonso's double that pushed the score to 3-1. Quintana exited after allowing three runs, while David Peterson shined for the Mets, giving up only two runs and striking out four over 6.2 innings. The Mets secured their second consecutive win, bouncing back after a disappointing sweep against the Pirates.

Friday's MLB DFS slate is packed with 14 games, providing an array of choices for lineup construction. Pitchers like Merrill Kelly from Arizona are gaining momentum, boasting a 3.39 ERA and 9.00 K/9 rate against the struggling Miami offense, while Ryan Pepiot's solid road performance for Tampa Bay against a low-scoring Baltimore lineup makes him a valuable option. Jose Quintana, despite not going deep into games, is a strong candidate against a weak Rockies offense.

Offensively, Kyle Schwarber continues to be a powerhouse, already hitting 24 home runs this season. Meanwhile, rookies like Jackson Chourio are showing promise with a blend of speed and power, making them attractive for roster spots. For budget options, Brandon Lowe and Nolan Schanuel are highlighted, both offering upside against favorable matchups.

As the MLB season intensifies, Friday's matchups promise exciting opportunities for savvy bettors. Key player prop bets highlight the talent of pitchers like Dustin May and Ryan Pepiot, both looking to capitalize on their favorable conditions against struggling lineups.

Dustin May, despite allowing three solo home runs in his last outing, has shown resilience, consistently pitching over six innings in recent starts. Facing a Kansas City Royals team with one of the lowest OPS in the league works to his advantage, making him a strong candidate for over 17.5 outs.

Ryan Pepiot also showcases potential with an impressive ERA, having recently dominated the Orioles. With the absence of key hitters for Baltimore, Pepiot’s over 17.5 outs prop bet represents significant value.

On another front, Jose Quintana's under 5.5 hits allowed against a Rockies team struggling offensively could be a prudent wager, especially following his recent success against them.

With scorching temperatures expected at Target Field, the stage is set for a potential offensive explosion, especially with Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins heating up. Buxton showcased his power with four home runs in three games leading up to Saturday's matchup against lefty José Quintana. With a .326 average and 1.094 OPS against left-handers this season, he's poised for another big performance.

Buxton’s history against Quintana—hitting .250 with three extra-base hits in 20 at-bats—further supports his chances. Currently, he’s a favored pick for home run betting at +350 odds. Moreover, Detroit's Riley Greene and San Diego's Manny Machado also present strong home run bets, with both players in favorable recent form and advantageous matchups against opposing pitchers.