The New York Mets received a significant boost as they activated two key pitchers, Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea, from the injured list for their series against the Kansas City Royals. Senga, who had missed time due to a hamstring strain, has been a reliable ace with a stellar ERA and a winning record when on the mound. Manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged the importance of having both pitchers back as the Mets aim to finish the season strong. The return of Manaea, who faced elbow issues, is equally anticipated, given his impactful role in the previous season.

In the absence of these pitchers, the Mets struggled, particularly in a recent series against the Baltimore Orioles, where they lost both games with bulk relievers filling in. With the All-Star break approaching, the Mets hope to regain their footing in the NL East race, currently trailing the Philadelphia Phillies. The management is cautious with Senga's pitch count but remains optimistic about both pitchers' contributions.

At the Baltimore Orioles game against the New York Mets, attendees experienced an unexpected performance by local electronic musician Dan Deacon, who creatively reimagined the national anthem. His rendition featured a heavy use of autotune, giving the classic song a modern, electronic twist that surprised fans at Camden Yards.

Deacon's artistic expression during the game not only showcased his unique musical style but also added an eclectic vibe to the event, making it memorable for those in attendance. As the Orioles continue their season, such innovative presentations may enhance the overall fan experience.

The final weekend before the All-Star break is packed with action, featuring a full slate of 15 MLB games. Start your DFS lineup with pitching recommendations like Joe Ryan from the Minnesota Twins, who boasts a 2.76 ERA despite facing Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates, who languish at the bottom in runs scored. Gavin Williams of the Cleveland Guardians is another solid pick against the struggling Chicago White Sox. For a bold choice, consider Chase Burns from the Cincinnati Reds, who has the potential to dominate against a Rockies lineup that has struggled to score runs this season.

Top hitters to consider include Juan Soto, who has shown exceptional form with a recent 1.156 OPS. Despite not being an All-Star, his performance against right-handed pitchers is noteworthy, especially against a floundering Michael Wacha. Also, keep an eye on José Ramírez, who has been central to the Guardians' offense with a .301 average and the potential for big plays, while players like Addison Barger and Willy Adames present great value at lower prices.

Stacking options for the day include the Texas Rangers against Lance McCullers Jr., and the Oakland Athletics facing Max Scherzer, who seems to be past his prime but remains a formidable opponent. With strong options across the board, fantasy players have ample opportunities to craft winning lineups before the break.

Shohei Ohtani continues to dominate the jersey sales in Major League Baseball (MLB), holding the top spot in the market for the 2025 season with his No. 17 Dodgers jersey. This follows his previous reign during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, where he also topped the charts after winning the 2024 National League MVP and securing a World Series title. Ohtani's popularity is mirrored by his Dodgers teammates Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, who occupy the third and fourth spots respectively. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees ranks second, further highlighting Ohtani's unparalleled appeal across both domestic and international markets.

Freeman's rise in popularity is attributed to his performance during the postseason, particularly his memorable walk-off grand slam in Game 1 of the World Series, which earned him the series MVP award. Other notable mentions in the top sales include Francisco Lindor of the New York Mets and Juan Soto, showcasing a diverse range of talent capturing fan attention. Notably, Clayton Kershaw, in his 18th season, stands at the 20th position, signaling the ongoing legacy of the Dodgers star amidst a younger generation of players making their mark.

As the New York Mets visit the Kansas City Royals, both teams find themselves in pivotal moments of the season. The Mets, at 53-41, recently suffered two defeats in a doubleheader against the Orioles, placing them 1.5 games behind the division-leading Phillies in the National League East. Conversely, the Royals, sitting at 46-48, are riding a four-game winning streak after sweeping the Pirates, yet they remain 13 games behind the Tigers in the American League Central.

The matchup features Mets' pitcher Kodai Senga, boasting a stellar 1.47 ERA, facing Royals' Michael Wacha, who has struggled with a 3.83 ERA. The Mets come into this game with mixed trends, having won 16 out of their last 28 games following a loss. Betting lines favor the Mets as slight favorites at -141 on the moneyline, with the total set at 9 runs.