Pete Alonso is on the doorstep of Mets history, entering a six-game homestand with 252 career homers to tie Darryl Strawberry for the franchise mark. The next chance to set the Mets’ all-time HR record comes in the Braves series at Citi Field, where Alonso has already slugged 12 of his 26 this season. He’s focused on wins first, but the moment is tangible, especially with a playoff race intensifying around the postseason push.

The Mets sit 5.5 games back in the NL East and in the final wild-card slot, riding a rough stretch after being swept in Milwaukee. Braves pitchers Spencer Strider, Carlos Carrasco (note: listed in article as Braves starter), and Bryce Elder are lined up for Queens, with Alonso owning a limited history against Strider and Elder. Lindor weighed in on the moment, underscoring a larger team objective: win now and let the rest take care of itself.

Fantasy managers should monitor Alonso’s power surge at Citi Field and how the Mets navigate this pivotal week. A breakout at home could spark a late-season surge and redefine the Mets’ fantasy upside as the calendar turns toward October.

The San Francisco Giants halted their longest home losing streak in over a decade with a commanding 5-0 victory over the Washington Nationals. Rafael Devers and Casey Schmitt each hit home runs, contributing significantly to the win. Matt Chapman added two hits and an RBI, while Dominic Smith extended his hitting streak to 12 games with two singles. Pitcher Kai-Wei Teng secured his first major league win, throwing five innings of relief, allowing just three hits and striking out four. The Giants bounced back after losing eight straight games at home, showcasing a strong performance that included pivotal defensive plays to maintain the shutout.

This week’s analysis of trending starting pitchers features three intriguing rookies making their mark in the MLB. Troy Melton of the Detroit Tigers showed resilience after a rough debut, delivering seven shutout innings against the Diamondbacks. His six-pitch arsenal, especially his 97 mph fastball and effective slider, showcases his potential as a valuable asset in fantasy leagues. Meanwhile, Carson Whisenhunt of the San Francisco Giants struggled in his debut, failing to impress with his command; his changeup remains a work in progress. Pierson Ohl of the Minnesota Twins faced challenges but demonstrated a strong changeup that could develop into a key pitch. As the trade deadline approaches, monitoring these pitchers could yield dividends for fantasy owners.

As we reach the halfway mark of the MLB season, with the Dodgers and Tigers on track for 100 wins, fantasy managers must pivot their strategies for the second half. Jose Soriano shows promise with a recent impressive run, while Edward Cabrera's command issues make him a risky FAAB target. Jacob Lopez has been stellar with his strikeout rate, but concerns linger. In the bullpen, Dylan Lee might seize more saves, while rookie Drake Baldwin has impressed offensively. Spencer Steer's resurgence is noteworthy as he competes for playing time with Austin Hays injured. Casey Schmitt is heating up for the Giants, and the Angels' Christian Moore might finally get his shot. Keep an eye on these players for FAAB bids this week!