As the Arizona Diamondbacks prepare to face the St. Louis Cardinals tonight, the spotlight is on starting pitchers Zac Gallen and Miles Mikolas. Gallen enters the game with a 3-5 record and a 5.14 ERA, looking to bounce back from recent struggles, including a game against the Rockies where he allowed six earned runs. In contrast, Mikolas has shown steady performance with a 3-2 record and a 3.77 ERA, not allowing more than three earned runs in his last five outings.

This matchup at Busch Stadium marks a critical moment for the Diamondbacks, who rely heavily on Gallen's ability to regain his form. Historically, he has a solid 3.12 ERA against the Cardinals across three starts. The Diamondbacks will also have their eye on Mikolas, who has faced them six times in his career, posting a 3.26 ERA, although he suffered a loss against them in their last encounter in April of last year.

Buster Posey's impact on the San Francisco Giants is unquestionable, yet debates continue regarding his status among the top catchers of his era. The Athletic's Jayson Stark recently released an 'All-Quarter Century Team,' highlighting players from 2000-2024. Despite Posey's impressive metrics, including a .302 batting average and 158 home runs, Stark chose Yadier Molina over him due to Molina's defensive prowess and ability to influence games. Posey may have superior offensive numbers, but Molina's accolades in defense—including nine Gold Gloves—are noteworthy. The discussion reflects the ongoing 'Molina vs. Posey' debate that shaped catcher discourse throughout the 2010s.

This week’s fantasy baseball pickups are led by Matt Shaw of the Chicago Cubs, who has been stellar since his return. He boasts multiple position eligibility and has demonstrated significant power and speed potential, making him a must-add for managers. Chase Meidroth of the Chicago White Sox is another strong option, hitting consistently and batting leadoff, while Victor Scott II, a potential steals leader for the St. Louis Cardinals, continues to go largely unclaimed. Jordan Beck from the Colorado Rockies has also emerged as a key player, showing impressive power numbers.

For pitching, Will Warren of the New York Yankees has been exceptional in recent outings, striking out a high number of batters, while Jack Leiter of the Texas Rangers is a promising stream option against struggling teams. Finally, while Daniel Palencia of the Cubs is less reliable, he’s still worth a flier for save opportunities. With playoffs approaching, these additions could make a difference for your fantasy team.

On May 23, the Arizona Diamondbacks face off against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in a crucial matchup for both teams. Zac Gallen, struggling with a 5.14 ERA, aims to turn his season around against Cardinals' Miles Mikolas, who boasts a solid 3.77 ERA. Both teams enter the game looking to bounce back after losing their last series. The Diamondbacks lost a tight series to the Dodgers, while the Cardinals dropped two to the Tigers. Betting lines favor the Diamondbacks slightly, indicating a moneyline of -129, but with trends showing that betting on the Cardinals at home might be a smart play.

The pitching matchup presents an interesting dynamic, with Gallen’s recent struggles against Mikolas' strong outings. Gallen's last game saw him allow six earned runs in just five innings, a concerning trend that may influence fantasy lineups. Meanwhile, Mikolas has been efficient, throwing six scoreless innings last time out. The odds suggest a total of 8 runs, and betting trends indicate that the Cardinals have hit the under in five of their last seven games when Mikolas starts. This matchup is pivotal as both teams look to solidify their positions in the competitive NL Central.