Jon Gray is set to make his highly anticipated return to the mound with the Texas Rangers as he embarks on a minor league rehab assignment with the Round Rock Express. After suffering a wrist fracture during spring training, Gray's first outing will come against the Albuquerque Isotopes, allowing him to shake off the rust in a controlled environment.

He's not alone in his rehab efforts; third baseman Josh Jung is also gaining experience in Round Rock after struggling with his swing at the major league level. In his season debut, Jung impressed with a 2-for-5 performance, including a double. Meanwhile, Rowdy Tellez, who was recently signed to a minor league contract, added to the excitement by hitting a home run in his first game with the Express. The trio’s performances will be crucial as the Rangers aim to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.

As MLB's brief break approaches, take advantage of the Wednesday's 11-game slate for your DFS lineups. Notable pitching options include Kris Bubic, who has a commendable 2.36 ERA after 17 starts, and Lucas Giolito, who has rebounded with a 0.83 ERA over his last five outings. Dylan Cease, while facing a tough offense, boasts impressive metrics that make him a wild card for your roster.

Top hitters to target include Corey Seager, who has a .968 OPS in recent weeks, and Maikel Garcia, who excels against left-handed pitching. Bargain bats like Spencer Steer and Jake Cronenworth are also recommended for their recent performances. Consider stacking players facing struggling pitchers, particularly the Athletics and Cubs, to maximize your scoring potential this week.

As fantasy baseball enthusiasts gear up for today's 11-game slate, several standout players emerge as top picks on both DraftKings and FanDuel. Kris Bubic of Kansas City is highlighted as a strong cash play against Pittsburgh, who struggles against left-handed pitchers. MacKenzie Gore, recovering from earlier struggles, takes on St. Louis, which has shown poor performance against lefties recently. Lucas Giolito is also a recommended choice as he faces a struggling Colorado lineup.

In the infield, Texas' Corey Seager continues to thrive, recently hitting home runs and proving to be a formidable opponent against right-handers. Meanwhile, Oakland's Nick Kurtz is notable for his power display, making him a compelling addition for stacking. The outfield features Boston's Wilyer Abreu, who excels against weak right-handed pitching.

The Texas Rangers have experienced a mixed bag in their MLB Draft history, filled with high-profile successes and stark failures. Top picks like Dillon Tate, selected 4th overall in 2015, have become cautionary tales; Tate's career has fizzled out after failing to progress beyond Single-A. Chris Seise, another first-rounder, struggled with injuries and failed to make an impact, while Owen White, once a top pitching prospect, has seen his stock decline due to performance issues. On the flip side, Josh Jung and Kumar Rocker have shown promise, with Jung standing out as the team's best draft choice since Joey Gallo, and Rocker showcasing elite talent despite injury setbacks.

The 2023 draft pick, Wyatt Langford, is already among the league’s top prospects, emerging quickly as a force in the lineup. The Rangers' approach to the draft has evolved as they strive to balance the unpredictability of young talent with the need for immediate contributors.

In the latest episode of SportsDay Rangers, hosts Evan Grant and John Blake navigate the tumultuous waters of the Texas Rangers' current season. With a fluctuating offense, the team finds itself struggling to secure a playoff position. The selection of Jacob deGrom for his first All-Star Game since 2021 is a highlight, amidst discussions about team chemistry sparked by Kevin Pillar. The episode also features a nostalgic chat with Will "The Thrill" Clark, who shares insights from his time with the Rangers during the mid-'90s.

Clark reminisces about the special camaraderie of the 1996 and 1998 teams, revealing how the Rangers transitioned into a respected destination for players. Grant and Blake delve into the archives, recounting crucial moments from the franchise's first playoff appearance, amplifying the urgency for the current squad to replicate such success. With a mix of history and present analysis, this episode offers a comprehensive view of the Rangers' past and their ongoing pursuit of postseason glory.