Houston visits Detroit on a night when the Astros have been blanked for 22 straight runs across two games, placing pressure on a lineup that has failed to wake up. Tarik Skubal takes the mound for Detroit after an 11-3 mark with a 2.42 ERA, while Houston counters with Hunter Brown at 10-5 with a 2.45 ERA. Comerica Park hosts a marquee pitching duel that could determine whether fantasy managers should chase Skubal’s upside or cautiously ride Brown’s steadiness against an offense in a funk. The broadcast slate includes Space City Home Network and TV coverage on TBS for out-of-market viewers; radio options are 790 AM and 93.3 FM. Off the field, Houston’s bats have been quiet, prompting questions about timing and approach. Jesús Sánchez offered a candid note about feeling off at the plate, a subtle reminder that even players in good form can stumble. In DFS terms, Skubal looks like a strong bet to deliver a quality start given the Tigers’ right-handed leaning lineup, while Brown provides a viable depth option if you’re chasing continued trust in Houston’s rotation.

Jesús Sánchez’s stint in Houston has shown why the Astros traded for him, then knocked him back on a rough run. After a 7-for-25 burst in six games, Sánchez went 0-for-21 to begin a homestand, yet flashed upside with two outfield robberies that underscored his defensive value. Houston has kept him in the upper half of the order as it waits for Yordan Álvarez and Jake Meyers to return, a signal that Sánchez’s bat remains a cornerstone of the lineup. His own comments about feeling "weird" in the box hint at a mental hurdle more than a swing issue, something manager Joe Espada acknowledged while stressing patience and a relaxed approach. The club is trying to lift the ball more, a trend reflected in early-season metrics that underscore a need for more loft and fewer grounders.

Entering a series against Detroit, the Astros’ plan is to keep Sánchez engaged and not press him to carry the lineup, even as the rest of the order fires up around him. The matchup against Detroit’s right-hander Jack Flaherty in the opener adds a potential rebound spot, especially if Sánchez can put together a few quality at-bats and flip his swing path toward line drives. From a fantasy angle, Sánchez is a classic buy-low candidate if Houston sustains its emphasis on elevated contact and if Álvarez and Meyers help unlock run-scoring opportunities in the middle of the lineup. Look for a quick reaction from Sánchez if he can string together a couple of strong at-bats early in the Tigers series.

Rest-of-season expectations hinge on consistency and the ability to capitalize on lineup protection. With Álvarez (and Meyers) returning, Sánchez could see more favorable pitches to hit and more RBI chances, provided his swing changes translate into loft and barreled contact rather than mere contact. If he can trim the swing-and-miss rate and maintain a steady exit velocity, the combination of Houston’s depth and his defensive versatility gives him a path to steady fantasy relevance, especially in daily formats that reward batting-average buoyancy and occasional power.

In a heartfelt return to loanDepot park, Jesús Sánchez received a warm tribute from the Miami Marlins after his trade to the Houston Astros. The crowd of 10,827 welcomed the outfielder with applause, celebrating his six-season tenure with the Marlins. Sánchez, now adapting to his new team, expressed his comfort among fellow Hispanic players in Houston, where he hopes to bolster the lineup as they navigate injuries. His debut included a key double against former teammate Sandy Alcantara, underscoring his potential impact on the Astros' batting order.

As the trade deadline approaches, fantasy baseball managers must stay alert to player movements and their implications. Jesus Sanchez, recently traded to the Houston Astros, is a riser to watch. With a solid .256 batting average, 10 home runs, and 9 stolen bases, his transition to a strong Astros lineup could enhance his production. Meanwhile, Jhoan Duran's move to the Philadelphia Phillies positions him as a clear choice for their closer role, boasting a 1.97 ERA and 25.4% strikeout rate, which could translate into valuable saves.

On the flip side, Gavin Sheets of the San Diego Padres faces uncertainty following the acquisition of Ryan O'Hearn and Ramon Laureano, which may reduce his playing time. In the pitching realm, David Bednar and Camilo Doval, both now with the New York Yankees, find themselves in a crowded bullpen, complicating their save prospects. Tracking these changes is crucial for maximizing your fantasy team's potential.

The Minnesota Twins suffered another frustrating defeat, falling 7-2 to the Washington Nationals, marking their third consecutive series loss since the All-Star break. This loss was particularly significant, given that the Nationals are one of the league's weakest teams. The Twins, who aimed to capitalize on a favorable schedule against struggling opponents, managed only a 4-5 record against the bottom three teams in the National League. Rookie pitcher Travis Adams struggled, giving up four runs in a crucial fifth inning, which contributed to the loss.

Offensively, the Twins were quiet, scoring just five runs in the three-game series against a Nationals pitching staff that ranks among the league's worst. Despite a highlight from Matt Wallner, who hit a 452-foot homer, the Twins found it difficult to sustain momentum. With the trade deadline approaching, speculation abounds about potential trades as the Twins attempt to salvage their playoff hopes. They will face the Boston Red Sox in a series that could shape their direction moving forward.