Framber Valdez is on a remarkable run, winning his eighth consecutive decision after a dominant six-inning performance where he struck out six and allowed only five hits, leading the Houston Astros to a 2-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs. This victory not only secures a series win but also places Valdez among the top pitchers in the American League this season, with a tie for the longest winning streak of his career. His consistent excellence has helped the Astros surge to the top of the AL West.

Valdez's stellar performance comes on the heels of a complete game against the Tampa Bay Rays, showcasing his ability to step up after team losses. With a 1.72 ERA over his last ten outings, he's proven himself as a reliable force for the Astros, especially in crucial matchups. As he prepares for his next start against the Los Angeles Dodgers—currently boasting the best record in the National League—Valdez is building a compelling case for a third consecutive All-Star selection.

Thursday's MLB DFS slate features eight afternoon games with notable lineup recommendations. Hunter Brown of the Houston Astros stands out as a top pitcher against the Philadelphia Phillies, boasting a 1.88 ERA and a strong home performance, making him a viable option despite the Phillies' offense. Shane Baz of the Tampa Bay Rays also warrants attention, particularly against the struggling Kansas City Royals, though his recent form has been inconsistent.

Among hitters, Byron Buxton is a must-have given his impressive health status and offensive production, including 17 home runs and 13 stolen bases this season. Jose Ramirez remains a key player, showing signs of reaching 40 stolen bases while maintaining a .318 batting average. In the bargain category, Jordan Beck and J.P. Crawford present intriguing plays, particularly in favorable matchups.

For stacking options, the Dodgers against Austin Gomber's Rockies offer a wealth of choices, including Will Smith, Mookie Betts, and Andy Pages. Their recent forms make them solid investments, especially in Coors Field. The Tigers' matchup against Jeffrey Springs also provides an opportunity to leverage players like Gleyber Torres and Spencer Torkelson for high upside.

In today's MLB slate, the focus shifts away from the anticipated duel between Hunter Brown and Cristopher Sánchez, as we analyze other matchups with better fantasy potential. With a range of games available, standout pitchers Tanner Bibee from the Guardians and Hayden Birdsong from the Giants present intriguing options. Bibee has been impressive with a solid ERA and WHIP, particularly at home, while Birdsong faces a struggling Miami offense in a pitcher-friendly park.

Offensively, Teoscar Hernández from the Dodgers emerges as a prime candidate due to his favorable matchup against a vulnerable pitcher. His impressive stats against lefties and recent performances elevate him to a must-start position. Meanwhile, Cal Raleigh, the standout catcher from the Mariners, continues to dominate with an outstanding OBP and OPS, making him a key player to target. The Twins’ Matt Wallner and the Rockies’ Brenton Doyle also feature as bargain bats worth considering for DFS lineups.

Experts provide daily fantasy baseball picks for a pivotal MLB slate with several standout players and matchups for DraftKings and FanDuel. Hunter Brown of the Houston Astros leads as a top pitcher against the Philadelphia Phillies, boasting impressive strikeout stats and a recent form highlighting his potential for high fantasy points. Janson Junk and Dietrich Enns also emerge as compelling pitching choices, especially against struggling lineups.

Offensively, Will Smith and Jeremy Peña are highlighted as infielders to target, particularly in favorable matchups against left-handed pitchers. The Los Angeles Dodgers, facing Austin Gomber, are expected to be a popular stack, while the Minnesota Twins are also discussed as a team to consider against Emerson Hancock. Overall, the analysis emphasizes the importance of matchups and player form in constructing successful DFS lineups.

The Philadelphia Phillies are set to compete against the Houston Astros on June 26, 2025, both holding records of 47-33. Cristopher Sánchez will pitch for the Phillies, coming in with a solid 2.88 ERA, while the Astros will counter with Hunter Brown, boasting an impressive 1.88 ERA. The Astros have recently extended their winning streak to three games, having shut out the Phillies 2-0 in their last meet, marking the second consecutive shutout for Houston against Philadelphia. The Phillies' offense has struggled, scoring four or fewer runs in six of their last eight games. Tonight's matchup at Minute Maid Park promises to deliver exciting baseball, with insights on player stats, predictions, and betting advice available throughout the game.