Shota Imanaga, the ace left-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, is making strides towards recovery from a hamstring injury that sidelined him since May 4. Known for his impressive 2.82 ERA over 44.2 innings, Imanaga's return would significantly bolster a Cubs rotation that has been plagued with injuries. However, his comeback will necessitate crucial decisions regarding the team's starting lineup.

Ben Brown, a right-handed pitcher struggling with a 5.57 ERA this season, may be the one to lose his spot in the rotation. Recent reports suggest the Cubs should send him to Triple-A Iowa for further development, particularly after Cade Horton’s more consistent performances in his MLB debut. This transition could allow Brown to regroup and refine his skills in hopes of rejoining the big league roster.

The Houston Texans have made significant strides this offseason, setting themselves up for long-term success after their two consecutive appearances in the divisional round. A critical move included the firing of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, replaced by Nick Caley, previously the Rams’ pass-game coordinator. This transition aims to invigorate an offense that won 20 games under Slowik but fell short in the playoffs.

Caley's upbeat energy and detailed approach have already earned rave reviews from players, including Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins and quarterback C.J. Stroud. These attributes suggest he could be the catalyst needed to elevate the Texans' offense, which has been reshaped with new offensive linemen and receiving talent. CBS Sports has highlighted this coaching change as their best offseason move.

After a rough patch that saw him allow 14 runs in two outings, Chicago Cubs right-hander Ben Brown rebounded with impressive performances against the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers, showcasing his potential as a major league starter. Brown emphasized the importance of mental resilience and mechanical adjustments, particularly with his changeup, which he has been working to make a reliable weapon against left-handed batters. Although he faced challenges in his most recent outing against the Philadelphia Phillies, Brown remains committed to refining his craft.

Brown's past two starts demonstrated his ability to command the fastball and curveball, striking out 16 batters over 13 innings. Yet, his struggle against the Phillies highlights the inconsistency that can plague young pitchers. Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted his lack of sharpness, attributing it to command issues which allowed hitters to capitalize on mistakes. As he continues to improve, Brown aims to establish himself as a third viable pitch with his changeup to keep batters guessing.

As we progress into June, the fantasy baseball landscape is evolving. The waiver wire is thinning, but there are still valuable players to consider adding to your roster. Key among them is Ronny Mauricio, whose recent call-up to the New York Mets has shown both promise and volatility. He’s currently rostered in just 16% of Yahoo leagues, making him a potential boom or bust candidate.

Another intriguing option is Ben Brown from the Chicago Cubs. After a rocky start, his recent performances suggest he's finding his groove, especially with a notable reduction in walks and an impressive strikeout rate. Lastly, Jeff McNeil, a consistent performer with the Mets, is also worth investigating as he continues to demonstrate an upturn in form since returning from injury.

The Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs, the top two teams in baseball, are set for an exciting three-game series at Comerica Park. The Tigers, with a record of 41-23, hold the best overall record but are coming off a narrow 3-2 loss in extra innings to the White Sox. In contrast, the Cubs, at 39-23, lead the National League and are riding a wave of momentum, winning four out of their last five games.

On the mound for Detroit will be Tarik Skubal, the reigning American League Cy Young winner, who has a strong 2.26 ERA this season. Skubal's total strikeout prop is set at 7.5, offering an intriguing option for bettors. Chicago’s Ben Brown, with a less impressive 5.72 ERA, will oppose him, and his strikeout prop is at a lower 5.5. The SportsLine Projection Model rates Skubal's under as a 3-star play, while it gives Brown's over a 3.5-star rating, suggesting a potential shift in expectations for both pitchers as they face off in this critical matchup.

Additionally, the model highlights other value bets for the day, including Colton Gordon’s over on 4.5 strikeouts against the Guardians, rated at 4.5 stars, and Chad Patrick's over on 3.5 strikeouts against the Padres, also at 4.5 stars. Both pitchers have shown potential to exceed these expectations, especially Gordon, who has averaged over a strikeout per inning in his limited starts.