As the MLB season nears the halfway mark, optimizing fantasy rosters remains crucial for success. This week, the focus is on players under 40% rostered in Yahoo! leagues, presenting an opportunity for savvy managers to snag hidden gems. Key recommendations include Otto Lopez, whose impressive .333 batting average and dual eligibility provide solid value, and Kyle Stowers, showcasing power potential with a 19% barrel rate and a stellar hard-hit percentage.

Jo Adell is also highlighted despite his previous struggles, showing marked improvements in contact rates and power metrics, making him a worthwhile risk. Caleb Durbin and Tyler Freeman offer non-power contributions with high batting averages and contact rates, while pitchers Michael Soroka and Emmet Sheehan are discussed for their promising upside despite recent ERAs. Overall, these waiver picks could provide significant boosts as teams head into the second half of the season.

Today's MLB betting insights focus on pitchers with high contact rates and the hitters who match up well against them. Bryce Elder of Atlanta comes in strong with a 93.5% Zone-Contact rate and a 46.3% Hard Hit rate against the Phillies. Cade Horton of the Cubs also stands out against Houston with similar stats. Other notable pitchers include Kyle Freeland and Brandon Walter, both showcasing high contact metrics. Hitting-wise, Alec Bohm, Cam Smith, and Caleb Durbin are among those exhibiting impressive contact and hard-hit percentages, making them excellent targets for prop bets.

The betting strategy proposed today includes a two-leg base hit parlay featuring Cam Smith and Caleb Durbin. For a three-leg parlay, consider pairing Alec Bohm with Jackson Chourio and Seiya Suzuki which offers great value. With the betting landscape increasingly competitive, these insights offer a clear advantage for savvy bettors looking to capitalize on today's matchups.

Joey Ortiz and Caleb Durbin propelled the Milwaukee Brewers to a resounding 9-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, with Ortiz hitting two home runs and Durbin contributing a three-run shot. Both players, batting at the end of the lineup, combined for four runs and seven RBIs, showcasing their rising impact as the Brewers won five of their last six games. Freddy Peralta delivered a strong start, striking out eight and allowing only a single run through five innings before the Pirates rallied in the sixth with a home run from Nick Gonzales. Ortiz's recent surge raises hope for the Brewers as they push for a playoff spot.

As fantasy baseball managers approach Week 10 of the season, the waiver wire still holds valuable hitters who are under-rostered but performing well. Notable pickups include Toronto Blue Jays' Addison Barger, who has surged with a .325 average and six homers in recent games. His teammate, Ernie Clement, also boasts a noteworthy .500 average over the last week, making him a versatile option with eligibility at multiple positions.

Chicago White Sox's Mike Tauchman, despite missing time earlier in the season, has returned with impressive stats, making him an enticing streaming option for outfielders. Meanwhile, Jesus Sanchez of the Miami Marlins is riding a nine-game hit streak, showcasing his potential for power and speed. Carlos Santana, now with the Cleveland Guardians, is hitting .429 during a 13-game streak, while Caleb Durbin, a young infielder for the Milwaukee Brewers, is demonstrating power and speed, making him a sneaky option for those in need of steals.