As the July heat intensifies, so does the action on the MLB DFS scene with ten games slated for Wednesday evening. Key players to consider include Merrill Kelly, who showcases a solid 3.49 ERA and a strong K/9 rate against a struggling Giants lineup. Logan Gilbert also looks promising against the Royals, who are struggling offensively. Shota Imanaga's return from injury was encouraging, making him a value pick against a Guardians team that's faced its own offensive woes.

On the hitting side, Ronald Acuña continues to impress post-injury with a stellar .350 batting average, while Will Smith provides catcher value with an OPS over 1.000. For bargain hunters, Brice Turang and Josh Smith offer potential for steals and power. Stacking options against pitcher Austin Gomber include several Astros hitters, which could yield high returns, especially in Coors Field’s hitter-friendly confines.

In a relatively uneventful game at Kauffman Stadium, the Los Angeles Dodgers secured a decisive 5-1 win over the Kansas City Royals, clinching the weekend series. Justin Wrobleski shone on the mound, delivering six scoreless innings, allowing only three hits and one walk, while striking out six batters. This performance marks a significant improvement for Wrobleski, who has turned his season around after facing struggles earlier.

Wrobleski's recent success can be attributed to mechanical adjustments, particularly a more powerful fastball, which has increased in velocity to an average of 96-97 mph. The Dodgers' offense also contributed to the victory, highlighted by Kiké Hernández and Will Smith, who both hit home runs. The team’s confidence in Wrobleski is evident as he continues to solidify his role within the rotation.

The New York Islanders made headlines by selecting defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the first overall pick in the NHL draft, marking their first No. 1 choice since 2009. Schaefer, a promising 17-year-old from Hamilton, Ontario, is recognized for his exceptional puck-moving skills. Despite missing significant time due to injury last season, he tallied 22 points in just 17 games, a testament to his talent and potential as a top-tier blueliner.

Schaefer’s journey to the draft was emotionally charged, having lost his mother to cancer 16 months prior. With the Islanders, he expressed gratitude and determination, vowing not to disappoint the franchise or honor his family’s legacy. Other notable selections included Michael Misa, picked second by the San Jose Sharks, and Anton Frondell, who went third to the Chicago Blackhawks. The draft demonstrated a mix of strategic trades and emerging talent, showcasing the evolving dynamics of the league.

The New York Islanders have made a significant move in the NHL draft, selecting defenseman Matthew Schaefer as the No. 1 overall pick, marking their first time at the top since 2009. Schaefer, a 17-year-old from Hamilton, Ontario, impressed scouts with his skill despite a challenging season marred by injury. His emotional moment of putting on the Islanders jersey was underscored by a tribute to his late mother, reflecting his personal journey through adversity.

Following Schaefer, high-scoring forward Michael Misa went second to the San Jose Sharks, while the Chicago Blackhawks took Swedish prospect Anton Frondell with the third pick. Misa, who dazzled in the OHL, adds another weapon to the Sharks' offensive lineup, while Frondell brings a two-way game that can complement the talent of Connor Bedard. The draft showcased a mix of talent and emotional stories, with Schaefer's selection standing out as a beacon of hope and perseverance.

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.