New York Mets Shine in June
The New York Mets had an impressive June, finishing with a record of 16-8. They scored the second-most runs in baseball during the month. Key players like Brandon Nimmo and Mark Vientos played significant roles in this success. Nimmo hit .315 with a .1004 OPS, six home runs, and numerous RBIs and runs. Vientos also contributed with seven home runs in June, showcasing his power at the plate.
Mike McClure’s DFS Picks for July 1
Mike McClure, a daily fantasy sports expert with over $2 million in winnings, has provided his top picks for today’s MLB DFS lineups. McClure uses proprietary projection models to simulate each game multiple times, ensuring accurate predictions. For Monday, he recommends Rhys Hoskins and Willy Adames from the Brewers. Hoskins has been consistent with hits and runs, while Adames, despite a recent hitless streak, has a good on-base percentage and a favorable matchup against Rockies’ pitcher Austin Gomber.
Astros’ Mid-Season Turnaround
The Houston Astros have made a significant turnaround in June. They entered the month third in the AL West, eight games under .500, and 6.5 games behind the Mariners. By the end of June, they reached .500, overtaking the Rangers for second place and reducing the Mariners’ lead to 3.5 games. The Astros’ offense improved, averaging 5.25 runs per game in June compared to 4.34 in May. Their starting pitchers also stepped up, with an ERA improvement from 4.77 in May to 3.40 in June. Key contributors include Spencer Arrighetti and Hunter Brown, with Brown posting a 1.47 ERA and a 29.1% strikeout rate in his last seven outings.
Injury Updates Across the League
Several teams are dealing with injuries. The Los Angeles Angels saw outfielder Taylor Ward leave Sunday’s game after being hit by a fastball. His availability for Tuesday’s game against the Athletics is uncertain. The Texas Rangers are also facing issues, with shortstop Corey Seager missing Sunday’s game due to a sore wrist. Concerns about Josh Jung’s surgically repaired wrist have also arisen. The Baltimore Orioles expect Ryan Mountcastle to return for tomorrow’s series opener against the Mariners after missing a game due to illness. The Toronto Blue Jays are monitoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who left Sunday’s game after being hit on the hand. X-rays were negative, but his availability for today’s home game is unclear.
Top Fantasy Baseball Picks
For fantasy baseball enthusiasts, today’s top picks include Rhys Hoskins and Jackson Chourio from the Brewers, and Ryan McMahon, Charlie Blackmon, Nolan Jones, and Michael Toglia from the Rockies. New York Mets’ pitcher David Peterson is also a prime target, facing the Nationals who have high strikeout rates against lefties. Peterson has shown impressive strikeouts recently, despite high walks.
Trade Deadline Rumors
As the trade deadline approaches, rumors are swirling. The Milwaukee Brewers are reportedly active in trade discussions. The Toronto Blue Jays are also in the spotlight, with speculation around Vladimir Guerrero Jr. due to his upcoming free agency after the 2025 season. Guerrero has been performing well, with four home runs in his last six games, making him a valuable trade asset.
Nationals Promote Top Prospect
The Washington Nationals have promoted top prospect James Wood to the majors. This move is expected to bolster their lineup as they look to improve their standings. Wood’s promotion is one of the most anticipated events for Nationals fans, who are eager to see how he performs at the major league level.
Orlando Cepeda Passes Away
Baseball Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda, nicknamed “Baby Bull,” has passed away at the age of 86. The San Francisco Giants and his family announced his death, and a moment of silence was held at Oracle Park during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Cepeda was a beloved figure in baseball, known for his significant contributions to the game and his role as an ambassador for baseball. He was one of the first Puerto Rican stars in MLB and played for several teams, including the Giants, Cardinals, Braves, Athletics, Red Sox, and Royals. Cepeda was a seven-time All-Star and played in three World Series. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.
Chicago Cubs’ Struggles
The Chicago Cubs have been labeled the National League’s “biggest disappointment” this season. Despite significant spending and contributions from rookie Shota Imanaga, the Cubs are in last place in their division. They are 11.5 games out of first place and seven games under .500. Offensively, the team has struggled, with only two qualified players batting over .250. Leading home run hitter Christopher Morel is batting just .198. Key players like Dansby Swanson and Justin Steele have also underperformed, contributing to the team’s disappointing season.
Upcoming MLB Events
Looking ahead, the MLB Home Run Derby is set to take place soon, with details on the rules and participants generating excitement among fans. Additionally, the trade deadline is fast approaching, and teams are actively exploring potential deals to strengthen their rosters for the second half of the season.
In summary, today’s MLB news highlights the impressive performance of the New York Mets in June, key DFS picks by Mike McClure, the Houston Astros’ mid-season turnaround, and various injury updates across the league. Trade deadline rumors, the promotion of top prospect James Wood, and the passing of Orlando Cepeda are also significant stories. The Chicago Cubs’ struggles and upcoming MLB events round out the top news for July 1, 2024.
