Houston Astros manager Joe Espada has made a significant change to his lineup by moving struggling first baseman Christian Walker from the cleanup spot for the first time this season. Walker, who has been underwhelming with a .159 average and just two RBIs in 79 plate appearances, was dropped to fifth in the order, allowing Jeremy Peña to take his place in the crucial fourth spot. The Astros' offense has been lackluster, ranking 23rd in the majors for runs per game, prompting this shake-up.

Espada expressed that the decision was part of a strategy to reinvigorate the team's lineup. Walker, who signed a hefty three-year, $60 million deal over the winter, has a history of success, previously averaging an .813 OPS with the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, his current performance is concerning, as he has the 11th-lowest OPS and has struggled with men on base, hitting only 5-for-35 in those situations. Espada is hopeful that this adjustment will lead to more consistent quality at-bats from not just Walker but the entire lineup.

The Houston Astros have made a significant change to their bullpen ahead of their series against the Seattle Mariners, optioning reliever Luis Contreras to Triple-A Sugar Land while promoting Logan VanWey from the same affiliate. This decision comes after an exhausting stretch for the Astros' bullpen, which logged over 12 innings in their last two games against the Minnesota Twins. Contreras, who has struggled and is one of the few relievers with options, has been replaced by VanWey, a promising right-hander seeking his MLB debut. VanWey impressed during spring training with a 1.32 ERA in 13⅔ innings, and his solid performance at Triple-A last year, where he posted a 3.22 ERA across 72⅔ innings, makes him a valuable addition for Houston.

To make room, the Astros transferred starter Luis Garcia to the 60-day injured list as he continues to recover from elbow inflammation stemming from Tommy John surgery. Garcia's situation adds urgency to the Astros' need for fresh arms, and the hope is that VanWey can step up and provide much-needed support in the late innings, especially considering the strain already felt on the bullpen.

The New York Mets faced a tough loss against the Houston Astros, succumbing 2-1 at Daikin Park. Griffin Canning made a solid debut for the Mets, pitching into the sixth inning with two earned runs on four hits, but he received little offensive support. Jose Siri, who tied the game in the sixth with a well-executed run, was a bright spot for New York, showcasing his speed in the process. The Astros regained the lead shortly thereafter, capitalizing on a crucial mistake by Canning, who left a slider hanging for Jeremy Peña, allowing him to hit a home run. Despite a valiant effort from the bullpen, the Mets couldn't muster the offense needed to secure a victory.

Finding value in your fantasy baseball drafts can set the stage for championship success. By targeting players at each position who are projected to put up comparable numbers to more popular counterparts, but are available significantly later in drafts, savvy managers can enhance their rosters without breaking the bank.

This approach begins with catchers, where Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers is a compelling alternative to the overvalued Adley Rutschman. While Rutschman (ADP 73) is expected to play more games, Smith (ADP 126) could produce similar stats, thanks largely to the Dodgers' utilization of Shohei Ohtani in the DH spot. Moving to first base, Vinnie Pasquantino could outperform Josh Naylor while being drafted much later, offering a better value proposition despite concerns over injury histories.

The second base spot offers a similar story, with Jordan Westburg providing a cheaper alternative to Ozzie Albies. At third, Eugenio Suarez, who has consistently delivered power stats, is a solid pick over the hyped Mark Vientos. Lastly, in the outfield, Heliot Ramos has the potential to match Nick Castellanos’ production, making him a great late-round target. These selections reflect a strategic mindset, focusing on maximizing value across all positions.

By leveraging these insights, fantasy managers can bolster their teams effectively and position themselves for a successful season.