Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter/outfielder Andrew McCutchen went 3-for-4 with two runs scored, one RBI and a stolen base in a 9-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday. The former NL MVP's Bucs return has been a rather triumphant one so far, slashing a healthy .273/.369/.453 with 28 runs, eight homers, 21 RBI, and six pilfers over 203 plate appearances this year. The steady McCutchen should be rostered in more than just one-third of fantasy leagues as Pittsburgh's daily leadoff man. The 36-year-old's rest-of-season ranking also should be reinforced by the optimism that the dynamic Oneil Cruz (fibula) is back in the mix in August.

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher James Paxton hurled five innings on Wednesday against the Cincinnati Reds. He fanned eight hitters and permitted just one run for a no-decision as the BoSox lost 5-4. Since returning from a two-year hiatus due to Tommy John surgery, the 34-year-old appears rather spry in 2023. Paxton has allowed two runs or fewer in three of his four starts to start his season. The former ace's average fastball velocity is encouragingly up to 96 miles per hour after being down to 92 mph in 2020. That certainly bodes well for Paxton's rest-of-season fantasy prospects. The southpaw should be an appetizing streamer against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday.

Washington Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz went 3-for-4 at the plate, with two home runs and three RBI, propelling the Nationals to a 10-6 victory over the Dodgers Wednesday. The two-homer outing marked only the second time in his career that the 24-year-old catcher achieved a multi-homer game, adding another significant milestone to his career. Overall, it was an extraordinary game for Ruiz against his former organization as he was traded to Washington in 2021 for Trea Turner and Max Scherzer.

On Wednesday, New York Mets pitcher David Robertson took the mound and hurled a flawless ninth inning, preserving a two-run lead against the Phillies and earning his 10th save of the season. Robertson, in the frame, struck out Edmundo Sosa and Bryson Stott. Despite allowing three earned runs and eight hits in his last seven outings, Robertson's ERA stands at an outstanding 1.48, a testament to his overall effectiveness on the mound.

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Devin Williams successfully sealed the game against the Blue Jays by delivering a scoreless ninth inning, securing his ninth save of the season. Although this outing may not have been filled with strikeouts as expected from Williams, he adeptly handled the situation and came out on top. Williams has not allowed a single run in his last six appearances. As a result, his ERA now stands at an impressive 0.51 in 17 games.

On Wednesday, Minnesota Twins infielder Donovan Solano went 2-for-3 with a double and four RBI to lead the Twins to an 8-2 victory over the Astros. Solano also was patient at the plate, drawing a walk in the fifth inning, and he crossed home plate with a double by Ryan Jeffers later in the frame. It is worth noting that Solano, the experienced 35-year-old, currently maintains a solid .275 batting average, along with nine RBI in 120 at bats this season.

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Shane Bieber threw a season-low four innings against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. The just-turned 28-year-old also yielded a season-worst seven earned runs. Bieber was fortunate to come away with a no-decision after Cleveland's offense took advantage of an O's bullpen game, beating them 12-8. The former Triple Crown pitcher has an unappealing 6.17 ERA and 1.73 WHIP with just 14 punchouts over his last 23 1/3 innings. Bieber's velocity continues to diminish each year and we wouldn't suggest turning to his Statcast page for much solace otherwise. The right-hander's next turn in the rotation comes Tuesday against the Boston Red Sox. In 36 career innings against the BoSox, Bieber owns a dicey 5.50 ERA, his weakest versus any AL club.

Cleveland Guardians first baseman/designated hitter Josh Bell went 1-for-4 with a solo home run on Wednesday. The 30-year-old chipped in to the team's offensive surge in a win over the Baltimore Orioles 12-8. Bell was brought in by the Guardians this past offseason to provide their contact-oriented lineup with a thumper in the heart of the batting order. However, the former Silver Slugger has supplied only four blasts and 25 RBI with a .224 average this year. Bell has become a mostly forgotten player in shallow fantasy circles with the lack of production; he scored his first run since April 29 in this one. The switch-hitting slugger has some work to do before becoming worth rostering again outside of deep formats.

Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Lance Lynn threw four innings on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels, surrendering eight runs on eight hits and two walks. The 36-year-old struck out four in the contest, but took his sixth loss of the year as the ChiSox fell 12-5. Prior to this setback, Lynn had given up just four runs over his last 19 innings to get his ERA under the 6.00 threshold for the first time since March 31. The two-time All-Star is becoming a precarious hold in season-long leagues with three starts sacrificing seven runs or greater in 2023. Lynn has an uneven 6.55 ERA and 1.51 WHIP across 67 1/3 innings on the campaign. The big righty lines up for a dangerous spot versus the New York Yankees in the Bronx next Wednesday.

New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon (back) said he's scheduled to throw his next bullpen session on Friday in Los Angeles before the team starts their series against the Dodgers. Rodon has tossed two bullpens since he resumed throwing on May 14, and Friday's session will be his third as he attempts to move past a balky back issue. The 30-year-old southpaw began the 2023 season on the injured list with a left-forearm injury, but that's the least of his concerns right now. The Yankees are going to take things slowly with their prized free-agent acquisition, so fantasy managers shouldn't just assume Rodon will be back in June, especially since he has yet to face live hitters. Once he does join New York's rotation, though, he could return to being a fantasy ace.

Milwaukee Brewers All-Star closer Devin Williams recorded his ninth save of the season in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Williams surrendered a leadoff double in that ninth to Daulton Varsho but retired the next three batters in order to seal the win. The 28-year-old has been one of the most electric relievers in the game as demonstrated by his 0.51 ERA through 17 2/3 innings. He has made 17 appearances while striking out 22 batters with just seven walks. Williams owns a 34.9% strikeout rate, 11.1% walk rate, and a .125 opponent average. Despite the struggles of the Brewers' offense, the pitching staff has kept them in contention, and Williams has been a big part of their success on the mound.

Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor put on a show at the plate after tallying four hits and six RBI in Wednesday's 12-8 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Naylor failed to reach base just once on Wednesday and improved his average to .251. He recorded two doubles and a homer and laced an RBI single in the seventh inning to complete his six-RBI barrage. Naylor is scorching hot over the past 15 games, in which he is slashing .385/.439/.750 with five homers and 21 RBI. After a sluggish start to the season, the 25-year-old is starting to pick up the pace at the plate. He displays a .747 OPS with an 84 wRC+ and a .246 BAPIP. The Guardians are hoping that Naylor continues to swing the bat well as they attempt to make a move in the American League Central.

Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe hit his ninth homer of the season in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Chicago Cubs. Lowe tallied just one hit on Wednesday through four plate appearances and struck out two times. The second baseman has been slumping all at the plate after missing the bulk of the 2022 season due to a plethora of injuries. Lowe has already suffered two injuries to begin the season, and the Rays are hoping that he can stay healthy for the bulk of the season. Lowe is slashing .204/.298/.407 with a .705 OPS and 29 RBI. He has a 30.5% strikeout rate with a 97 wRC+ and a .305 wOBA.

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar outfielder Mookie Betts hit two home runs in Wednesday's 10-6 loss to the Washington Nationals. Betts went 2-for-5 at the plate, with both of his homers being solo shots. Despite an impressive day at the plate for Betts, the Dodgers' offense fell short and was capped at just six runs. The 30-year-old slashes .258/.324/.548 with three homers and four RBI over the past seven games. The outfielder now has 13 HRs on the year, along with 33 RBI. He hasn't been hitting like his usual self, and his strikeout rate is at his highest career mark (17.8%). On the year, Betts owns a .872 OPS and a 131 wRC+.

Chicago Cubs manager David Ross said that left-hander Justin Steele (forearm) will undergo an MRI exam on his left forearm/elbow during the team's off day on Thursday. "Not sounding any alarms," Ross said. Steele threw three hitless and scoreless innings with one strikeout on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays before leaving with forearm tightness, and fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if the 27-year-old southpaw needs to go on the injured list. Steele has been money for fantasy managers that were savvy enough to pick him up this year, as he entered Wednesday's start with a strong 2.77 ERA (2.85 FIP), 1.11 WHIP and 57 strikeouts in 65 innings over 11 starts so far in 2023. Hayden Wesneski is a good bet to enter the Cubbies' rotation if Steele lands on the IL.

San Francisco Giants outfielder Michael Conforto's (heel) MRI exam came back clean on Wednesday. He's dealing with a left-heel bruise, and the Giants continue to say that he's day-to-day. Conforto was injured in Tuesday's contest and didn't start on Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but his fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief now that it looks as though he'll avoid a stint on the injured list. With a well-timed off day coming on Thursday, the 30-year-old left-handed slugger could be back in action on Friday to start a three-game weekend series against the Baltimore Orioles. Conforto has gone off by hitting .433 (13-for-30) with three home runs and nine RBI in his last eight games and should be returned to all fantasy lineups in single-year leagues if he returns on Friday.

New York Yankees outfielder/designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (hamstring) and third baseman Josh Donaldson (hamstring) will both fly to Los Angeles to join the team on Friday for the start of their three-game series against the Dodgers. Both players, as well as reliever Tommy Kahnle (biceps) are expected to be activated from the injured list. Stanton has been out almost seven weeks but will return as the DH after playing in just one minor-league rehab games, so fantasy managers may want to expect some rust. Eventually, the 33-year-old slugger will be mixed back into the outfield. When healthy, Stanton remains an elite source of power. The 37-year-old Donaldson has been out since early April and was looking washed up at the plate when he hit the IL, but he's expected to see regular playing time at the hot corner.

The Colorado Rockies announced on Wednesday that they reinstated right-hander Dinelson Lamet (back) from the 15-day injured list and optioned right-hander Blair Calvo to Triple-A Albuquerque after Tuesday night's game in a corresponding move. Lamet will enter the starting rotation and face the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday in his first start of the season and first start, period, since 2021 with the San Diego Padres. In 12 relief outings (10 2/3 innings) before going on the IL, Lamet had allowed 16 runs (15 earned) on 14 hits (two homers) while walking 12 and striking out 13. Injuries and poor control have set the 30-year-old back in recent seasons, but he showed flashes of dominance in his time in SD and could be worth a look in much deeper fantasy leagues when he's pitching on the road.

New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo (neck) remains out of the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Seattle Mariners. The veteran slugger will miss his third straight game due to lingering neck stiffness. The good news is, Rizzo was able to take batting practice and field grounders ahead of Wednesday's game. The assumption is that Rizzo is going to avoid a trip to the injured list. Hopefully, Rizzo will be able to get in the lineup for Friday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Los Angeles Angels pitcher/hitter Shohei Ohtani came ready to play during Wednesday's game against the Chicago White Sox. The two-way superstar blasted a pair of home runs off righty Lance Lynn in what ended up being a 12-5 victory. He might've hit a third home run, but the Angels decided to pinch-hit for Ohtani in the ninth inning. Ohtani is up to 15 home runs, including eight in his last 20 games. Best of luck to any pitchers who are trying to slow down the 28-year-old superstar.