The fifth-overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft, Smith was an absolute strikeout machine during his collegiate career at the University of Arkansas. The 21-year-old left-hander, who checked in at 208 overall in Rotoworld’s latest dynasty rankings update, is one of the most dynamic pitching prospects in the game and should move quickly this season through Chicago’s minor-league system. He averaged 97 mph on his fastball and displayed an impressive slider in his spring debut. We can’t dismiss the possibility that he’ll be ready for the big leagues at some point in a few months.

It’s not totally unwarranted, but this is odd timing, given that McLain has a .360 OBP this month after coming in at .266 in April. He is still obviously struggling to hit for average, though. That it’s Santiago Espinal replacing in the second spot tonight seems like a big downgrade, but it’s surely temporary.

Brennan is making a second straight start since his callup. The Guardians will be getting Lane Thomas back from the IL either this weekend or early next week, at which point either Brennan or Jhonkensy Noel figures to be demoted. Jones is probably safe himself, since he’s out of options, but he’d be in line to lose much of his playing time if Brennan sticks.

Robert is hitting fourth tonight against lefty Andrew Abbott. Michael A. Taylor remains in the lineup as the right fielder, sending Joshua Palacios to the bench.

Vargas missed two games due to a right calf injury. Josh Rojas, who has been playing a lot of third base lately, is stating in left field tonight, with Brooks Baldwin taking a seat.

If you were born before Feb. 20, 1983 but after March 11, 1980, there might again soon be a major leaguer older than you. At age 45, Hill will attempt another midseason return to the mound after a rather sour experience with the Red Sox last year. If he pulls it off, he’ll be pitching for his 14th different team in his 21st season in the majors. Hill is 90-74 with a 4.01 ERA in 248 starts and 138 relief appearances since debuting with the Cubs in 2005.

LeMahieu played second base exclusively on his rehab assignment, suggesting that he was coming back to start over Jorbit Vivas in the Yankees infield. However, the team figures to pivot after the unfortunate Oswaldo Cabrera injury and use either Vivas or LeMahieu at third, with Oswald Peraza also seeing some time there. LeMahieu went 12-for-27 with one homer in his nine minor league games. It’s unlikely that he’ll offer fantasy value outside of AL-only leagues.