Kansas City Royals catcher Freddy Fermin is not in the starting lineup on Sunday when the Royals conclude a series against the Boston Red Sox. Fermin has been in the lineup in each of the past three games. During this stretch, Fermin went 2-for-13 with three strikeouts. Fantasy managers should expect the 29-year-old to return to the starting lineup on Monday when they begin a series against the Houston Astros. Through 26 games this season, Fermin has held a .247/.284/.299 slash line with one double and one round-tripper. This afternoon, Luke Maile will enter the starting nine and will be behind the dish. Maile has appeared in just two games this season and should not be targeted in any DFS competitions this afternoon.

San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill (illness) was removed from Sunday's lineup due to an illness. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status leading up to their next contest on Monday evening against the Los Angeles Angels. Merrill recently returned from the 10-day injured list earlier this week and has picked up right where he left off, holding a stellar .579/.600/.842 slash line with two doubles, one home run, and six RBI. Before his injury, the former top prospect posted a strong .378/.415/.676 slash line with two doubles and three long balls during his first 10 games of the season. This afternoon, Merrill will be replaced by Tyler Wade, who will cover center field and bat in the nine-hole. The Padres are a strong team to target in DFS, facing Colorado right-hander German Marquez, who carries a high 9.90 ERA.

Chicago White Sox infielder Miguel Vargas (calf/ankle) is dealing with a calf and ankle issue. Vinnie Duber noted that the infielder is available off the bench. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status as Vargas could be cleared to return to the starting nine prior to Tuesday's contest against the Cincinnati Reds. Before going 0-for-6 over his last two contests, the 25-year-old was enjoying a productive surge at the plate. Over his last 14 contests, Vargas posted an impressive .360/.448/.540 slash line with three doubles, two home runs, and six RBI. However, under the hood, the infielder has generated a low .297 xwOBA with .221 xBA, which suggests he could face some regression later in the season. This afternoon, Josh Rojas will cover the hot corner and bat in the two-hole.

Chicago White Sox catching prospect Edgar Quero is not in Sunday's lineup when they conclude a series against the Miami Marlins. Quero was in the starting nine on Saturday afternoon and went 0-for-4 at the plate. Fantasy managers should expect the young backstop to return to the starting nine on Tuesday when they begin a series against the Reds. The 22-year-old made his MLB debut earlier this summer and has held his own through his first taste. Across 20 games, the 22-year-old has posted a strong .274/.375/.323 slash line with three doubles and an 11:8 K:BB. Matt Thaiss will be behind the dish and bat this afternoon in the cleanup spot. He is worth a look in DFS facing Miami Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara, who enters this game with a high 8.42 ERA.