The Arizona Diamondbacks are amidst a grueling stretch, playing 17 games in 17 days leading up to the All-Star break. Following their final homestand game against the Kansas City Royals on July 6, they will embark on a pivotal seven-game road trip, including a four-game series against the San Diego Padres. The Diamondbacks are struggling to maintain their position in a competitive division and must capitalize on key performances, particularly from Zac Gallen, who struck out 10 batters in his last outing against the Giants. The team hopes to establish momentum before the trade deadline approaches.

As they head west, the stakes rise. The Padres are in contention for a wild-card spot, putting added pressure on the Diamondbacks. With the All-Star break approaching, the performance of standout second baseman Ketel Marte, who has earned a starting position via fan voting, could be pivotal for Arizona's success. The upcoming series against the Los Angeles Angels will also be crucial as both teams vie for a wild-card position.

Zac Gallen has made it clear he prefers not to be involved in trade rumors as the Arizona Diamondbacks navigate a rocky season around the .500 mark. Despite his struggles earlier this year, Gallen showcased his potential with a dominant performance against the San Francisco Giants, allowing just one run over seven innings while striking out ten. This resurgence raises questions about his future, as teams eyeing a playoff push might be tempted by his talent.

While Gallen's recent form could boost his trade value, it may also influence the Diamondbacks' decision to retain him as they try to remain competitive. Gallen hopes to help steer the team back into the playoff race, emphasizing teamwork and personal accountability as vital elements in their pursuit of success.

Jordan Lawlar, the Arizona Diamondbacks' top infield prospect, has been a standout performer in Triple-A, boasting an impressive .319 batting average with 10 home runs and 18 stolen bases this season. However, since his promotion to the majors, his performance has faltered, leading to only four hits in 22 games. Compounding these struggles, Lawlar has recently suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain, which will sideline him for several weeks and delay his return to the majors.

While the injury limits his immediate fantasy impact, Lawlar's minor league track record showcases his potential, and he remains a valuable asset for deep league stashes. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his recovery and performance, especially in NL-only formats, as he could rebound effectively upon his return. His trajectory is still promising, making him a worthy investment for the future.

Week 15 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season brings a fresh crop of starting pitcher waiver wire options. Key recommendations include Lucas Giolito of the Boston Red Sox, who has shown consistency with a 3.66 ERA over 12 starts. Eduardo Rodriguez, despite a recent setback, posted a stellar June. Pittsburgh's Mitch Keller has been a steady presence with a 3.64 ERA and seven wins, while Miami's Edward Cabrera is finally finding his groove with multiple outings of five or more strikeouts. Yu Darvish is a speculative add as he nears his season debut for the Padres, while Eury Perez shows promise following Tommy John surgery. Deeper league options feature Dean Kremer and Charlie Morton, both of whom have demonstrated effectiveness in their recent starts. Happy hunting on the waiver wire!

Lucas Giolito has emerged as a pivotal component in the Boston Red Sox’s rotation, delivering an impressive 0.83 ERA over his last five starts, showcasing his ability to strike out opponents while providing stability amidst injuries to fellow starters Tanner Houck and Kutter Crawford. However, with Walker Buehler struggling, the rotation's depth is thinning, raising concerns about the team's postseason viability.

Meanwhile, the Red Sox offense has found its rhythm, scoring over eight runs per game in recent matches. Despite this offensive surge, the need for a rotation upgrade is pressing. Reports suggest that the Red Sox could target Zac Gallen of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who, despite a mediocre season, possesses significant upside due to his past success and potential fit for Fenway Park. Acquiring Gallen could not only bolster the rotation but also pave the way for future contract negotiations.