The Seattle Mariners are set to face the Oakland Athletics in Game 2 of their series in Sacramento. After a solid 3-1 victory last night, the Mariners are gaining momentum, closing the gap in the American League West, now just three games behind the division leaders. Logan Evans will take the mound for Seattle with a commendable 4-3 record and a 3.64 ERA, while the Athletics will counter with Luis Severino, who has struggled this season with a 4.96 ERA and a 4-11 record. Recent performances highlight the Mariners' pitching strength, exemplified by Luis Castillo's excellent outing last night.

The Mariners have been on a roll, currently enjoying a three-game win streak against Oakland. Betters should note that four of the last five home games for the Athletics have gone under the total runs, a trend that could influence betting strategies. Cal Raleigh is also making waves, riding an eight-game hitting streak, which adds depth to the Mariners' offensive lineup. All signs point to a competitive matchup, with betting odds slightly favoring the Mariners.

Week 18 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season brings a host of starting pitcher waiver wire pickups that can bolster your roster. Eric Lauer has emerged as a standout for the Toronto Blue Jays, boasting a formidable 2.61 ERA and six wins. Ryne Nelson of the Arizona Diamondbacks has also shown consistency with a stellar 3.29 ERA over his last five starts. Baltimore's Dean Kremer remains a polarizing figure with eight wins but inconsistent outings, while Jose Soriano from the Angels offers an impressive 68.5% ground ball rate. Will Warren of the Yankees is an intriguing option if he can maintain his strikeout ability despite a high ERA.

For deeper leagues, Nick Martinez from the Reds provides reliable innings, while Zebby Matthews is showing promise after a strong outing against the Nationals. Luis Severino has turned a corner recently, exhibiting potential as a backend rotation piece. Kumar Rocker, who is adapting his pitch mix, could be a gem moving forward. Joe Boyle's recent promotion in Tampa adds to a growing list of options for fantasy managers looking to fill gaps in their pitching rotations.

The Chicago Cubs are aggressively eyeing the upcoming MLB trade deadline, aiming to solidify their pitching rotation and bolster their bullpen. With nearly every contending team seeking similar upgrades, the Cubs may need to part with their coveted top outfield prospect, Owen Caissie, to secure quality acquisitions.

Among potential trade partners, the Oakland Athletics stand out, with pitchers Luis Severino and Mason Miller available, potentially addressing the Cubs' needs in one fell swoop. The Arizona Diamondbacks also have enticing options like Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, along with Eugenio Suarez to fill the third base gap. However, the asking prices will be steep as the demand for top pitching talent remains high.

The Toronto Blue Jays stand at a pivotal moment this season, holding the top spot in the American League East. As the trade deadline approaches, they have a clear opportunity to bolster their rotation, which currently ranks 25th in ERA at 4.60. Veteran pitcher Luis Severino is a target of interest, offering a potentially impactful addition to a team eyeing a division title.

While Severino's home ERA of 6.8 raises concerns, his 3.04 ERA on the road showcases his potential. With postseason experience and familiarity with the AL East, he could provide the stability needed for the Blue Jays as they navigate the late-season push. Severino's contract, worth $67 million over three years, represents a significant investment, but if he performs well, it could pay dividends for Toronto.

The New York Mets are showing signs of a resurgence, winning four consecutive games before their recent loss to the Yankees, maintaining a 5-5 record in their last ten games, and sitting just 1.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. Despite this positive momentum, the Mets are expected to remain active in the trade market leading up to the trade deadline.

One potential target is pitcher Luis Severino, who previously played for the Mets before moving to the Oakland Athletics. Although a reunion is deemed "unlikely," the Mets may be interested if the A's are willing to absorb some of his contract, especially given his struggles this season, leading the NL in losses and other negative stats.