The Chicago Cubs are looking to bolster their roster ahead of the July 31st trade deadline. Sitting atop the NL Central with a five-game lead, they aim to maintain their momentum by upgrading their pitching staff, which has struggled due to injuries affecting key players like Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga. While their offense is among the league's best, ranking second in runs scored, their starting rotation currently ranks 19th, as noted by FanGraphs.

President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer confirmed the Cubs are actively exploring trade options. Reports indicate that they have an eye on Zach Eflin, a starter for the Baltimore Orioles, who is scheduled to pitch against the Detroit Tigers. Eflin, 31, has a 5-2 record with a 4.47 ERA this season, demonstrating his value as an innings-eater with postseason experience. Acquiring Eflin could provide the Cubs with much-needed consistency and leadership as they look to end a four-year playoff drought.

The Detroit Tigers (44-24) head to Baltimore to face the struggling Orioles (26-39) today, June 11. Casey Mize is set to pitch for the Tigers against Zach Eflin, who has had a decent season but faces a tough lineup. Spencer Torkelson recently hit his 16th home run, contributing to the Tigers' 5-3 win in the series opener. The matchup appears competitive, with moneyline odds close at Tigers (-109) and Orioles (-110). Recent trends favor Detroit, having won 14 of their last 20 road games.

In terms of individual performances, Riley Greene has been hot with a .364 batting average over his last nine games, making him a player to watch. The expert picks lean towards the Tigers winning on the moneyline and covering the spread. With the total set at 9.0 runs, betting on the over might also prove favorable. For fantasy managers, keep an eye on Mize's ERA of 2.91 and Eflin's ability to limit walks, as these factors could heavily influence the outcome.

The Chicago Cubs are showing impressive offensive prowess, bolstered by strong defensive and bullpen performances. However, inconsistency in their starting rotation, particularly with Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, and Javier Assad struggling with injuries, has led to speculation surrounding potential trades. A current target is Zach Eflin of the Baltimore Orioles, who has had a challenging season but is recovering from a lat strain.

Eflin's recent outing, featuring seven scoreless innings against the Chicago White Sox, demonstrates his potential as a rental for the Cubs. He has experience in high-pressure situations, having performed well in the 2022 postseason with a solid 3.38 ERA. Even though his 2025 season has seen a higher ERA of 4.47, with a 5-2 record and notable strikeout ability, he could provide depth and flexibility in the Cubs' roster.

The Baltimore Orioles are undergoing a tumultuous period after firing manager Brandon Hyde following a disappointing start to the season, now 15-30. Newly appointed manager Tony Mansolino faces an uphill battle as the team struggles to find its footing, culminating in a recent home sweep by the Washington Nationals. The Orioles have notably trailed by significant margins, signaling deeper issues within the roster and coaching strategies. Players like Zach Eflin express frustration, indicating that the team is not enjoying the game at this moment.

Amid these challenges, key players like Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman are crucial to the team's future, but their performance has been sporadic. Henderson, who recently returned from injury, has shown promise, reaching base consistently but still grapples with the team's overall struggles. The Orioles must navigate these uncertainties carefully to prevent any further regression and to remain competitive in the league.

The Baltimore Orioles are experiencing a disappointing start to the 2025 MLB season, ranking among the bottom teams in the league. After recent playoff appearances, the team's struggles stem from injuries within the pitching staff and a lack of aggressive moves in the offseason. While the bullpen showcases some talent with Tomoyuki Sugano thriving and Zach Eflin returning from injury, the overall performance of the rotation is alarming. Charlie Morton and Kyle Gibson's winless record, combined with high ERAs, highlights the need for immediate improvement. The Orioles have time to turn things around, but they must act swiftly to avoid digging a deeper hole.