The Boston Red Sox have high hopes for their latest first-round draft pick, right-handed pitcher Kyson Witherspoon from the University of Oklahoma, selected 15th overall. With a collegiate record of 18-7, a 3.14 ERA, and impressive strikeout abilities, he is viewed as a future MLB talent, potentially reaching the majors by 2026. Witherspoon's high-90s fastball and a solid arsenal of pitches provide hope for a robust Red Sox rotation.

As the team navigates inconsistent performances from its current pitchers, including Walker Buehler and Lucas Giolito, Witherspoon's arrival could offer an exciting new dynamic. While Giolito has recently improved, Buehler's struggles raise questions about the future of the rotation. Boston has previously invested confidently in young players, suggesting that Witherspoon could be the next to secure a long-term deal.

As the MLB trade deadline approaches, teams aiming for postseason success are gearing up for potential trades, especially in the starting pitching department. The Boston Red Sox find themselves three games out of first in the AL East and on a positive 10-game win streak. With Garrett Crochet as their top pitcher, there is still a need for solidifying their rotation, particularly after a rocky start for Walker Buehler, who has struggled with a 6.12 ERA this season.

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal speculates that the Red Sox might pursue a reunion between manager Alex Cora and veteran Charlie Morton, who has improved with a 3.05 ERA over his last 59 innings. The question remains whether Boston should seek a second starter or if they can depend on pitchers like Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito to complement Crochet's performance in the second half of the season.

Drew Rasmussen has secured his first career All-Star selection, standing in for Yusei Kikuchi as part of a strong Tampa Bay Rays representation at the 2025 Midsummer Classic in Atlanta. Rasmussen has had an impressive season, with a 2.86 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP across 19 starts, positioning himself for a potential career-high in innings pitched after a significant elbow surgery in 2023.

The Rays currently hold a competitive 50–45 record in the challenging AL East. Rasmussen's performance has been essential for the team's playoff aspirations, although he faced challenges in a recent outing against the Red Sox. Alongside Junior Caminero and Jonathan Aranda, he adds depth to the Rays' presence at the All-Star Game, despite Brandon Lowe's absence due to injury.

The Tampa Bay Rays (50-43) and the Boston Red Sox (49-45) face off today at Fenway Park, with Taj Bradley on the mound for the Rays against Boston's Walker Buehler. The Red Sox are entering this matchup on a high note, having secured their second six-game winning streak of the season, scoring 56 runs while allowing only 16 in that span. On the flip side, the Rays have struggled recently, losing two straight before salvaging a win in their last series, bringing their record to 3-6 over the past nine games.

Looking at the odds, the Rays are slight favorites at -111 on the moneyline, while the Red Sox sit at -108. The current spread has Tampa Bay favored to win by 1.5 runs, with a total set at 9.0 runs. Expert predictions lean towards the Red Sox winning on the moneyline and covering the spread, reflecting their recent form. Both teams have shown variable performances in their recent outings, making this a crucial game for both sides in the playoff race.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are actively scouting for starting pitching depth as they approach the trade deadline. Currently, they face a challenging situation with multiple pitchers, including Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, sidelined due to injuries. Despite the uncertainty, a fully healthy rotation featuring Clayton Kershaw, Shohei Ohtani, and others could be potent come October. FanSided's Zach Pressnell suggests that the Dodgers might pursue a reunion with Walker Buehler from the Boston Red Sox to bolster their staff.

Buehler, who has faced challenges since an arm injury in 2022, carries a postseason pedigree that could sway the Dodgers’ decision. His experience could provide vital insurance, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding other starters. The Red Sox could leverage Buehler’s expiring contract for some young talent from the Dodgers, such as Bobby Miller, but that may require a more complex deal.