The St. Louis Cardinals are facing a tough time, having lost four consecutive games and now sit 6.5 games behind in the NL Central. Key player Nolan Arenado has been sidelined with a right shoulder impingement, missing today’s game against the Chicago Cubs. This follows an earlier issue with a bruised finger. In his absence, Thomas Saggese will step in at third base. The Cardinals, once riding high after a sweep over the Guardians, are now looking to regain their momentum before the All-Star break.

The Chicago Cubs put on an impressive display at Wrigley Field on the 4th of July, crushing the St. Louis Cardinals with an 11-3 victory. This game was historic, marking the first time the Cubs hit eight home runs in a single game, and tying the MLB record for home runs on July 4th, previously set by the 1977 Boston Red Sox. Michael Busch led the charge with three home runs in a single game, while other players like Pete Crow-Armstrong also contributed significantly.

This game solidified the Cubs' offensive prowess this season and highlighted their remarkable batting depth. The team’s performance not only set franchise records but also demonstrated their capability to break into the history books of Major League Baseball.

The second half of the 2025 fantasy baseball season is shaping up to be exciting, with a host of players poised to break out. Key names like Ben Rice, Otto Lopez, and Addison Barger have underperformed but are primed for a resurgence.

Rice's strong Statcast numbers indicate he could become a must-start catcher for the Yankees. Lopez, despite injury setbacks, showcases promising metrics pointing towards a potential 20/20 season. Barger, meanwhile, has shown flashes of his power, suggesting a strong finish behind elite sluggers. Adolis Garcia, though sluggish early, is a buy-low option with significant power upside. Pitchers like Eury Perez, despite recent struggles, are also expected to shine, especially if they regain their form. Likewise, Daniel Palencia has emerged as a closer with top-5 potential, making him a hot waiver wire target.