Detroit took a 2-1 lead into the ninth behind a key double from Jahmai Jones, then weather struck. A fast-moving storm at Rate Field sent fans scrambling and forced a lengthy delay, testing bullpens and momentum. When play finally resumed, a White Sox reliever’s errant pitch nearly altered the game’s fate, leaving Detroit a narrow edge as late at-bats loomed. Amid the chaos, Spencer Torkelson’s pregame notices and the Tigers’ deadline chatter added context for fantasy managers watching how lineup moves could shift playing time and roles.

fantasy-minded readers saw a glimpse of bullpen dynamics during the delay and closer opportunities, with Eisert’s situational usage under a cloud and AJ Hinch navigating a tense moment for Detroit. The ongoing discussion around deadline strategy hung over the game, suggesting potential shifts in how analysts value Tigers assets and Chicago’s relief corps as the season progresses.

Spencer Torkelson delivered a ninth-inning go-ahead homer off Brandon Eisert, a moment that snapped his club’s recent rough patch and underscored Detroit’s late-season push. The 393-foot shot, deflected by the foul pole, came in the Tigers’ 2-1 win over the White Sox, giving Torkelson career-high relevance as he chases a 36-HR pace this season. A rain delay paused play for 63 minutes, but Detroit’s bullpen—led by Kyle Finnegan and Will Vest—locked down the final outs after a strong start from Chris Paddack. The win keeps Detroit within sight of the AL East’s pace and solidifies their 6.5-game cushion in the AL Central.

In a lineup that features Kerry Carpenter, Riley Greene, and Gleyber Torres, Detroit shows depth beyond Torkelson. Carpenter (.833 OPS in 91 games), Greene (.820 OPS in 116), and Torres (.784 OPS in 106) have provided steady power and on-base potential, helping the Tigers surge to 69-51 and a comfortable lead in the division. Detroit’s recent form—nine wins in 14 games after a late-season swoon—sets up a fantasy landscape where Torkelson’s power, Carpenter’s OBP, and Greene’s speed-and-run potential look like core pieces for a playoff push.

As the July 31 trade deadline approaches, speculation about potential trades is at an all-time high. Teams are on the lookout for bargains that could bolster their lineups. In light of this, four under-the-radar players have emerged as intriguing trade targets. These players are not household names but possess unique skills that could provide significant value to contending teams.

First up is Brandon Eisert, a left-handed reliever for the Chicago White Sox. At 27, Eisert boasts a deceptive release point and a decent whiff rate on his pitches, despite a less-than-stellar ERA. His ability to generate weak contact and maintain a low walk rate makes him a viable option for teams seeking bullpen depth. Next is Blake Perkins, a center fielder with the Milwaukee Brewers, who has yet to see big league action this season due to injury but is considered a solid defensive player with impressive base-stealing abilities. His potential may attract teams looking to add speed and defensive prowess.

Another candidate is Alex Freeland from the Los Angeles Dodgers, a promising prospect who has shown solid offensive metrics in Triple-A. With the Dodgers loaded with infield talent, Freeland might benefit from a change of scenery. Lastly, Tyler Phillips from the Miami Marlins is noted for his ability to induce ground balls with a five-pitch mix, making him an appealing option for teams seeking starting pitching depth.

The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a convincing 6-1 victory against the Chicago White Sox, driven by stellar performances from Shohei Ohtani, who hit his 30th home run of the season, and Andy Pages and Michael Conforto, who both contributed with two RBIs. The Dodgers' starting pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, delivered a solid outing, setting the stage for this dominant win. Tonight's matchup features Brandon Eisert for Chicago against the veteran ace Clayton Kershaw, who boasts a 4-0 record this season. Betting insights lean toward the Dodgers, who have thrived at home with Kershaw on the mound, with trends indicating that eight of their last ten home games have gone over the total runs. Eisert's recent form, including a strong outing against San Francisco, will be crucial as the White Sox look to bounce back against a formidable opponent.