Noelvi Marte, a former top-100 MLB prospect, is back after recovering from an oblique injury that sidelined him for two months. The Cincinnati Reds activated him just as they gear up for a wild-card chase, putting him straight into the lineup against the Philadelphia Phillies. Before his injury, Marte had been hitting impressively with a .294 average, three home runs, and 17 RBIs in 19 games, effectively replacing Jeimer Candelario as the everyday third baseman. The Reds are currently 45-42, trailing the Chicago Cubs in the National League Central but are close to a wild-card spot.

The Cincinnati Reds faced off against the Philadelphia Phillies, leading 6-3 in the third inning when Nick Castellanos, a former Red, batted with the bases loaded. A ground ball to shortstop Elly De La Cruz resulted in a fielder's choice, allowing a run to score while Castellanos was ruled safe at first, despite a close call that was upheld by replay. Jeff Brantley, the Reds' color analyst, criticized the team's defense for failing to convert what he deemed a routine double play, emphasizing the importance of executing such plays at the big-league level. The Reds managed to limit the damage to just one run and increased their lead to 7-4 in the fourth inning.

The Philadelphia Phillies will take on the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park on July 4, with both teams looking to build on their recent victories. The Reds, fresh off an 8-4 win against the Boston Red Sox, bring a strong Andrew Abbott to the mound, boasting a stellar 1.79 ERA and a record of 7-1. The Phillies counter with Jesús Luzardo, who has a respectable 4.06 ERA and a record of 7-4. The game, starting at 1:05 p.m. ET, presents intriguing betting lines, with Philadelphia favored at -162.

Key players to watch include Elly De La Cruz for Cincinnati, who leads the team with 18 home runs and has shown consistent hitting performance, and Kyle Schwarber for the Phillies, who has hit 26 home runs this season. The over/under is set at 8.5 runs, reflecting expectations for an engaging matchup.

As we celebrate Independence Day, MLB betting enthusiasts have a full slate of games to enjoy. This July 4, 2025, NRFI (No Runs First Inning) betting tips focus on five matchups that promise excitement and profit potential. The Cincinnati Reds face the Philadelphia Phillies, where Andrew Abbott, boasting a perfect 14-0 NRFI record, squares off against Jesus Luzardo. The Angels take on the Blue Jays in a game expected to deliver runs early, with Toronto's offense in top form. Baltimore’s Charlie Morton aims for his fourth NRFI in a row against an underperforming Braves lineup, while the Tigers look to capitalize on the Guardians' struggles. Lastly, a late game between the Giants and Athletics presents an opportunity to take on plus odds with two pitchers who have excelled at keeping runs off the board. Bet wisely and enjoy a day filled with fireworks on and off the field!

As the fantasy baseball season progresses into the summer months, savvy managers are looking to stash injured players who can provide significant value upon their return. Top targets include Luis Gil of the New York Yankees, who is nearing a return after a successful rehab stint, and Grayson Rodriguez from the Baltimore Orioles, who is also ramping up for his comeback. With both of these pitchers having shown impressive strikeout abilities last season, they could be pivotal assets down the stretch.

Outfielders like Joc Pederson of the Texas Rangers and Noelvi Marte from the Cincinnati Reds are also worth considering, as both are set to return shortly and have demonstrated strong offensive capabilities in previous seasons. Lastly, Gabriel Moreno of the Arizona Diamondbacks remains a compelling option behind the plate, particularly in an offense that benefits from his hitting prowess. Snagging these players now could pay off immensely during crucial weeks ahead.