Week 7 of the MLB fantasy season is ripe with two-start pitchers, providing ample opportunity for savvy fantasy managers to optimize their lineups. Among the pitchers rostered under 50%, Matthew Liberatore stands out with a stellar 3.07 ERA and a robust strikeout rate, making his upcoming matchups against Philadelphia and Kansas City enticing. Colin Rea, though less recognized, presents a reasonable option with a 2.43 ERA, particularly facing the struggling Chicago White Sox.

On the riskier side, pitchers like Tanner Houck and Michael Wacha carry potential pitfalls, with Houck's recent meltdown raising concerns, while Wacha faces a challenging week against both Detroit and St. Louis. Newcomers Jackson Jobe and Merrill Kelly also hold promise, but their shaky statistics may lead to a toss-up. With careful selection, fantasy owners can navigate this week’s slate to their advantage.

The Colorado Rockies put up a valiant effort but fell short against the San Diego Padres, losing 13-9. The defeat marked their seventh straight loss, dropping their record to an abysmal 6-32, tying the 1988 Baltimore Orioles for the worst start in MLB history. Despite a season-high 16 hits, including a two-run double from Kyle Farmer and a two-run single from Brenton Doyle in a late rally, the Rockies were unable to overcome a 13-2 deficit.

The game showcased moments of struggle and resilience for Colorado. Notably, Hunter Goodman’s RBI triple and Mickey Moniak’s sacrifice fly helped the team score seven runs in the final two innings. Michael Toglia's solo homer was a standout moment that ended the Rockies' 32-inning scoreless streak against the Padres, which was the longest in franchise history. However, the night was marred by defensive errors and a disappointing performance from starting pitcher Antonio Senzatela, who allowed eight runs in 4.2 innings.

The Cincinnati Reds faced another controversial umpiring decision during their 5-4 loss to the Atlanta Braves, with a pivotal stolen base call involving Blake Dunn. Umpires ruled Dunn out at second base due to an obstruction call that many, including analysts and the Reds' coaching staff, believed should have been called in Dunn's favor due to Ozzie Albies' knee blocking the bag. This marked a frustrating moment for Reds management, as first-base coach Collin Cowgill was ejected for disputing the call, which manager Terry Francona also contested vigorously.

Analysts highlighted that the obstruction rule has been a focus of enforcement, emphasizing that dropping a knee in front of the bag is against the regulations. Despite challenging the play, the Reds could not overturn the non-call of obstruction. Francona lamented the situation, expressing disbelief that Albies' knee positioned directly in front of second base was not considered obstruction, ultimately impacting the outcome of the game for the Reds.

A 9th inning lapse in defensive communication cost the Cincinnati Reds a potential victory against the Atlanta Braves. In a tightly contested game, Stuart Fairchild scored the game-tying run on a double from Michael Harris II. Reds analyst Jeff Brantley criticized the hesitation from second baseman Matt McLain, noting that a lack of communication led to a missed opportunity to prevent Fairchild from scoring. McLain's indecision was pivotal as he turned to locate the runner instead of making a decisive throw home, which Reds manager Terry Francona acknowledged.

Brantley's criticism extended to the officiating in the game, particularly a foul tip call that went against the Reds earlier in the match. The Reds, now on a four-game losing streak, are left reflecting on missed chances as they focus on regaining their footing in the season.

Jeff Brantley criticized umpires for a controversial foul-tip call during the Reds' clash with the Braves. In a pivotal moment, Blake Dunn, at bat with a 3-2 count, seemed to either be hit by a pitch or draw a walk, but was declared out after the home-plate umpire ruled a foul tip. Replays indicated the ball hit Dunn’s glove, not the bat. Brantley expressed disbelief at the decision, emphasizing that the umpires' judgment is increasingly questionable.

Reds manager Terry Francona sought clarification on the call, but the ruling stood after a challenge. Brantley lamented the inability to contest a foul-ball call, underlining the impact such decisions have on the game. His passionate remarks reflect ongoing frustrations with officiating in Major League Baseball.