As we gear up for All-Star weekend, today's MLB DFS slate presents a compelling mix of elite pitchers and exciting lineup options. Garrett Crochet is the standout ace for Boston, boasting an impressive 31.3% K-rate, though he faces a challenging matchup against the Rays. Meanwhile, Brandon Woodruff returns to action for Milwaukee, looking solid after his long layoff. Elly De La Cruz is a top infield pick against a struggling pitcher, while Ceddanne Rafaela and Jackson Chourio offer intriguing value plays.

The Brewers and Red Sox are primed for offensive explosions against their respective opponents. With a focus on maximizing upside, stacking players from these teams could yield significant returns. As always, keeping a close eye on injury news and lineup changes will be crucial as the games approach.

The Colorado Rockies took an unprecedented approach in their recent matchup against the Cincinnati Reds by intentionally walking Elly De La Cruz three times, a first in his career. This tactic reduced De La Cruz's impact, forcing other players to step up. The Reds struggled offensively, leaving 11 runners on base and losing the game 3-2. Austin Hays, who followed De La Cruz in the lineup, had a challenging night, striking out four times, which put significant pressure on the lineup.

Despite the adversity, De La Cruz's impressive stats this season, with a .282 batting average, 18 home runs, and 63 RBIs, highlight his continued value as a player. The strategy employed by the Rockies underscores how teams are adapting their approaches to minimize the effectiveness of standout hitters. This game serves as a reminder of the critical role lineup depth plays when facing elite talent.

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Chase Burns had a breakthrough performance on July 11, showcasing his potential with a stellar outing against the Colorado Rockies. In just his fourth career start, Burns struck out 10 batters over six innings, marking his new personal best. He allowed only four hits and two earned runs while maintaining an efficient pitch count of 95. Though the Reds were trailing 2-1 when he exited, they ultimately rallied to tie the game, preserving Burns from suffering a loss.

Prior to this game, Burns' performance had been inconsistent, with a no-decision against the Philadelphia Phillies and a loss to the Boston Red Sox in his previous two starts. However, this latest showing illustrates the 23-year-old's growth and promise as the Reds continue to build their pitching staff. As he adjusts to the major leagues after only a handful of minor league starts, fans and analysts alike are optimistic about his future.

Despite a commendable performance by Chase Burns, who struck out 10 batters over six innings, the Cincinnati Reds fell short against the Colorado Rockies, losing 3-2 in the series opener. Burns allowed only two earned runs but did not receive the win. The Reds opened the scoring with a solo home run from Noelvi Marte, but the Rockies responded quickly, capitalizing on Burns' mistakes. Elly De La Cruz's impressive patience at the plate, earning four walks, and a late-game triple, couldn't secure a comeback for the Reds, who ultimately succumbed to a wild pitch that allowed the Rockies to seal the victory.

As the Cincinnati Reds prepare for the 2025 MLB Draft set for July 13, the team is adopting a 'best player available' strategy. Director of Scouting, Joe Katuska, reflects on the notable depth of the 2023 draft, which featured top talents like Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews, emphasizing that this year's class presents more uncertainty. The Reds, holding the 9th overall pick, aim to leverage their scouting continuity and history of successful picks—including Hunter Greene and Jonathan India—to navigate the challenges of this draft.

While they have leaned towards college players in recent drafts for quicker MLB impacts, Katuska notes the potential for high school selections this year. Importantly, the Reds will prioritize their internal evaluations over public rankings, emphasizing their unique perspective on identifying talent that aligns with their development needs.