The Cleveland Guardians are in a dismal stretch, having lost ten consecutive games, marking their longest skid since 2012. In these games, they've only managed to score 15 total runs, with six of those coming in a single inning. Notably, they have been shut out five times during this stretch. Their pitching has been competent, allowing just one run in several games, yet they consistently fail to generate offense, resulting in futile outings against teams like the Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs.

This streak has brought the Guardians close to their franchise record of 12 losses in a row, and their inability to score runs has been alarming. Despite competitive pitching performances, their batters are struggling significantly, as seen in their recent extra-innings loss to the Tigers where they allowed six runs in the 10th inning after a tie through nine.

The Cleveland Guardians (40-48) are struggling, coming off a ten-game losing streak and heading into a series against the Houston Astros (55-35), who recently swept the Los Angeles Dodgers. Tanner Bibee will start for Cleveland, while Colton Gordon takes the mound for Houston. Cleveland's hopes in the Wildcard race seem dim as they trail by seven games. On the brighter side, Jose Altuve and Ryan Gusto are notable Astros to watch, with Altuve hitting well and Gusto's impressive pitching.

In terms of betting, the odds favor the Astros with a moneyline of -162 compared to the Guardians at +136. The Astros have been strong at home against Cleveland, winning four of their last five series at Minute Maid Park. The over/under is set at 7.0 runs, and with recent trends showing the Guardians covering in four of their last five games, there are opportunities for savvy bets.

Today’s MLB slate offers four enticing No Runs First Inning (NRFI) betting opportunities as teams gear up for a week of action before the All-Star break. The standout matchup features the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Milwaukee Brewers, showcasing All-Stars Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Freddy Peralta, both boasting impressive NRFI records.

The Cleveland Guardians face the Houston Astros in another crucial matchup, with both teams struggling offensively. Rookie Colton Gordon's 7-2 NRFI record looks promising against a faltering Guardians lineup. Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers meet the Los Angeles Angels, with Jacob deGrom and Yusei Kikuchi leading the charge, both showing solid NRFI trends. Lastly, the Philadelphia Phillies take on the San Francisco Giants, featuring Cristopher Sanchez, who’s been dominant in the first inning.

In a significant shake-up, the Washington Nationals have parted ways with General Manager Mike Rizzo and Manager Davey Martinez, the architect of their 2019 World Series championship. This decision comes amid a dismal season, with the Nationals currently languishing at the bottom of the NL East.

In the MLB, pitcher Luis Ortiz of the Guardians is under investigation for potential illegal gambling activities after his recent pitches raised flags with a betting integrity firm. Meanwhile, in the NBA, veteran Chris Paul, now 40, has hinted at playing for at least another year, though he acknowledges the end is near.

The WNBA has announced its All-Star Game roster, featuring three rookies, a first since 2011. As the sports landscape shifts, these developments underscore the evolving dynamics in both leagues.

As the hunt for Rookie of the Year eligibility heats up, fantasy managers should keep a keen eye on top prospects primed to make an impact in 2025. Leading the charge is Jordan Lawlar of the Arizona Diamondbacks, whose impressive Triple-A stats (10 HR, 18 SB) are tempered by a recent hamstring injury.

Behind him, Baltimore Orioles' Samuel Basallo offers significant fantasy upside, especially with his positional flexibility and strong hitting numbers. Meanwhile, Seattle Mariners' Harry Ford showcases a solid on-base percentage and potential to break into a crowded lineup.

Cleveland Guardians' C.J. Kayfus, a standout from last year’s draft, is quietly climbing the ranks, while the St. Louis Cardinals' JJ Wetherholt flaunts a high average and speed, making him a sleeper pick for fantasy leagues.

Other notable mentions include Owen Caissie from the Chicago Cubs and Ryan Johnson, a promising pitching prospect for the Angels, who has been dominating in the minors. Keep these names in your roster discussions as you strategize for the upcoming fantasy draft.