Luis Robert Jr. showcased his power with a two-run home run in the second inning, but his efforts weren't enough as the Chicago White Sox fell to the Cleveland Guardians 4-2 in Game 1 of their doubleheader. With only two hits, including a late single from Chase Meidroth, the Sox struggled offensively against Guardians starter Logan Allen, who recorded five strikeouts over six innings. Manager Will Venable emphasized the need for better performance against pitchers like Allen.

Tim Elko's early exit due to knee soreness compounded the team's issues, leading to a reshuffling of positions. The Guardians capitalized on home runs from Daniel Schneemann, Angel Martínez, and Carlos Santana, with Santana's two-run shot sealing the win in the sixth. Shane Smith, the Sox's starter, had a mixed outing, suggesting promising signs for his All-Star selection despite a few hiccups.

Carlos Santana, now in his sixteenth MLB season, continues to be a significant contributor for the Cleveland Guardians. He recently made history by hitting a home run against the Chicago White Sox, placing him fifth on the franchise's all-time home run leaderboard. Santana's transition from catcher to first base has been pivotal, allowing him to extend his career while offering stability in the infield.

With 11 home runs and 40 RBIs this season, he has maintained a .230 batting average and a .679 OPS. Despite the Guardians facing challenges and sitting five games back from a wild card spot, Santana's experience is expected to play a crucial role in their second-half efforts to revive their postseason ambitions.

The final weekend before the All-Star break is packed with action, featuring a full slate of 15 MLB games. Start your DFS lineup with pitching recommendations like Joe Ryan from the Minnesota Twins, who boasts a 2.76 ERA despite facing Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates, who languish at the bottom in runs scored. Gavin Williams of the Cleveland Guardians is another solid pick against the struggling Chicago White Sox. For a bold choice, consider Chase Burns from the Cincinnati Reds, who has the potential to dominate against a Rockies lineup that has struggled to score runs this season.

Top hitters to consider include Juan Soto, who has shown exceptional form with a recent 1.156 OPS. Despite not being an All-Star, his performance against right-handed pitchers is noteworthy, especially against a floundering Michael Wacha. Also, keep an eye on José Ramírez, who has been central to the Guardians' offense with a .301 average and the potential for big plays, while players like Addison Barger and Willy Adames present great value at lower prices.

Stacking options for the day include the Texas Rangers against Lance McCullers Jr., and the Oakland Athletics facing Max Scherzer, who seems to be past his prime but remains a formidable opponent. With strong options across the board, fantasy players have ample opportunities to craft winning lineups before the break.

Julio Rodriguez, the Seattle Mariners' centerfielder, has opted out of the All-Star Game, citing a need to rest and prepare for the season's second half. Rodriguez faced criticism for his selection due to inconsistent performance, hitting .244 with 11 home runs and 15 steals this season. His absence follows fellow All-Star Jose Ramirez's withdrawal for injury management. Rodriguez's decision to prioritize recovery is seen as a strategic move to help the Mariners maintain their playoff contention, as they rely heavily on their star players for a strong second half.

The Cleveland Guardians are set to take on the Chicago White Sox in Game 2 of their series on July 11, 2025. After a rain delay postponed the opener, Cleveland looks to extend their winning streak to four after sweeping the Astros. With Gavin Williams on the mound for the Guardians, boasting a solid 3.61 ERA, he faces the White Sox's Jonathan Cannon, who has a 4.50 ERA. The odds favor the Guardians at -147, while the over/under is set at 8 runs.

Key players to watch include José Ramírez, who has been consistent with hits, and Miguel Vargas for the White Sox, who aims to improve his performance after a lackluster series against the Blue Jays. This matchup's predictions suggest a lean towards the Guardians on the moneyline, while betting on the White Sox +1.5 for the spread is also an option. Fantasy players should consider the recent performances of each player for potential lineup decisions.