The Texas Rangers delivered an impressive performance against the Houston Astros, securing a 5-1 victory that clinched the series. Key contributions came from Marcus Semien, who hit his 250th career home run, and Adolis García, hitting his third homer in four games.

Starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi was outstanding, going 7 2/3 innings while allowing just one run and striking out eight. This win marked Eovaldi's third consecutive victory. The Rangers jumped ahead early, scoring two runs in the second inning, and maintained their lead throughout the game despite a late homer from Zack Short for the Astros. Semien's home run in the eighth sealed the win, further solidifying his status as a key player in the Rangers' lineup.

The 2025 MLB Draft is set for July 13-14, featuring the potential stars of tomorrow. The Detroit Tigers hold the No. 24 overall pick, marking their first late-round selection since 2017. This draft presents a unique opportunity for the Tigers, who are looking to bolster their roster following a postseason appearance in 2024.

Fans can follow the first round on MLB Network and ESPN, as all picks will be updated live. The Tigers will also have a chance to select at No. 34 with their Competitive Balance A selection before waiting until the second round to make their next move at pick No. 62.

The Detroit Tigers, having enjoyed a stellar first half with a league-best 59-38 record, faced a disheartening end to the first half of their MLB season with a four-game losing streak, capped by an 8-4 defeat against the Seattle Mariners. Key relievers Tommy Kahnle and Will Vest faltered in the ninth inning, allowing the Mariners to score five runs in the last two innings, tipping the game in Seattle's favor. Despite starting pitcher Jack Flaherty's solid performance, which included seven strikeouts and only two home runs allowed in five innings, the bullpen's failure to contain opposing hitters ultimately cost the Tigers the series.

In the 7th inning, a brief Tigers offensive surge saw Gleyber Torres and Riley Greene contribute to a 4-3 lead. However, the Mariners’ timely hitting and the Tigers’ defensive mishaps, including an errant throw by catcher Dillon Dingler, allowed Seattle to reclaim control. Flaherty's recent form showed promise, but the Tigers need to rectify their bullpen issues if they aim to maintain their standing as playoff contenders.

The MLB season reaches the All-Star break, revealing a landscape rife with fluctuating World Series odds. While the Los Angeles Dodgers maintain their position as favorites, the Detroit Tigers have emerged as a surprising contender, rising to the second spot. Teams like the New York Yankees and Houston Astros remain strong, while underdogs like the Arizona Diamondbacks and Minnesota Twins are climbing the rankings. As teams look to solidify their playoff positions, the upcoming trades and performances will be crucial in shaping the final stretch of the season.

This week's exploration of American League free agents highlights key pitchers and hitters poised for impact in the latter part of the season. Among them, Shane Bieber is in recovery but could return soon, while Richard Fitts faces pressure in the Red Sox rotation. Luis Gil's return from injury is anticipated, adding depth to the Yankees. Keider Montero has shown promise for the Tigers, while Trevor Rogers is proving his worth with impressive stats for the Orioles.

In the realm of hitters, Victor Caratini is heating up for the Astros, and Freddy Fermin has potential as he secures more playing time with the Royals. Romy Gonzalez is drawing attention for his powerful performance, although he faces competition. Each player discussed merits attention for FAAB budgets, with evaluations based on potential contributions and recent performances.