The Detroit Tigers are targeting third base as their prime position of need ahead of the MLB trade deadline, with Eugenio Suárez of the Arizona Diamondbacks emerging as a standout option. ESPN's David Schoenfield suggests that not only would Suárez fit perfectly in the Tigers' lineup, potentially batting between lefties Kerry Carpenter and Riley Greene, but he also represents a feasible acquisition.

Even as the Diamondbacks contend for a postseason berth, parting with Suárez in the final year of his lucrative $79 million contract could be a possibility given their roster depth. Currently, Suárez is enjoying one of his best seasons as a slugger, with 26 homers and an impressive .888 OPS, numbers that would immediately elevate the Tigers' batting stats. While acquiring him would come at a price, his addition could significantly enhance Detroit's chances of a deep playoff run.

The Detroit Tigers face off against the Washington Nationals in a doubleheader on July 2, 2025, after the first game of their series was postponed. The Tigers, holding a record of 53-32, are looking to extend their success following a series victory over the Minnesota Twins. In contrast, the Nationals, with a 35-49 record, aim to build on their win against the Los Angeles Angels.

Tyler Holton will start for Detroit, currently showing a 3-3 record with a 4.34 ERA, while Trevor Williams takes the mound for Washington, struggling at 3-9 with a 5.65 ERA. Recent performances indicate the Tigers have won four of their last five against National League teams, suggesting they might have the upper hand. Expert predictions favor the Tigers on the moneyline, while the Nationals are expected to cover on the spread.

On this week's starting pitcher report, several pitchers are trending upwards, providing intriguing options for fantasy leagues. Yusei Kikuchi has turned his season around with a recent 2.25 ERA in June thanks to a focus on his curveball, increasing its usage from 9% to 21%. Justin Wrobleski's velocity has seen a notable uptick, averaging 96.6 mph on his fastball, along with a strategic increase in cutter use against right-handed batters. Mike Burrows is getting attention for his pitch mix shift, throwing his four-seam fastball more frequently, while maintaining solid numbers. Lastly, despite Jack Flaherty's struggles, there's potential in his curveball if he can iron out his pitch tipping issues.

The MLB betting landscape is buzzing with excitement as top matchups unfold on July 2, 2025. Following a successful no-runs-first-inning (NRFI) betting night, there are six standout NRFI picks to consider today. Key matchups include the St. Louis Cardinals facing the Pittsburgh Pirates, where pitchers Sonny Gray and Mitch Keller are set to take the mound. Gray, boasting an impressive 12-4 NRFI record this season, aims to maintain his form after a complete game shutout against the Guardians. Keller, with a solid 12-5 NRFI record, presents a tough challenge. Meanwhile, the San Diego Padres face off against the Philadelphia Phillies in a doubleheader, with Nick Pivetta and rookie Mick Abel pitching. Pivetta, also 12-4 on NRFIs this year, is expected to shine. The betting community is closely monitoring these games, considering weather conditions and lineup changes that could impact outcomes.

The 2023 MLB season has witnessed a notable decline in strikeouts, with teams averaging 8.26 strikeouts per game, the lowest since 2017. This marks a significant change from the strikeout-heavy era epitomized in 2019, when the rate peaked at 8.61 per game. Players like Gleyber Torres, now with the Detroit Tigers, have adapted their approaches, focusing on making contact and putting the ball in play.

Torres, who previously endured high strikeout rates, has refined his batting technique, achieving a remarkable 12.9% strikeout rate this season, significantly lower than the league average. Similarly, Ryan O’Hearn of the Baltimore Orioles has transformed his game, cutting his strikeout rate to 14%, aiming to create more opportunities for his team. Teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks exemplify this shift, as they combine power with a low strikeout rate, highlighting a strategic evolution in MLB.