The Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the Houston Astros, dropping the first two games of their weekend series, with a risk of being swept in the Sunday finale. Adding to their woes, manager Dave Roberts confirmed that outfielder Teoscar Hernández would miss the final game due to a foot injury sustained while fouling a pitch. Hernández, who had a stellar 2024 season and received a three-year, $66 million extension, has seen a slight dip in performance this year but still contributes significantly with 14 home runs and 56 RBIs. Additionally, utility player Tommy Edman is also sidelined with an injury. The Dodgers will rely on several young players in their lineup, including rookie Hyeseong Kim and prospect Dalton Rushing, as they attempt to salvage a victory against their rivals.

The 2025 MLB All-Star Game roster reveals an exciting mix of established stars and fresh talent. Leading the American League is Houston Astros ace Hunter Brown, boasting a league-best 1.82 ERA. He’s joined by fan favorites like Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres, alongside emerging talents like Jonathan Aranda of the Tampa Bay Rays, who is hitting .320 with an .879 OPS.

On the National League side, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Freddie Freeman represent the Los Angeles Dodgers, while newcomers James Wood, a 6-foot-7 outfielder for the Washington Nationals, is making his All-Star debut after leading NL outfielders with a .943 OPS. With player injuries looming, the stage is set for potential replacements, adding to the All-Star Game's drama.

Major League Baseball's All-Star Game has unveiled its roster, revealing some notable omissions that have raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Despite impressive performances in the first half of the season, several standout players were left off the All-Star list due to the league's requirement that every team be represented. This has led to deserving athletes being sidelined, particularly from top-performing teams.

In the American League, George Springer, Junior Caminero, Framber Valdez, Joe Ryan, and Jhoan Duran have all been recognized for their significant contributions but unfortunately missed the cut. For instance, Springer has rebounded strongly, showcasing his value as a crucial part of the Blue Jays' lineup, yet with his teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. already selected, his fifth All-Star nod slipped away. Meanwhile, the National League saw Trea Turner, Juan Soto, Sonny Gray, and Christopher Sanchez also fall victim to the competitive roster landscape.

With injury replacements still a possibility, these players could still make it to the All-Star Game, providing a glimmer of hope for their supporters. The All-Star Game not only celebrates the season's best but also highlights the ongoing debate surrounding player selection and the impact of team representation on individual accolades.

The MLB betting landscape for July 6 is heating up, especially with intriguing matchups and valuable odds. The Houston Astros are poised as underdogs against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where RHP Ryan Gusto faces RHP Emmet Sheehan. With a pitching advantage, the Astros offer good value at +165. Meanwhile, the Pirates and Mariners' game promises a low-scoring affair, with the UNDER set at 6.5, favored by Paul Skenes' recent strong performances. The Pirates' moneyline is also appealing, reflecting confidence in their ability to capitalize on Seattle's batting struggles.

In another clash, the San Francisco Giants' offense faces a daunting challenge against the Athletics and LHP Jacob Lopez. Given the Giants' weak performance against lefties, the UNDER at 10 runs is a smart bet. These insights guide savvy bettors seeking to maximize returns in a competitive MLB betting environment.

This week's Waiver Wire Watch highlights several MLB players who are under 40% rostered in Yahoo! leagues and could significantly boost your fantasy team's performance. Tyler O’Neill of the Baltimore Orioles returns from the IL with promising power potential, while Chandler Simpson of the Tampa Bay Rays showcases elite speed. Evan Carter from the Texas Rangers continues to impress as a post-hype prospect, and Jake Meyers of the Houston Astros is making strides in batting average. Nolan Schanuel is emerging as a solid option at first base for the Angels.

Other noteworthy names include Colt Keith of the Detroit Tigers, who is showing promise as a dual-position player, and Tyler Freeman of the Colorado Rockies, who is becoming a valuable asset with speed. Mauricio Dubon is likely to see increased playing time with Jeremy Peña on the IL. Finally, pitchers like Brandon Woodruff and Shelby Miller could offer significant benefits, with both showing solid performance metrics.