Yordan Alvarez has been a cornerstone for the Houston Astros since his debut in 2019, showcasing his status as a premier power hitter. The former AL Rookie of the Year and three-time All-Star has delivered significant postseason performances, including a .522 batting average during the 2021 ALCS. However, his 2025 season has been marred by injury, sidelining him since May 3 with a fractured right hand. Astros GM Dana Brown is hopeful for a return during the team's next homestand, possibly even before, indicating Alvarez's crucial role in securing another AL West title. His past season highlighted offensive dominance with a .308 average and 35 homers, making his potential comeback vital for Houston's postseason aspirations.

As we approach July, MLB betting strategies become increasingly critical. Key trends indicate that outdoor parks may favor overs, particularly for games involving the Yankees, Astros, and Dodgers. Road favorites like the Yankees and Astros are currently positioned well for betting opportunities, with the Yankees at -160 against the Blue Jays and the Astros facing the Rockies at the same odds.

In contrast, the Dodgers are a heavyweight at -325 against the White Sox, while the Braves and Cubs also stand as significant home favorites. The matchups reveal intriguing over/under totals, notably in games like Astros/Rockies with a set line of 11.0-11.5 and Giants/Diamondbacks suggesting a potential over bet due to pitching struggles from Zac Gallen and Hayden Birdsong.

The Houston Astros are set to begin July after a stellar June, boasting a 19-7 record. They kick off their month with a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies, starting with Colton Gordon on the mound for the Astros. Gordon has a 3-1 record with a 3.98 ERA this season, facing off against Chase Dollander of the Rockies, who has struggled with a 2-8 record and a 6.06 ERA.

In a setback for the Astros, shortstop Jeremy Peña has been placed on the 10-day injured list after sustaining a rib injury from a pitch last week against the Chicago Cubs. Peña's absence will be felt as he has been a key contributor to the team's success. The game is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. at Coors Field, with coverage available on Space City Home Network and local radio stations.

As July unfolds, MLB teams are poised for critical decisions as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. This month will reveal which teams are buyers or sellers as they vie for playoff positions. The New York Yankees, Houston Astros, and Los Angeles Dodgers stand firm as buyers based on their contending statuses, while teams like the Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox are locked into selling mode.

Meanwhile, bubble teams such as the Arizona Diamondbacks and Boston Red Sox tread carefully, balancing playoff hopes with potential trades. Injuries and performance issues will dictate their strategies as they navigate this pivotal juncture in the season.

The performance of these bubble teams over the next few weeks will greatly influence their trajectories leading up to the trade deadline, determining whether they bolster their rosters or pivot to a rebuilding phase.

The Boston Red Sox have emerged as strong contenders to draft Gavin Fien, a high school third baseman, in the upcoming 2025 MLB draft. Fien, who previously ranked as a top-10 prospect, experienced a drop to 22nd due to a lackluster spring. However, he showcased his potential at the draft combine, reaffirming his status as a high-upside prep bat with solid defensive skills. The Red Sox are reportedly considering him as a future replacement for Alex Bregman if he is traded. This pick aligns with the team's focus on integrating younger talent alongside rising stars like Roman Anthony and Marcello Mayer.