The Cleveland Guardians (42-48) face off against the Houston Astros (55-37) tonight, July 9, in Houston, aiming to complete a three-game sweep after winning the first two games of the series. Guardians' Slade Cecconi (3-4, 3.56 ERA) takes the mound against Astros' Brandon Walter (1-1, 4.15 ERA). In their last outing, the Astros rallied from a 6-1 deficit but lost in the 10th inning to the Guardians, highlighting their struggles in both early and late innings.

Recent trends show the Guardians have won their last two games after a 10-game losing streak. Key players to watch include Jose Altuve, who has produced 12 hits in his last 27 at-bats, and Jose Ramirez, who has hit safely in four of his last five games. As the Guardians look to continue their momentum, the Astros aim to avoid a sweep and regain their footing in the series.

Orel Hershiser's recent comments sparked controversy among Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers fans, implying Astros hitters were exploiting past sign-stealing tactics. During a humiliating 18-1 loss for the Dodgers, Hershiser suggested that Astros batters were anticipating breaking balls, referencing the infamous 2017 sign-stealing scandal.

Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy, currently on the injured list, clarified that while he believes the Astros were not cheating in this latest series, rookie pitcher Ben Casparius may have been tipping his pitches. Muncy emphasized the importance of understanding potential signals and how good teams adapt to them, reinforcing that analyzing a pitcher's delivery is a smart part of the game. Muncy's insights highlight the ongoing conversation about ethics and tactics in baseball, particularly surrounding the Astros' controversial history.

As we reach the midpoint of the 2025 MLB season, some teams are exceeding expectations while others are struggling. The Houston Astros, despite losing key players and facing injuries, have surged ahead, competing for the best record in the league. Their resilience showcases emerging talents like Hunter Brown and Jeremy Peña. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays have also impressed, with pivotal performances from various players.

However, teams like the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves are facing significant challenges, raising questions about their postseason viability. The battle for playoff spots intensifies as the trade deadline approaches, making it crucial for teams to bolster their rosters effectively. The rest of the season promises intense competition and potential shake-ups in standings.

Midseason evaluations for Saves+Holds leagues are essential as the All-Star break approaches. Rankings for the top 150 relief pitchers emphasize current form, with players like Josh Hader leading the pack in Houston. The landscape is shifting, especially with potential trades looming that could impact closer roles. Underperforming arms are being scrutinized as fantasy managers look to capitalize on emerging talents and secure their bullpens effectively.

Key updates reveal that players such as Edwin Diaz and Emmanuel Clase are maintaining their elite status, while others like Tanner Scott and Aroldis Chapman are proving valuable as they near trade discussions. The performance data highlights how injury impacts, strikeout rates, and job security are vital for your fantasy strategy. Tracking these changes can help create an edge in roster decisions as the season progresses.

Hunter Brown's ability to limit hard contact was tested during his start against the Cleveland Guardians, where he allowed six runs on six hits. Despite struggling, he showcased his potential by maintaining a low hard-hit rate for the season. The Guardians struck the ball hard, averaging 93.2 mph on batted balls, highlighting Brown's need to adjust his pitch locations and selection, especially after yielding a season-high four extra-base hits.

Manager Joe Espada acknowledged Brown's execution wasn't up to par but praised his resilience, noting his impressive 2.21 ERA and ability to battle through challenging innings. Brown is expected to reflect on this outing and make necessary adjustments as he heads into the All-Star break.