Shohei Ohtani's return from Tommy John surgery has caught the attention of many, showcasing impressive pitches at 102 mph. However, the Los Angeles Dodgers still find themselves in search of a reliable starting pitcher. With options limited behind established stars like Clayton Kershaw and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the team is eyeing potential trades. Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Tony Gonsolin are among the pitchers currently unavailable, complicating the Dodgers' pursuit for depth.

On the other hand, the Kansas City Royals, once playoff contenders in 2024, now struggle in the AL Central and wild card standings, prompting speculation around their key assets. Among those discussed is Seth Lugo, who has had a standout season and could be a prime target for the Dodgers. A proposed trade could see Lugo heading to Los Angeles in exchange for top outfield prospects Eduardo Quintero and Mike Sirota, enhancing the Dodgers' rotation as they gear up for a playoff push.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again grappling with injuries in their starting rotation, prompting speculation about potential trade targets as the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches. Joel Reuter from Bleacher Report suggests the Dodgers should consider acquiring Seth Lugo from the Kansas City Royals, especially if injuries exacerbate their current pitching woes. Lugo, who has been impressive with a 2.74 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 15 starts this season, could be a valuable asset as the Dodgers aim for consecutive World Series titles.

While the proposed trade would cost the Dodgers top prospects Eduardo Quintero and Mike Sirota, it's seen as a necessary move to solidify the rotation. Lugo's performance and experience, including a prior All-Star season and a Cy Young runner-up finish, enhance his desirability. If the Royals fall out of contention, dealing Lugo—who will be a free agent after 2025—could be a wise decision. The Dodgers, facing an uncertain future with their current pitchers, may find this trade beneficial for their championship aspirations.

As the Kansas City Royals face the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park, the game promises intrigue with Michael Lorenzen on the mound for the Royals and Emerson Hancock for the Mariners. The Mariners lead the series 1-0 after a solid 6-2 victory, where George Kirby showcased his skills with five strikeouts over six innings. Recent performance trends highlight the Royals' struggle, losing 8 of their last 10 games, while the Mariners continue to push for a playoff spot.

Current betting odds favor the Mariners slightly at -135, while the Royals sit at +113. With the total runs set at 8.0, analysis points towards betting options that favor Seattle on the moneyline and the over on total runs. Each of the last four encounters between these teams has surpassed the total, underscoring a potential trend worth considering for fantasy participants.

As July approaches, former Florida baseball players continue to shine in Major League Baseball. Pete Alonso has been the New York Mets' steady force, boasting a .296 batting average over the last week and sitting at 18 home runs for the season. His consistency is pivotal to the Mets' playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, Jac Caglianone, finding his footing with the Kansas City Royals, has struggled recently with a .040 average, but the team remains optimistic about his potential.

Injury woes have sidelined Wyatt Langford of the Texas Rangers, who was showing promise before his oblique strain. Harrison Bader of the Minnesota Twins and Jonathan India of the Royals also seek to improve their batting as they face slumps. Brady Singer had a mixed outing against the Yankees, registering four earned runs but racking up nine strikeouts, emphasizing his potential as a key player for the Cincinnati Reds.