Cole Ragans, a promising left-handed pitcher in his fourth MLB season, has made significant strides since joining the Kansas City Royals. Acquired from the Texas Rangers in June 2023, Ragans showcased his potential with a stellar first half, boasting a 2.64 ERA and 89 strikeouts over 71 innings before being selected as an All-Star and finishing fourth in AL Cy Young voting.

However, his 2024 season took a hit due to a rotator cuff strain that placed him on the injured list. Following an MRI showing positive signs, he is set to resume throwing soon. The Royals, currently struggling and 5.5 games off the playoff pace, are counting on his recovery to reignite their postseason hopes.

The Arizona Diamondbacks bolstered their roster ahead of a critical series against the Kansas City Royals by placing Ryan Thompson on the 15-day injured list due to a scapular strain. Thompson had been a reliable option, allowing only two runs over 17 appearances since May 23. In response, the Diamondbacks recalled Bryce Jarvis from Triple-A Reno, providing additional depth in the bullpen.

Starting pitcher Anthony DeSclafani is set to make his debut for the Diamondbacks, having transitioned from the San Francisco Giants. He had a shaky start to the season but can offer a fastball averaging 94.1 mph, complemented by a strong slider. Meanwhile, the Royals will counter with Michael Lorenzen, who has struggled recently with a 6.88 ERA in his last seven starts.

Bobby Witt Jr., after two consecutive seasons with over 30 home runs, finds himself struggling with just 11 homers in 2025. Despite this, he leads the league with 30 doubles and boasts a career-high average exit velocity of 92.9 mph, indicating potential for a power resurgence as the weather warms. His current hitting streak of nine games has driven his odds to +550 for home runs against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

This Sunday features key players in the MLB home run prop market: Pete Alonso of the Mets, already with 20 homers this season, has impressive stats against Max Fried and is pegged at +450 odds. Kyle Stowers from the Marlins is also a notable mention with +550 odds against a recovering Brandon Woodruff.

As we head into Week 15 of the 2025 MLB season, fantasy baseball enthusiasts should keep their eyes on potential two-start pitchers to maximize their rotations. With the All-Star break approaching, strategic streaming options are essential. This week, 34 pitchers are lined up for two starts, and a mix of both well-rostered and available pitchers are highlighted.

Among the top options, Will Warren and Shane Baz stand out, both with matchups against middling offenses. For managers looking for less common pickups, Noah Cameron of the Kansas City Royals, currently rostered in only 38% of leagues, presents an opportunity with solid stats and matchups against the Pirates and Mets. Conversely, riskier choices like Brady Singer and Jose Soriano are also available, though they face tougher lineups.

In an exciting matchup, the Arizona Diamondbacks host the Kansas City Royals with first pitch set for 1:10 p.m. at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks will send out right-hander Ryne Nelson, who has been impressive lately with a 3.61 ERA and a solid outing against the Giants, striking out seven in 6 2/3 innings. This will be Nelson's second meeting against the Royals, having allowed four runs in a previous start last season. He steps in for the injured Corbin Burnes and has managed a 3.91 ERA in five starts so far.

On the other side, the Royals will counter with Michael Wacha, who has struggled a bit recently, posting a 5.40 ERA in June. His history against the Diamondbacks is also concerning, with a 4.70 ERA over nine career starts. Wacha is looking to bounce back from a five-run performance against the Mariners last week. As both teams aim for a vital victory, expect a clash that could have implications for their respective seasons.