The Nationals visit Kansas City for a matchup that hinges on whiffs and velocity. Cade Cavalli returns with the kind of swing-and-miss stuff that turned heads in his 2025 debut, flashing velocity near the triple digits and four-pitch command. Bailey Falter counters for the Royals, a right-hander whose xBA and xERA suggest some regression is due but who benefits from depth in a shallow KC bullpen. The betting lens centers on Cavalli’s over 3.5 strikeouts prop, a line that looks attainable given KC’s late-season swing-and-miss dynamics and Cavalli’s raw stuff.

The Royals, 58-60 and solidly perched in the AL Central, have shown a penchant for striking out, even as contact rates were solid earlier in the season. Kansas City’s bullpen has been taxed lately, with Estevez, Erceg and Zerpa throwing on consecutive days, amplifying the path to late-game vulnerability. Washington has been inconsistent of late, scoring just 14 runs across five games, but a 17-hit outburst in their latest win signals life. The Nationals have also covered the run line in six straight road games versus KC, a nuance that adds a playful edge to the pick.

With Cavalli carrying a debut halo and Falter facing a lineup prone to chasing, expect a close, high-variance game where late-inning runs could tilt the result. Washington’s ability to stay in the game and possibly steal it late keeps the door open for a +128 return on the Nationals in a venue where run prevention and bullpen dynamics could decide the outcome. This one is framed for fantasy-savvy bettors who chase per-inning velocity and bullpen matchup edges.

Week 20 of the 2025 MLB fantasy pitching slate centers on the resurgence of Andrew Painter and a fresh stash rotation sprinkled with upside teens. Logan Henderson’s shoulder setback opened a slot at the top, but Painter returns to reclaim the lead with Philadelphia’s ace-in-waiting profile. The column then pivots to a lone left-hander in this week’s stash, Robby Snelling, signaling a shift in the tier-one prospects as teams chase strikes and length.

Behind Painter, Bubba Chandler and Nolan McLean anchor the next tier for the Pirates and Mets systems, respectively, each offering big strikeout potential and the chance to forward a major-league call-up with continued minor-league success. Brandon Sproat’s rebound with Syracuse adds a sense that the Mets are cultivating depth for late-season rotations, while Snelling’s Jacksonville track record raises the Miami rotation ceiling if his ascent accelerates.

Additional deep-league targets include Hunter Barco, Noah Schultz, and Quinn Mathews, all on the radar for bench stashes in 12+ team formats. Bailey Falter’s trade-season move also factors into the puzzle, keeping Phillies arms in the conversation as teams weigh promotions and bullpen depth. The piece emphasizes workload awareness and the evolving minor-league-to-MLB timeline as the playoff push looms.

Fantasy managers should balance upside with innings risk: Painter remains the most rewarding long-term bet, while Snelling and Chandler offer speculative week-to-week upside for the closing weeks of 2025. In redraft leagues, consider short-term stashes with clear paths to rotation slots, and stay tuned for any deadline-driven promotions that could reshape the late-season rotation.

Luke Keaschall delivered a walk-off two-run homer in the 11th inning as Minnesota beat Kansas City 5-3, marking the Twins’ ninth walk-off win of the year. Keaschall extended his on-base streak to 12 straight games to begin his career, capping a late-inning comeback that rallied past the Royals’ bullpen.

Earlier, Fitzgerald logged his first career hit with a homer, and Jeffers tied it in the eighth after Austin Martin tripled on a misplay by John Rave. Pasquantino’s 20th homer gave KC a 3-2 lead in the seventh, but the Twins answered with a late surge. Tonkin contributed two scoreless frames for Minnesota, while Estévez suffered the defeat.

The Royals also left 15 runners on base and were 1-for-15 with men in scoring position, underscoring a squandered opportunity as Minnesota capitalized when it mattered. The win sets up Monday’s matchups featuring Falter and Cavalli, with Zebby Matthews and Will Warren scheduled to start for Minnesota and New York, respectively.

On August 4, the Kansas City Royals (56-56) are set to battle the Boston Red Sox (62-51) at Fenway Park. Bailey Falter will pitch for the Royals while Brayan Bello takes the mound for the Sox. Both teams are in strong form, with the Royals winning two of three against Toronto, and the Red Sox recently sweeping the Astros at home.

The latest odds show the Royals at +135 on the moneyline, while the Red Sox are at -160. Betting trends indicate that Boston has been particularly strong at home, winning 16 of their last 20 games, whereas the Royals have had trouble against them on the road. Falter's recent outing showcased a 1.80 ERA, while Bello has been consistently striking out batters, adding intrigue to this evening's matchup.