In a historic milestone for Major League Baseball, four Japanese-born starting pitchers are set to take the mound on the same day—an unprecedented event. Shohei Ohtani will lead for the Los Angeles Dodgers, poised to pitch several innings despite not being fully stretched. Yusei Kikuchi takes the mound for the Los Angeles Angels, having recently earned an All-Star nod, while Yu Darvish represents the San Diego Padres. The Washington Nationals are debuting Shinnosuke Ogasawara, who has overcome early-season injuries.

This unique circumstance underscores the global expansion of baseball, highlighting how the talent from Japan has flourished in the league. Fans can look forward to witnessing a remarkable day for Japanese pitchers, marking a significant cultural milestone.

Kade Anderson, a standout pitcher from LSU, has surged to the top of ESPN's latest mock draft, predicted to be selected first overall by the Washington Nationals in the upcoming MLB Draft. His playoff performance significantly boosted his stock, cementing his status as a top pick. ESPN's Kiley McDaniel estimates a 55% chance for the Nationals to choose Anderson, with the Los Angeles Angels likely to select him if he isn't taken first.

In his remarkable second season, Anderson finished with a 3.18 ERA and 180 strikeouts over 119 innings, playing a crucial role in leading LSU to the national championship. His impressive last game saw him pitch a complete-game shutout with 10 strikeouts. Other LSU pitchers, Anthony Eyanson and Chase Shores, are also projected to be drafted, positioned at numbers 42 and 59 respectively.

As we delve into the second half of the 2025 fantasy baseball season, savvy managers should target players poised for breakout performances. Bryan Reynolds of the Pittsburgh Pirates, despite a sluggish first half, showcases strong underlying stats hinting at resurgence potential. Ceddanne Rafaela of the Boston Red Sox is heating up, suggesting he might exceed his impressive rookie totals. Jo Adell of the Los Angeles Angels is another name to watch, with significant power gains evident this season.

Meanwhile, Corey Seager of the Texas Rangers has started to rebound after an injury-riddled first half, showcasing a return to form. On the pitching front, Will Warren from the New York Yankees appears to be on the cusp of a breakout, boasting impressive strikeout metrics. Lastly, Ronny Henriquez of the Miami Marlins is now the closer, providing a potential source of saves for fantasy teams. These players could be pivotal in the race for the championship.

Saturday's MLB lineup promises excitement with 15 games scheduled. Among the top player prop bets, home run props are in focus, particularly for Matt Olson, Jose Ramirez, Jackson Chourio, Zach Neto, and Bo Bichette. Olson faces a favorable matchup against Erick Fedde, having recently been named a replacement in the Home Run Derby. Ramirez, battling a struggling offense, has shown strong performance against right-handers. Chourio is up against rookie pitcher Shinnosuke Ogasawara, while Neto aims to continue his hot streak against Arizona's Zac Gallen. Bichette looks to capitalize on favorable conditions against lefty Jacob Lopez.

The 2025 MLB All-Star Game rosters are finalized, set for July 15 at Truist Park in Atlanta. Notable starters, determined by fan voting, include Yankees' Aaron Judge and Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, skipping the second phase. The event includes the Futures Game, MLB Draft, and Home Run Derby, creating a celebratory atmosphere.

This year's lineup showcases a blend of youth, with over 20 players aged 26 or younger, including 22-year-old James Wood. Clayton Kershaw, at 37, makes his 11th All-Star appearance, recognized as a 'Legend Pick' by Commissioner Rob Manfred. The Dodgers lead with five selections, while the Tigers have four in the American League.