Freddie Freeman's return from a scheduled day off created excitement at Dodger Stadium, yet it was Michael Conforto who took center stage in a dramatic comeback victory over the Mets. A crucial eighth-inning at-bat saw Conforto collect an RBI single, marking his first hit with runners in scoring position this season, leading the Dodgers to a thrilling 6-5 win. The victory was significant, placing the Dodgers ahead of the Padres in the NL West race.

Despite Freeman's star status, Conforto's clutch performance showcased his potential to turn around a struggling season. On the pitching side, Landon Knack faced challenges against the Mets, while manager Dave Roberts had to rely heavily on the bullpen to secure the win. With the Dodgers facing a busy schedule ahead, the effectiveness of their pitchers will be critical as they aim for postseason positioning.

As the season heats up, the MLB betting landscape presents intriguing opportunities, starting with the matchup between the Minnesota Twins and Oakland Athletics. Jeffrey Springs, struggling this season with a 4.72 ERA and a troubling lack of strikeouts, is set to take the mound for the A's, while the Twins look to capitalize on his vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, Twins' Byron Buxton is on a roll, boasting a .274 average with 10 homers and a 6-game hit streak, making him a prime target for prop bets.

The Athletics, despite their struggles, have shown signs of life offensively, ranking near the top in wOBA over the past two weeks. However, with Zebby Matthews on the mound for the Twins, fans are left wondering how long he can maintain his elite strikeout rate against a resilient A's lineup. As always, careful consideration of these matchups and player forms will be key in navigating today's betting landscape.

Mookie Betts is on track to make his return to the Los Angeles Dodgers after recovering from a fractured toe. The shortstop participated in pregame drills and is expected to be available off the bench for the series against the New York Mets. Manager Dave Roberts noted that Betts' ability to hit was unaffected by the injury, emphasizing his focus on playing defense. Meanwhile, Tyler Glasnow is experiencing discomfort in his recovery from shoulder inflammation, casting doubt on his return timeline. The Dodgers have multiple injured pitchers, including Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Shohei Ohtani, with Glasnow's situation particularly concerning given his previous injury history. The team eagerly anticipates reinforcements as they look to stabilize their pitching staff.

Concerns surrounding the New York Yankees' infield are intensifying as former pitcher David Cone weighs in on their current strategies. With Jazz Chisholm Jr. returning from injury, the Yankees have shifted him to third base while maintaining DJ LeMahieu at second. Cone questions whether this decision optimally utilizes Chisholm's skills, noting he appeared more effective at second base. He speculated that the Yankees may be reacting to left-handed pitchers like Max Fried and Carlos Rodón in their rotation, adjusting their infield accordingly.

The complexity of the situation is compounded by injuries and the mixed performances of players like LeMahieu, who recently had a standout game against the Dodgers, yet remains at an age where his mobility is decreasing. Cone suggests the Yankees might find it easier to trade for second basemen, indicating a potential strategy shift as the trade deadline approaches. The Yankees' infield dynamics remain in flux as they navigate these challenges.

As Week 9 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season approaches, a number of promising starting pitchers are available on the waiver wire, particularly for teams looking to enhance their roster. Will Warren of the New York Yankees is a standout option, boasting a 4.05 ERA and showing consistent strikeout potential in recent outings. Gavin Williams from the Cleveland Guardians is another solid candidate, with a growing strikeout rate due to the effective use of his cutter. Jeffrey Springs of the Athletics continues to be a reliable choice, despite limited strikeouts, while Mitch Keller of the Pirates has shown improved form with a stellar ERA in his last three starts. For deeper leagues, Shane Smith of the White Sox and Ryan Weathers of the Marlins present intriguing options as they continue to find their footing in the majors.