Three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw is on the brink of a significant milestone, needing just three more strikeouts to reach 3,000, a feat achieved by only 19 other pitchers in MLB history. Likely to accomplish this at home in front of the Los Angeles Dodgers fans, this achievement represents both a celebration and a poignant reflection on Kershaw's illustrious career. As one of the last of a generation known for throwing extensive innings, Kershaw’s recent performance has shown he's still capable, boasting a 4-0 record with a 3.03 ERA after returning from injury.

However, with the decline in durability among pitchers and the increasing prevalence of injuries, including Tommy John surgeries, Kershaw’s achievement raises questions about the future of longevity in pitching. As he, along with contemporaries like Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, nears the end of their careers, the landscape of baseball pitching excellence seems to be shifting. The transition poses a challenge for newer pitchers, who face tougher conditions and higher velocities, potentially threatening the accumulation of traditional milestones like 200 career wins or 3,000 strikeouts.

Clayton Kershaw is on the cusp of joining the elite 3,000-strikeout club, a milestone that underscores his evolution as a pitcher since debuting in 2008. Long ago, a young Kershaw faced a sophomore slump, prompting him to develop a slider. This addition transformed his pitch mix, allowing him to effectively disrupt hitters' timing. His ability to adapt and refine his craft has been a hallmark of his career, evidenced by three Cy Young Awards and two World Series titles. As he prepares for his next start, Kershaw's experience and competitive nature will once again be on display.

At 37, Kershaw faces challenges with velocity and health but remains a formidable force on the mound. His mastery of the fastball-slider-curveball combination showcases not only his physical talent but also his cerebral approach to pitching. With a history of performing under pressure, Kershaw exemplifies the persistence required to maintain excellence. As he aims for 3,000 strikeouts, his journey reflects a legacy built on hard work, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of improvement.

As we approach July, MLB betting strategies become increasingly critical. Key trends indicate that outdoor parks may favor overs, particularly for games involving the Yankees, Astros, and Dodgers. Road favorites like the Yankees and Astros are currently positioned well for betting opportunities, with the Yankees at -160 against the Blue Jays and the Astros facing the Rockies at the same odds.

In contrast, the Dodgers are a heavyweight at -325 against the White Sox, while the Braves and Cubs also stand as significant home favorites. The matchups reveal intriguing over/under totals, notably in games like Astros/Rockies with a set line of 11.0-11.5 and Giants/Diamondbacks suggesting a potential over bet due to pitching struggles from Zac Gallen and Hayden Birdsong.

The MLB season is at its midway point, and while the waiver wire has been thoroughly scouted, some hidden gems still remain. Players under 40% ownership on Yahoo are still available and could significantly impact your roster. Here are three players to consider adding as the season rolls on.

Ben Rice, the Yankees' first baseman, is showing promise despite a recent slump. After a scorching April, Rice's performance dipped but he's earning more playing time thanks to his versatility at both first base and catcher. His eligibility as a catcher makes him particularly valuable in deeper leagues.

Emmet Sheehan, a Dodgers pitcher, is back from injury and has shown impressive strikeout potential. After a powerful start at Triple-A, he's poised for a quick return to the big leagues, adding depth to a battered Dodgers rotation.

Finally, Dominic Canzone of the Mariners is making waves with his recent call-up. His power bat and high contact rate could provide an offensive boost for Seattle, making him a worthy addition for teams needing outfield help.

This Tuesday's MLB slate brings exciting player prop opportunities with top hitters and a standout pitcher in focus. Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Los Angeles Dodgers is set to face the struggling Chicago White Sox, making a case for over 6.5 strikeouts, especially given the White Sox's poor offensive showing this season.

Meanwhile, Kansas City Royals' Cal Raleigh is on fire, having recently homered and looking to continue his streak with odds of over 0.5 home runs against the Seattle Mariners. Lastly, Kyle Tucker of the Cleveland Guardians is positioned to surpass 1.5 total bases in a crucial matchup against the Chicago Cubs, with solid hitting performance in recent games.