The 2025 MLB All-Star Game rosters have been finalized, showcasing a mix of established stars and emerging talent. The National League will be led by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who has opted for his star Shohei Ohtani as a leadoff hitter, followed by Atlanta's Ronald Acuña Jr. The lineup includes names like Freddie Freeman and Manny Machado, highlighting the depth of Roberts’ Dodgers squad with three players joining the starting lineup.

On the American League side, Aaron Boone of the Yankees has called upon Gleyber Torres to lead off, with current MVP candidate Aaron Judge batting third. The lineup also includes MLB home run leader Cal Raleigh and power hitters like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Riley Greene. The game promises to be a showcase of talent, especially with standout pitchers Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal set to take the mound.

Shohei Ohtani is set to lead off for the National League during the All-Star Game at Truist Park, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities once again. Following him in the lineup will be notable names such as Ronald Acuña Jr. and Freddie Freeman, ensuring a star-studded affair for fans. Meanwhile, Paul Skenes, the Pirates' ace, will start for the NL, and Tarik Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, will make his first All-Star start. Both pitchers are known for their impressive fastball velocities, promising an exciting matchup.

Ohtani’s legacy continues to grow, having previously led off as a pitcher and hitter in past All-Star Games. His return to this prestigious position reflects both his prowess and popularity in the league. The game is expected to be a display of raw talent, particularly with players like Manny Machado, Gleyber Torres, and Aaron Judge making their presence felt as well. Fans and fantasy players alike are eager to see how these elite athletes perform on this grand stage.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are aiming aggressively for pitching reinforcements ahead of the trade deadline, bolstered by their current strong standing in the National League West. Despite injuries to several key pitchers, including Roki Sasaki and Blake Treinen, the team holds a solid record of 58-39, leading the San Diego Padres by 5.5 games. MLB Insider Bob Nightengale reports that the Dodgers have shown considerable interest in Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Duran. With an impressive 2.41 ERA and 73 saves since his debut in 2022, Duran represents both a short-term solution and a long-term asset, particularly as the Twins, hovering around .500, may lean toward selling as the trade deadline approaches.

Duran's addition could significantly upgrade the Dodgers' bullpen, currently led by Tanner Scott, who has struggled in his first season with a 4.09 ERA. The Twins might be inclined to trade Duran if their performance does not improve, considering he is under team control until 2028. The Dodgers, looking to ensure their rotation remains deep for a postseason push, face tough decisions regarding their prospects and potential trade costs.

The MLB All-Star Game approaches, shining a spotlight on power hitters in the Home Run Derby set for July 14 at Truist Park, Atlanta. Eight sluggers, including home run leader Cal Raleigh, will contend for the title. The Derby format features timed rounds where players can hit up to 40 balls, with bonus opportunities for long homers. Last year's champion Teoscar Hernandez aims to defend his title against a competitive field that includes James Wood, Junior Caminero, and Byron Buxton, among others.

The Los Angeles Dodgers recently signed Roki Sasaki to a one-year contract after his stint in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. The young pitcher started eight games for the team in 2025, posting a 4.72 ERA over 34.1 innings before suffering a shoulder injury that placed him on the injured list.

Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts provided a positive update on Sasaki’s recovery, indicating that he is progressing well in his bullpen sessions. Sasaki is expected to return to the mound in late August, with a general recovery timeline of about six weeks from the start of bullpen sessions. The Dodgers, known for their pitching depth featuring stars like Clayton Kershaw and Tyler Glasnow, are likely to take a cautious approach with Sasaki to ensure a complete recovery, focusing on his readiness for the postseason.