As the Minnesota Twins prepare for a three-game series against the Miami Marlins, they welcome back infielder Royce Lewis from a hamstring injury. Lewis's return comes at a crucial time for the Twins, who are struggling with a record of only five wins in their last 19 games. The Marlins, on the other hand, are riding a wave of success, having won seven consecutive games and boasting a strong performance at home after a six-game road trip.

This matchup features pitching duels that could be pivotal for both teams. Joe Ryan, with an impressive 2.86 ERA, will take the mound for the Twins, contrasting with Edward Cabrera's 3.78 ERA for the Marlins. The series promises to be a test of resilience for Minnesota as they aim to halt their downward spiral while Miami looks to maintain their momentum.

The Minnesota Twins (40-44) are set to face the Miami Marlins (37-45) in the opening game of a three-game series at LoanDepot Park, Miami. Star pitcher Joe Ryan is on the mound for the Twins, boasting an impressive 2.86 ERA and coming off an outing where he allowed no earned runs against the Detroit Tigers. Meanwhile, Edward Cabrera will start for the Marlins, who are riding a season-long seven-game winning streak after sweeping the Giants and Diamondbacks on a road trip. Notably, the Marlins are 13-3 against the spread in their last 16 games and their recent form has seen five consecutive games go over the total. The Twins seek to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Detroit, hoping Ryan can lead them to victory.

On July 1, 2025, the MLB betting scene was dominated by No Runs First Inning (NRFI) picks. The previous night yielded a 3-2 record, with the biggest disappointment stemming from Chase Burns of the Boston Red Sox allowing seven runs in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds. The Athletics almost edged out a 4-1 success with a three-run homer from Shea Langeliers, showcasing the volatility of first-inning betting. Today’s slate featured five strong NRFI bets, including matchups such as the San Diego Padres vs. Philadelphia Phillies, the St. Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates, and more.

Key highlights included Padres' Nick Pivetta, boasting a solid 3.36 ERA and a strong NRFI record, facing the Phillies' Cristopher Sánchez, whose changeup has been effective against right-handed batters. Meanwhile, Paul Skenes, the Pirates' ace with a perfect 17-0 NRFI record, is expected to keep the Cardinals in check. With elite pitchers taking the mound, bettors were advised to consider weather and lineups before placing wagers.

As we enter Week 14 of the fantasy baseball season, four sleeper hitters have emerged as players to watch: Nick Kurtz, Josh Lowe, Agustin Ramirez, and Cam Smith. Each rookie brings unique skills and recent success, making them potential breakout candidates. Kurtz’s power displays a promising home run/fly ball rate, though his high strikeout rate may raise concerns. Lowe, back from injury, has significantly improved his strikeout rate, boosting his offensive contribution for the Tampa Bay Rays. Ramirez has been a key player for the Miami Marlins, showcasing a strong slugging performance, while Smith of the Astros adds to the lineup’s depth amidst recent injuries.

The Chicago Cubs are actively exploring trades to bolster their roster ahead of the deadline, focusing particularly on acquiring an impactful starting pitcher. Sandy Alcantara and Mitch Keller are at the top of their wishlist for rotation improvements as the Cubs aim for a playoff push with a strong standing in the NL Central. Additionally, the team is eyeing offensive upgrades, especially at third base, where Matt Shaw has shown defensive prowess but lacks offensive consistency. The Cubs are considering adding veteran Justin Turner for his postseason experience, although his performance has been inconsistent. They are also monitoring Eugenio Suarez from the Arizona Diamondbacks, who could provide a significant offensive boost if available.