Logan Webb is set to take the mound for the San Francisco Giants as they face off against the Arizona Diamondbacks in a pivotal four-game series. Webb has been exceptional, recording a quality start in nine of his last ten outings, boasting a 2.52 ERA this season. The Giants, slight favorites on the road, are looking to capitalize on the Diamondbacks’ current four-game losing streak.

The Diamondbacks, however, have a promising pitcher of their own in Ryne Nelson, who recently returned to the rotation with impressive statistics, including a 2.62 ERA and a .174 opponent batting average in his last six starts since May 20. This matchup will be crucial, as both teams aim to improve their standings in a competitive National League.

Chase Burns made an impressive MLB debut for the Cincinnati Reds, striking out the first five batters faced against the New York Yankees. He joins a wave of talented young pitchers in the NL Central, including Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who finished third in last year's Cy Young race. Milwaukee's Jacob Misiorowski has also made headlines, throwing 11 hitless innings to start his career. With Burns' arrival as the No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft, the NL Central is seeing a surge in pitching talent, giving teams like the Cubs and Brewers a run for their money.

The division is competitive, as four teams are currently more than four games over .500 and maintaining ERAs below 4.00. This is a stark contrast to the struggles of the San Francisco Giants, who have lost six of their last eight games and sit behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. The Marlins made headlines with a dramatic comeback win against the Arizona Diamondbacks, showcasing the unpredictable nature of baseball.

As the July 31 MLB trade deadline approaches, speculation intensifies around potential trades. Notable names in the trade market include Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies, who has shown consistent performance but is evolving his game. Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers, a top starter, could be moved as they assess their roster options. Eugenio Suárez of the Arizona Diamondbacks is enjoying a stellar season, while teammates Merrill Kelly and Sandy Alcantara are also attracting interest. The St. Louis Cardinals have their own considerations with Nolan Arenado and Ryan Helsley, each with different scenarios influencing their future.

The market could shift rapidly, influenced by team standings and the impending postseason. Players like Cedric Mullins and Mitch Keller are also under the microscope, along with others who may not have been on this initial list. With every team evaluating their potential for postseason contention, the next few weeks promise significant changes across the league.

Brandon Woodruff, the Milwaukee Brewers' right-handed pitcher, has begun yet another rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville, continuing his recovery from injuries that have sidelined him since April 2023. After dealing with an ankle issue and a line drive to the elbow, Woodruff's latest outing was cut short by rain, but he managed to pitch 3.2 innings, allowing four earned runs, while demonstrating encouraging velocity.

Despite a rocky first inning that saw him give up a three-run homer, Woodruff found his rhythm in the second and third innings, showcasing a fastball that consistently reached the mid-90s. With a potential return to the Brewers lineup as early as this week, Woodruff aims to finally put an end to a lengthy and arduous rehab process and rejoin his teammates for the crucial games ahead.

The Milwaukee Brewers are set to complete their homestand with a final game against the Colorado Rockies at American Family Field, aiming for a series sweep. Starting for Milwaukee is right-hander Chad Patrick, who is looking for his first win since May 31. The Rockies will counter with right-hander Germán Márquez, who is struggling this season with a 5.79 ERA. The game starts at 1:10 p.m. and will be broadcasted on FanDuel Sports Wisconsin.

The Brewers lineup features notable names such as Christian Yelich and William Contreras, while the Rockies' lineup includes Ryan McMahon and Thairo Estrada. This matchup holds significance as both teams look to build momentum heading into the July series against the New York Mets.