The National League Central rivalry heats up as the Chicago Cubs face off against the Milwaukee Brewers tonight in Milwaukee. With the Cubs at 62-44 and the Brewers at 63-43, both teams are vying for the top spot in the division. Colin Rea starts for Chicago, while Quinn Priester takes the mound for Milwaukee. The Brewers triumphed in last night's matchup, defeating the Cubs 8-4, thanks in part to Christian Yelich's standout performance, where he went 2-for-4 with three RBIs. As the teams prepare for a crucial game, bettors and fantasy enthusiasts will want to analyze player performances and odds closely.

The Chicago Cubs have surprised everyone in 2025 with a solid 60-43 record, powered by a dynamic offense and standout pitchers. However, they trail the Milwaukee Brewers by a game in the NL Central, where the Brewers are on an impressive 11-game winning streak, having won 12 of their last 14. Ian Happ expressed respect for the Brewers, noting their consistent competitiveness in the division, despite losing key players in the offseason. The Cubs and Brewers are both finding success through strong pitching, with the Cubs showcasing more power in their lineup.

With both teams sitting at the top of the division, their upcoming matchups will be crucial. Happ acknowledged the Brewers’ knack for pitching and solid defense, which have kept them in games. The rivalry is heating up, with eight remaining games between the two in August. The Cubs will aim to capitalize on their slight edge in home runs while navigating the Brewers’ strong pitching staff.

The Milwaukee Brewers are set to face the Miami Marlins at American Family Field, looking to rebound from their recent subpar performance. Starting for the Brewers is left-hander José Quintana, boasting a record of 7-3 with an impressive ERA of 3.49. The Marlins will counter with right-hander Janson Junk, who has a 4-2 record and a 3.09 ERA, making his return to the mound after a stint with the Brewers last season.

Notably, the Brewers welcome back outfielder Sal Frelick, who returns after recovering from a strained hamstring. Frelick will lead off and play right field, while Tyler Black has been optioned to Triple-A Nashville. The Brewers' lineup features key players like Christian Yelich and William Contreras, aiming to capitalize on the Marlins' pitching.

Fans can catch the game starting at 6:10 p.m. CT, broadcasted on FanDuel Sports Wisconsin.

Andrew Fischer, the Milwaukee Brewers' first-round draft choice, officially signed his contract and took batting practice with the major league team. The 20th overall pick out of the University of Tennessee, Fischer's signing bonus was reported at $3.5 million, below the recommended value. Recognized as the draft's most advanced college hitter, he aims to expedite his journey to the big leagues. Fischer expressed determination, saying he wants to help the team win and is ready to compete.

He will begin his next phase at the Brewers' Maryvale complex in Phoenix, where he will accumulate at-bats before determining the next steps in his development. The Brewers have a pressing need for talent at third base, particularly with other players sidelined due to injuries. Fischer's dual experience as a first baseman and third baseman will provide flexibility as he develops.

This week's MLB action offers critical insights for fantasy managers. Riley Greene of the Detroit Tigers has become a noteworthy asset in 2024, hitting 24 home runs with a strikingly high strikeout rate of 32.3%. Despite the impressive power, his fantasy value may be impacted by declining walk rates and recent slumps, raising concerns about his long-term consistency.

On the other hand, Jesús Luzardo's unusual season has left many questioning his reliability after a rocky outing against the Red Sox. However, his high strikeout percentage indicates potential for recovery. Lastly, Mickey Moniak is emerging as a surprising fantasy point leader for the Rockies, proving valuable despite a team struggle.