Jackson Merrill delivered a spectacular defensive play in the San Diego Padres' recent matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies, preventing a potential home run by Max Kepler. With two outs in the bottom of the third inning, Merrill leaped to snag the towering fly ball, a moment that not only showcased his athleticism but also came during his return from a concussion. At just 22 years old, Merrill's .294 batting average and five home runs this season add to his rising profile.

This catch not only exemplified Merrill's defensive prowess but also demonstrated the Padres' need for strong performances as they aim for a strong finish in the league. Merrill's return from injury has been timely, and with his current form, he might just be the spark the Padres need in their playoff pursuit.

As July approaches, former Florida baseball players continue to shine in Major League Baseball. Pete Alonso has been the New York Mets' steady force, boasting a .296 batting average over the last week and sitting at 18 home runs for the season. His consistency is pivotal to the Mets' playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, Jac Caglianone, finding his footing with the Kansas City Royals, has struggled recently with a .040 average, but the team remains optimistic about his potential.

Injury woes have sidelined Wyatt Langford of the Texas Rangers, who was showing promise before his oblique strain. Harrison Bader of the Minnesota Twins and Jonathan India of the Royals also seek to improve their batting as they face slumps. Brady Singer had a mixed outing against the Yankees, registering four earned runs but racking up nine strikeouts, emphasizing his potential as a key player for the Cincinnati Reds.

As the 2025 fantasy baseball season approaches Week 14, several well-known players are struggling to meet expectations, raising the critical question of whether to drop, hold, or sell them. Among the prominent names is Bailey Ober, a Minnesota Twins pitcher whose disastrous June has seen him allow 30 earned runs in 30 innings with a 9.00 ERA. His declining velocity and high WHIP suggest fantasy managers should drop him immediately.

Similarly, New York Mets pitcher David Peterson, while experiencing a slump, is more promising with a strong first half. Despite recent struggles, his overall performance indicates a hold. Conversely, Baltimore Orioles' Jordan Westburg's ongoing injury issues may warrant a hold in deeper leagues. For Michael Harris II of the Atlanta Braves and Paul Goldschmidt of the New York Yankees, each has their unique reasons for consideration; Harris’s potential resurgence and Goldschmidt’s slump suggest a cautious approach for fantasy managers.

The Minnesota Twins are grappling with Bailey Ober's sudden drop in performance this June, raising concerns about his viability moving forward. After starting the month with a respectable 3.48 ERA, Ober's struggles have seen that figure balloon to nearly 5.5, with 30 earned runs allowed in just 30 innings. His recent outings have been particularly alarming, with back-to-back starts where he gave up seven runs each time. Coach Rocco Baldelli highlighted the long ball as a significant issue—Ober surrendered four home runs in a single game against the Tigers, totaling 14 for the month.

Despite these challenges, Ober maintains that he feels good physically and is focusing on making necessary adjustments. The Twins' staff, including pitching coach Pete Maki, is also committed to identifying and rectifying Ober's mechanical issues, although they refrain from discussing specifics due to competitive pressures. Meanwhile, Royce Lewis is set to return after a brief rehabilitation stint, potentially providing a boost to the Twins’ lineup as they face the Marlins next week.

Sunday marks an exciting set of MLB matchups, highlighted by the Minnesota Twins facing Tarik Skubal and the Detroit Tigers in a compelling showdown. The Twins, despite some struggles, have shown resilience, recently bouncing back with a solid win against the Tigers. However, pitching inconsistencies have plagued them, especially Chris Paddack, who has struggled to maintain his form.

In other action, the Nationals take on the Angels, with both teams looking to capitalize on shaky pitching and capitalize offensively. The total points line is expected to be high given the recent offensive production on both sides. Meanwhile, the Marlins look to extend their winning streak against the Diamondbacks, who are in need of a strong performance to avoid a series loss.