Rays snap a skid with a 7-4 win over Oakland at Sutter Health Park, fueled by 15 hits and a multihit showing from top to bottom. Ryan Pepiot delivered six solid frames, two hits and one run allowed before the seventh inning hiccup, and the offense busted the game open with back-to-back homers from Brandon Lowe and Junior Caminero. Pete Fairbanks closed out the win for his 20th save as Tampa Bay moved within 5½ games of the AL wild-card. The Rays also benefited from a big day at the plate from newcomers Everson Pereira and Nick Fortes, who provided a spark in Pereira’s big-league debut and Fortes’ steady presence behind the plate. The club jumped on Jeffrey Springs early, chasing him after four innings, and built a 4-0 lead before the A’s rallied. Cabrera, Morel and Diaz added productive nights while Caminero reached base four times in a complete offensive showing.

The Rays’ deadline activity didn’t flip their fortunes, but it did shuffle their upside and how fantasy managers should look at August. The Athletic pegs Tampa Bay at No. 15 in power rankings as the team added Adrian Houser to bolster the rotation, while also juggling a multi-team swap that shuffled catcher talent and infield depth. The moves are described as a rare, almost paradoxical mix of buyer-and-seller instincts that sum to a net effect that may feel like a wash as the stretch run begins.

Key trades included Danny Jansen leaving and Nick Fortes coming aboard, Zack Littell moving out in a three-team deal for Hunter Feduccia, and José Caballero traded for Everson Pereira. Curtis Mead was sent away for Houser, Taj Bradley for Griffin Jax, all underscoring the Rays’ philosophy of flexible asset allocation rather than a core rebuild. Entering August, Tampa Bay sits 11 games back of Toronto and four ahead of Baltimore, a classic August “dog days” setup where momentum—and fantasy value—will matter more than ever.

From a fantasy lens, the Houser addition stands out as a potential anchor for the back of the rotation, while the trades at catcher and infield may shuffle lineups and playing time in ways that elevate some players and suppress others. If the Rays can find a new gear in August, Houston-like depth and defensively oriented pieces could emerge as best bets for streaming starts and potential saves opportunities behind a veteran group.

As we head into the MLB betting scene for July 25, 2025, the excitement for No Runs First Inning (NRFI) bets is palpable. With a remarkable 11-1 record over the last three articles, today’s picks are informed by solid pitching matchups and historical trends, making for a thrilling betting landscape. The Miami Marlins face the Milwaukee Brewers, with Cal Quantrill and Freddy Peralta on the mound. Peralta has been fantastic this season, boasting an 18-3 NRFI record, while Quantrill also impresses with a 15-4 record.

The Chicago Cubs and White Sox feature Shota Imanaga, who has excelled in July, and Adrian Houser, who holds a stellar 9-1 NRFI record this year. The Atlanta Braves take on Nathan Eovaldi and the Texas Rangers, with Eovaldi’s 13-3 NRFI record suggesting he can handle the Braves’ offense. The final matchup features the Seattle Mariners against Jose Soriano and the Los Angeles Angels, where both pitchers have ridden impressive NRFI streaks into this game.

The New York Yankees are in a pivotal moment as the trade deadline approaches, with their top prospects, especially Spencer Jones, significantly increasing their trade value. Jones has been stellar at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, hitting .426 with 10 home runs and 20 RBIs over just 16 games, including a remarkable two-homer performance this past Sunday. This surge in performance has put him at the forefront of potential trade discussions as the Yankees consider upgrades ahead of the July 31 deadline.

The Yankees' Triple-A affiliate is riding high, having tied a franchise record with an 11-game winning streak. Carlos Carrasco was instrumental in their recent success, showcasing a dominant performance with one run allowed over seven innings. Meanwhile, other standout performances from players like Everson Pereira and Jose Rojas further bolster the depth of talent the Yankees have in their minor leagues.

Everson Pereira, an exciting top prospect for the New York Yankees, made headlines with an incredible performance for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, hitting for the cycle and going 5-for-6, including two home runs. His eighth-inning triple was particularly impressive as it just barely stayed in the park after nearly clearing the fence. With an .870 OPS and 15 homers in 56 games, Pereira's stock is rising rapidly, and he's currently ranked the No. 12 prospect in the Yankees' system. His performance leaves fans eager to see if he will join the MLB roster soon.