The Oakland Athletics (35-52) face off against the Tampa Bay Rays (47-38) on July 1, 2025, in a matchup featuring starters Jeffrey Springs and Shane Baz. The Athletics took game one of the series, showcasing a strong performance highlighted by a triple from Lawrence Butler, leading to a 6-4 victory with contributions from Max Muncy and Max Schuemann.

As the teams prepare for the next game, insights on player performances and odds reveal the Rays' recent success, winning 8 of their last 9 games when Baz is on the mound, despite his elevated ERA at home. Betting trends suggest that while the Athletics are underdogs, they could cover the spread, indicating potential value for savvy bettors.

As the 2025 MLB season kicks into gear, players like Mike Trout and William Contreras are expected to bounce back from sluggish starts, while teams like the Atlanta Braves are likely to turn around their offensive struggles. Fantasy players should keep an eye on the waiver wire for emerging talents. This week, five players stand out as must-adds: Jeffrey Springs, whose potential as a dominant starter is rekindling; Kris Bubic, who offers breakout potential; Tyler Soderstrom, a promising first baseman; Wilmer Flores, who might fill the first base gap; and Kristian Campbell, a versatile player making waves.

Yahoo drafts are heating up as fantasy baseball enthusiasts prepare for the upcoming season. Understanding Average Draft Position (ADP) is crucial to maximize value during drafts, especially on Yahoo, which has distinct ADP trends compared to platforms like NFBC and Fantrax. Notable draft targets include Will Smith and Shea Langeliers at catcher, with Smith being a steady option for home runs and RBIs, while Langeliers shows breakout potential despite a low batting average.

At first base, Michael Toglia stands out after hitting 25 homers last season and providing unexpected speed. For second base, Luis Garcia Jr. is a rising star with a strong average and power, while Andres Gimenez offers solid defense and speed. Third base options include Luis Rengifo, known for his versatility and stolen bases, and Maikel Garcia, who is also a strong late-round pick. Shortstop target Oneil Cruz possesses the potential to produce big numbers if he can reduce his strikeouts. In the outfield, Lawrence Butler and Taylor Ward present appealing options with multi-category upside.

Pitching targets feature Garrett Crochet, who has excelled in strikeout rates, and Bailey Ober, who provides elite control. Hunter Greene could be a value pick with his potential upside, while Ryan Pepiot is ideal for late-round rotation depth. This season's draft strategies emphasize awareness of platform-specific ADP variations, with Yahoo drafters needing to be cautious of overpaying for popular players.