The Toronto Blue Jays are on a remarkable run, securing 11 wins in their last 12 games as they prepare to face the Oakland Athletics again. Kevin Gausman will take the mound for the Jays, though his 4.15 ERA raises some concerns about his current form. Gausman has seen a drop in his strikeout rate and has been allowing more elevated contact than in previous seasons. The Athletics, while struggling overall, have shown improvement at the plate, with rookies like Nick Kurtz and Brent Rooker emerging as key offensive contributors. This matchup could turn into a high-scoring affair due to the hitter-friendly conditions at Sutter Health Park, especially with the A's struggling bullpen.

MLB All-Star Week begins with the Futures Game, showcasing the top prospects in baseball. This year's game features exciting talents like Konnor Griffin, a shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who boasts exceptional power and speed traits reminiscent of Fernando Tatis Jr. Others to watch include Gage Jump, a left-handed pitcher for the Athletics with increased velocity, and Trey Yesavage from the Blue Jays, who employs deceptive pitch shapes.

Among the rising stars, Jesus Made from the Milwaukee Brewers has significantly improved since the season's start and is a potential MLB standout. Zyhir Hope, now with the Dodgers, has also progressed impressively in his contact game. Jonah Tong from the Mets is making a name for himself with a powerful changeup. Unique pitchers like Noah Schultz from the White Sox and Jurrangelo Cijntje from the Mariners bring additional intrigue, with Schultz's towering height and Cijntje's versatility.

As for future stars, Leo De Vries of the Padres and Max Clark of the Tigers are strong candidates to become the number one prospect by 2026, both showing remarkable potential at such young ages. The Futures Game not only highlights young talent but serves as a crucial opportunity for fans and scouts alike to gauge the future of the sport.

In a thrilling contest on Friday night, Max Scherzer secured his first victory in almost a year, leading the Toronto Blue Jays to a 7-6 win over the Oakland Athletics. Scherzer struck out eight batters while allowing just five hits over six innings, marking a significant milestone as the first Blue Jays pitcher over 40 to win since R.A. Dickey in 2015. The Blue Jays, who have dominated with 13 wins in their last 15 games, capitalized on a disastrous fifth inning for Oakland, scoring six unearned runs.

Toronto's offensive surge began with George Springer reaching base on an error, paving the way for a series of subsequent plays that culminated in a commanding lead. Despite Luis Severino's potential, who struck out eight but was plagued by allowing seven hits and five runs in just over four innings, the A's could not recover. Notably, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. achieved his 1,000th career hit during the game, marking a personal milestone amidst the team’s triumph.

Jesse Winker has rejoined the injured list just days after his activation, sidelined by lower back inflammation. The New York Mets' designated hitter reported back issues following a lackluster return, only managing three at-bats since coming off the IL. This new ailment is unrelated to his previous oblique strain, but Winker's history of back injuries raises concerns. He will undergo treatment with anti-inflammatory medication before reevaluation. Meanwhile, Starling Marte received positive news regarding his knee inflammation and is expected back after the All-Star break.

As the team navigates these injury challenges, they will rely on Mark Vientos and Jared Young to fill the gaps in the lineup. Vientos is already batting in a key position against the Royals. In addition, right-hander Paul Blackburn is nearing a return from shoulder issues, which may bolster the Mets' pitching staff. The Mets are in the midst of a critical stretch, and how they manage these injuries could have a significant impact on their season.

The 2025 Home Run Derby will see Atlanta Braves' Matt Olson replace teammate Ronald Acuña Jr., who will remain an All-Star outfielder despite withdrawal due to recent injuries. Olson, a top power hitter with 17 home runs this season, joins a roster that features several promising sluggers. Notably, Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the New York Yankees and Brent Rooker of the Athletics will also compete, while rising stars such as Junior Caminero and Oneil Cruz add excitement. Cal Raleigh, leading the league with 32 homers, will represent the Mariners, vying for the prestigious title.

With Acuña's strong return from ACL surgery and Olson's prowess, the Derby promises to showcase significant talent. The event, occurring on July 14 at Truist Park, will crown a new champion, following last year's winner, Teoscar Hernández. With a diverse field of participants, the competition is set to be electrifying, highlighting both established and emerging stars in the league.