The Oakland Athletics’ move to Las Vegas for a new stadium is fraught with uncertainty as owner John Fisher faces mounting financial pressures amidst rising construction costs. With a projected budget that has ballooned to $2 billion, doubts loom over the ability to finance the project. The franchise’s history of failed stadium deals emphasizes the ongoing struggle for a viable home, and the competition for attendance is formidable in a city where sports options are plentiful.

Fisher, who has spent less than half of the required funding for the stadium to unlock public financing, finds himself at a crossroads. The A’s are currently playing in Sacramento but are failing to connect with local fans, which could affect their future. As the timeline for the stadium approaches, the Athletic’s future remains uncertain, leading to speculation that they may relocate again if the deal falls through.

The Tampa Bay Rays have recently faced a setback, experiencing back-to-back losses against the Oakland Athletics, who sit at the bottom of the standings. After a strong six-week surge, the Rays were poised to capitalize on opportunities to ascend in the wild-card race but instead have dropped four of their last five games. Despite key contributions, including a game-tying homer from catcher Danny Jansen, the team failed to secure a win, with missed chances in crucial moments leading to their downfall.

Pitcher Shane Baz showcased his talent, striking out 11 batters and holding the Athletics to just a couple of runs, but even his dominant performance couldn't save the Rays from defeat. As they look ahead, the team must address the lack of timely hitting that has plagued them in recent games. Moving forward, they aim to reset and regain their competitive edge against division rivals while navigating the remaining games of the season.

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 we enter Week 14 of the fantasy baseball season, four sleeper hitters have emerged as players to watch: Nick Kurtz, Josh Lowe, Agustin Ramirez, and Cam Smith. Each rookie brings unique skills and recent success, making them potential breakout candidates. Kurtz’s power displays a promising home run/fly ball rate, though his high strikeout rate may raise concerns. Lowe, back from injury, has significantly improved his strikeout rate, boosting his offensive contribution for the Tampa Bay Rays. Ramirez has been a key player for the Miami Marlins, showcasing a strong slugging performance, while Smith of the Astros adds to the lineup’s depth amidst recent injuries.

As we hit Week 14 of the fantasy baseball season, several starting pitchers have emerged as intriguing waiver wire pickups. Jacob Lopez from the Athletics has dramatically turned his season around, boasting a remarkable 0.39 ERA over his last four outings. Utilizing his slider and changeup more effectively has contributed to this success.

Kumar Rocker of the Texas Rangers, previously a highly-rated prospect, has begun to show his potential with a solid 2.20 ERA in his last three starts but still has work to do on his other pitches. Mike Soroka, now with the Nationals, has also found a rhythm, posting a 3.49 ERA since June 1 as he focuses on improving his changeup.

Eric Lauer of the Blue Jays has revitalized his career after a rough past, sporting a 3.32 ERA across four recent starts. Lastly, Quinn Priester’s impressive performance with a 2.30 ERA since joining the Brewers makes him another must-watch player. Fantasy managers should consider these pitchers as viable options for bolstering their rosters.