The announcement of the All-Star Game rosters has ignited discussions among baseball fans, particularly regarding notable omissions such as Christopher Sánchez from the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite a stellar season, Sánchez's absence from the initial lineup is considered a major oversight, attributed primarily to the depth of starting pitchers in the National League. With a remarkable 2.68 ERA and 108 strikeouts over 100 1/3 innings, he has proven to be a pivotal player in the Phillies' rotation, which boasts the second-best ERA in MLB at 3.32.

His teammate, Zack Wheeler, has been recognized with an All-Star selection, yet many argue that Sánchez's performance merits equal acknowledgment. Chris Landers from FanSided has highlighted Sánchez as a prime candidate for replacement should any of the selected pitchers opt out, especially with Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves sidelined due to injury. Sánchez's previous All-Star appearance last year, coupled with his enhanced performance this season, solidifies his case for inclusion in the festivities in Atlanta. As the season progresses, observers will be watching closely for any developments that could see Sánchez joining his teammate Wheeler in the All-Star Game.

Colson Montgomery, the Chicago White Sox's new shortstop, made a stellar mark in his second major-league game, hitting an RBI triple that not only marked his first career hit but also helped the Sox to a resounding 10-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies. Montgomery's impressive 3-for-5 performance included two crucial singles, and he contributed to the Sox's robust two-out scoring, which accounted for eight runs throughout the game.

Alongside Montgomery, Lenyn Sosa shone brightly with three hits and four RBIs, including a two-run homer. The White Sox matched last season's series victory total with this win, showcasing their offensive depth with a season-high of 15 hits, including a staggering 464-foot home run by Michael A. Taylor in the ninth inning.

As the MLB trade deadline approaches, savvy fantasy baseball players should keep a close eye on potential closer-closing changes and stash some high-potential relief pitchers. Jason Adam of the San Diego Padres, with a standout ERA of 1.69, is the top handcuff to monitor, especially given Robert Suarez's recent struggles. Similarly, Randy Rodriguez of the San Francisco Giants is poised for a possible promotion should Camilo Doval falter. Griffin Jax from the Minnesota Twins and Bryan Abreu of the Houston Astros also boast impressive strikeout rates and are positioned well should their teams' closers be traded or falter. Stashing these pitchers could lead to valuable saves down the stretch.

Otto Kemp, an undrafted free agent, recently made his first big league start in left field for the Philadelphia Phillies after playing only seven games in the position at Triple-A this season. Veteran reporter Jim Salisbury believes Kemp's right-handed bat is a valuable addition to the struggling lineup, emphasizing the team's need for a solid hitting option. While Kemp has shown promise at the plate, his ability to adapt to left field remains a significant challenge as the trade deadline approaches.

The Phillies' regulars in left have struggled, with Max Kepler's performance against left-handed pitchers suffering in particular. Kemp is expected to share left field duties with Kepler in the upcoming series against left-handed starters in Houston, indicating a crucial moment for both players and the team’s playoff aspirations.

For today's MLB betting opportunities, focus on two key matchups featuring talented left-handed pitchers who have demonstrated strong performances against weaker opponents. The Philadelphia Phillies take on the Miami Marlins, where Ranger Suárez is expected to excel. With a stellar 2.32 ERA and 1.07 WHIP, Suárez has proven to be particularly formidable on the road and at Loan Depot Park, where Marlins batters struggle against lefties. Expect him to record over 18.5 outs.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers face the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates, with Tarik Skubal on the mound. Skubal boasts an impressive 1.99 ERA and has shown dominance at home, making him a prime candidate for an under on hits allowed. Given the Pirates' poor showing against lefties this season, expect a tough outing for them against Skubal.