Thursday's MLB slate features a packed lineup, set to begin at 7:05 PM ET, including seven outdoor games. Due to potential rain in New York, Boston, and Chicago, keeping an eye on weather updates is crucial for fantasy lineup adjustments. Key pitchers to consider include Bryan Woo from Seattle, who boasts a 2.77 ERA and has excelled in recent starts, facing a formidable Yankees lineup. Also, Logan Allen from Cleveland is trending up after a sweep of the Astros, making him a solid mid-range pick against the struggling White Sox. Other value plays include JP Sears of Oakland and Jose Ramirez, who is on a power surge for the Guardians.

Fantasy players should also explore stacking opportunities, especially with the Rangers against Jack Kochanowicz and the Guardians against Jonathan Cannon, both of whom have shown vulnerability to left-handed hitters. As the All-Star break approaches, monitoring injury reports and the latest lineup changes remains essential for optimizing daily fantasy selections.

In a nail-biting finish, the Pittsburgh Pirates suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals at Kaufman Stadium, marking their fifth consecutive defeat. Oneil Cruz and Nick Gonzales each contributed a homer, but it wasn't enough to secure a win.

Starting pitcher Mitch Keller demonstrated resilience, retiring 16 batters in a row after allowing an early solo home run. However, a pivotal seventh inning saw Salvador Perez reach base on catcher’s interference, followed by Nick Loftin's two-run homer that propelled the Royals into a commanding lead.

This game further highlights the Pirates' struggles, as they continue to face challenges in closing out games and maintaining leads, posing questions for fantasy owners relying on their key players.

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.

Garrett Crochet of the Red Sox continues his impressive season with stellar statistics, including a 2.06 ERA and 135 strikeouts, making him an essential start in all fantasy leagues. Joe Ryan of the Twins also shines with an 8-3 record and a 2.86 ERA, showcasing his potential against weaker teams like the Marlins and Rays. Max Fried, pitching for the Yankees, is another strong option, consistently performing well despite challenging matchups against the Blue Jays and Mets.

Meanwhile, Jacob Lopez of the Athletics is showing signs of improvement, boasting a low earned run average recently. George Kirby of the Mariners is a high-risk option with variable performances but faces favorable matchups against weaker lineups in the Royals and Pirates. For those looking for potential streaming options, the likes of Trevor Rogers and Emerson Hancock could also provide value despite their ups and downs this season.

With Andrew McCutchen nearing the end of his illustrious career, there are whispers of a potential farewell tour back in Pittsburgh. The Pirates view McCutchen, now 39, as one of their untouchable players alongside rising star Paul Skenes. His latest season shows solid numbers, with a .259 batting average, eight home runs, and 28 RBIs, though the Pirates sit at the bottom of the standings.

As Pittsburgh navigates a rebuilding phase, they might explore trading other assets like Mitch Keller, who recently secured a five-year, $77 million extension. Should the Pirates consider moving McCutchen to a contender, a similar approach as the Miami Heat’s handling of Udonis Haslem could emerge, with one-year contracts offered in gratitude for his contributions to the franchise.