Paul Skenes faced a challenging outing against the Cincinnati Reds, allowing a career-high seven hits; however, the Pittsburgh Pirates ace still managed to dominate the game, leading his team to a decisive 7-0 victory. Despite a less-than-perfect performance, Skenes's impressive strikeout rate, featuring eight strikeouts without a single walk, helped maintain his status as a Cy Young Award frontrunner. His ERA dropped to 1.94 after this game, solidifying his place in the competition.

The Pirates jumped to an early lead against Reds starter Brady Singer, who struggled with his command, allowing four earned runs over just three and 2/3 innings. Bryan Reynolds kickstarted the scoring with a solo home run, while Jared Triolo added two runs with a single, as the Pirates offense continued to pressure the Reds, capitalizing on a tired bullpen. The Reds, now trailing the New York Mets for a Wild Card spot, saw their hopes dim further as they fell behind in the standings.

Today, August 7, 2025, daily fantasy baseball enthusiasts have a mini-slate to work with, featuring just four games. The focus is on three key matchups, including the Chicago White Sox versus the Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves against Miami Marlins, and Pittsburgh Pirates facing off against Cincinnati Reds. Notable pitchers to consider are Paul Skenes, who boasts a 2.02 ERA and high strikeout rate, and Eury Perez, showing promise after recovering from surgery.

Among the hitters, Josh Naylor is making waves with back-to-back homers since joining the Mariners, while Agustin Ramirez's impressive power production suggests potential for further success. Julio Rodriguez is another standout, blending power and speed effectively. With careful lineup decisions and injury monitoring, the right picks can yield significant rewards in today's DFS contests.

As the MLB All-Star break approaches, Week 17 presents a unique opportunity for savvy fantasy baseball managers to stash key prospects. Samuel Basallo of the Baltimore Orioles is generating buzz, boasting a stellar 153 wRC+ in Triple-A with 19 home runs. His potential call-up could be expedited by a trade of Ryan O'Hearn, making him a top 10 catcher for fantasy leagues.

Spencer Jones, now with the New York Yankees, continues to impress with a remarkable 202 wRC+ at Triple-A. Even with strikeout concerns, he could provide significant power if granted a chance in the majors. Meanwhile, Arizona's Jordan Lawlar is set to return from injury and may benefit from a trade of Eugenio Suarez, potentially unlocking his five-category upside.

Cleveland's C.J. Kayfus is another name to watch, hitting .307 in Triple-A, while Philadelphia's Justin Crawford, despite ground-ball issues, offers speed with 28 stolen bases. These players could significantly impact rosters, especially for those in need of a late-season boost.

The Cleveland Guardians are in a precarious position as their offensive struggles continue, leading them to a nine-game losing streak, which has put them 5.5 games behind in the AL wild card race. Despite strong pitching, highlighted by a 1.16 ERA over their last four games, the team's hitting has fallen flat, ranking last in the majors with just 69 runs in a month. Manager Stephen Vogt emphasized the need for a positive mindset, urging players to keep their spirits high despite the poor results.

With the trade deadline looming, discussions about potential internal promotions from their farm system have emerged. Chase DeLauter, Juan Brito, C.J. Kayfus, and Travis Bazzana are all potential candidates to invigorate the lineup. While DeLauter is excelling in Triple-A, Brito's promotion hinges on recovery from a hamstring injury. Kayfus's impressive stats warrant consideration, especially if Carlos Santana is moved. The Guardians must balance immediate needs against the development of their prospects.

This week's fantasy baseball waiver wire targets spotlight players emerging from the injured list and a promising rookie pitcher. Jacob Misiorowski, the Milwaukee Brewers' young starter, made an impressive debut with five no-hit innings and boasts strong Triple-A numbers. Jack Leiter from the Texas Rangers remains a streaming option despite his mediocre stats. Atlanta Braves' Grant Holmes is another solid two-start pitcher to consider. San Francisco Giants' Randy Rodriguez is a must-add reliever with remarkable strikeout rates. Alejandro Kirk of the Toronto Blue Jays is surging offensively, while Cincinnati Reds' Christian Encarnacion-Strand returns from injury ready to impact the first base position.

Meanwhile, keep an eye on Nick Kurtz of the Athletics, who has shown flashes of potential and recently returned from injury. Chicago White Sox's Chase Meidroth offers speed, while Evan Carter's hot streak since returning from the IL makes him worth the gamble for fantasy managers looking for an outfield boost.