The Pirates ride a six-game skid into a ChI-Cubs showdown at Wrigley, with Chicago favored in a power-laden NL Central matchup. Colin Rea gets the ball for the Cubs, while Pittsburgh hasn’t named a starter yet. The betting board features Cubs at -202 and a nine-run total, but SportsLine’s model pegs value on one side and projects a low-scoring night around 8.6 runs. Reynolds and McCutchen pace Pittsburgh’s bats, while Suzuki and Crow-Armstrong anchor Chicago’s lineup. The Cubs’ post‑loss run line and home strengths are noted, as is Chicago’s favorable home cadence. New user promos and the model’s run-prop edge are highlighted.

In a deeper dive, the piece flags strong trends: Pittsburgh’s slump-tinged road underdog status (26-22 run line) contrasts with Chicago’s 34-17 run line after losses and 36-20 mark at home. The SportsLine projection has a disciplined posture, urging bettors to consider the Under and a single money-line edge, backed by a model that’s historically net-positive on MLB picks and homer props.

For fantasy baseball managers navigating Week 19 of the 2025 season, several under-the-radar hitters are poised to bolster statistical categories. Blake Perkins, recently elevated to starting center fielder for the Milwaukee Brewers, is generating buzz after scoring eight runs and hitting two homers in his last week. Trent Grisham of the New York Yankees is set for increased playing time due to Aaron Judge's injury, recently hitting his 20th home run. Meanwhile, Lenyn Sosa from the Chicago White Sox is showcasing versatility and power, scoring six runs in the last week.

In terms of home run potential, Warming Bernabel and Jordan Beck of the Colorado Rockies are both on fire, with Bernabel hitting .417 and three home runs in his first ten days. Ryan Mountcastle of the Baltimore Orioles, returning from the IL, is another speculative yet intriguing add. For those seeking stolen bases, Luke Keaschall and Wenceel Perez present solid options, both demonstrating speed and opportunity. Finally, Spencer Horwitz from the Pittsburgh Pirates is quietly leading off, while Isaac Collins has quickly become a Rookie of the Year candidate.

The fantasy baseball landscape is heating up as August rolls in, presenting new opportunities for managers. Key players like Andrew Vaughn from the Milwaukee Brewers are making significant waves after a recent trade, showcasing a stellar performance with a .371 batting average, 6 home runs, and 24 RBIs since joining the team. Meanwhile, Jordan Beck of the Colorado Rockies is also on a hot streak, positioned well in the batting lineup after tallying impressive stats in his recent games. Spencer Horwitz from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Lenyn Sosa from the Chicago White Sox are emerging as valuable assets, with both showing strong offensive capabilities. Lastly, rookie Colson Montgomery continues to impress, making a case for himself in 12-team leagues.

The Colorado Rockies faced a disappointing defeat against the Pittsburgh Pirates, losing 9-5 at Coors Field despite a valiant sixth-inning effort that featured back-to-back-to-back home runs for the first time in over seven years. After trailing 8-1, Spencer Horwitz of the Pirates had a standout game, hitting two home runs and driving in six runs. Rockies left fielder Jordan Beck acknowledged the team's attempt to rally but noted it fell short.

Pittsburgh's Mitch Keller stifled the Rockies for five innings, but an explosive sixth led by Tyler Freeman's walk and Mickey Moniak's massive homer ignited a comeback attempt. However, the Rockies' poor starting pitching and mental errors plagued their performance throughout the game.

The Boston Red Sox made a strategic move to bolster their pitching staff by acquiring veteran left-hander Steven Matz from the St. Louis Cardinals right before the MLB trade deadline. In exchange, the Red Sox parted ways with minor league first baseman Blaze Jordan, a prospect with considerable power potential. Matz, who has transitioned primarily to relief work in 2025, has demonstrated solid numbers with a 3.44 ERA and a strikeout rate of 47 over 55 innings. His ability to limit left-handed hitters to a .179 average adds depth to the Boston bullpen.

Matz brings a wealth of experience, having pitched for teams like the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays prior to signing with the Cardinals. His best season came in 2021 when he notched 14 wins for Toronto, showcasing his potential as both a starter and reliever. The move is also notable as Blaze Jordan was previously selected by former Red Sox executive Chaim Bloom, who is now with the Cardinals and will take over as their president of baseball operations in the offseason.