Scherzer turned in six sturdy innings for win number 220 as Toronto rolled past Pittsburgh 7-3, with Springer launching a 423-foot early two-run shot to spark the attack. The Blue Jays pounced for five runs in the first two frames against Keller, then Kirk capped it with a three-hit night and a two-run homer in the seventh. Guerrero Jr. sat with hamstring tightness, MRI clear, while Kirk’s power and Springer’s early thunder kept Toronto firmly ahead. The Pirates’ baserunning misfires and a bases-loaded threat in the second linger as a reminder that this interleague slate remains a sellers’ market for fantasy value. Bassitt will duel Oviedo in the series finale, with Toronto holding a robust 25-13 interleague mark.

This week's spotlight shines on several starting pitchers, including promising newcomers and those trending up in 2025 Fantasy Baseball. Luis Gil of the New York Yankees faced a rough season debut but showed potential with improved fastball extension. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves' Joey Wentz has made an impressive transition into their rotation, boasting a 1.50 ERA over his first three starts, thanks to adjustments in pitch usage and mechanics. Hurston Waldrep, a teammate of Wentz, impressed in his debut with a solid performance that displayed improved command and pitch variety. Lastly, Johan Oviedo's season debut indicates room for growth, especially with enhancements in pitch extension and velocity.

Mickey Moniak, the Los Angeles Angels outfielder, has triumphed in salary arbitration, securing a raise to $2 million, surpassing the team's offer of $1.5 million. This marks Moniak's first eligibility for arbitration after a season where he batted .219, hitting 14 home runs and achieving a career-high of 49 RBIs. The ruling was made by Melinda Gordon, Samantha Tower, and John Woods after they evaluated the arguments presented a day prior.

In related arbitration news, right-hander Jovan Oviedo lost his case with the Pittsburgh Pirates, resulting in an $850,000 salary instead of his requested $1.15 million. The future of another Pirates pitcher, Dennis Santana, remains undecided as he seeks $2.1 million against an offer of $1.4 million. A total of eight players are still awaiting decisions, including Angels first baseman/second baseman Luis Rengifo, who has sought $5.95 million with a counteroffer at $5.8 million.

Mickey Moniak and the Los Angeles Angels are currently engaged in a salary arbitration hearing, with Moniak seeking a raise to $2 million, while the team proposes $1.5 million. The arbitration panel, comprising Melinda Gordon, Samantha Tower, and John Woods, is expected to deliver a decision soon. Moniak had a challenging 2022 season, finishing with a .219 batting average, 14 home runs, and a career-high 49 RBIs, after earning $770,000 previously.

Furthermore, Luis Rengifo, an Angels infielder, has requested $5.95 million from the team, which offered him $5.8 million. The salary arbitration process is ongoing, with nine players still awaiting hearings through mid-February. Notably, Johan Oviedo recently lost his arbitration case against the Pittsburgh Pirates, settling for $850,000 instead of his requested $1.15 million. Another pending case involves Pittsburgh pitcher Dennis Santana, who asked for $2.1 million, but the franchise offered him $1.4 million.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are poised for the 2025 season with a solid group of starting pitchers but are looking to enhance their rotation by potentially signing Jakob Junis. As they prepare for an open competition for the fifth starter position, top pitching prospects like Bubba Chandler will be in the mix.

With the recent trade involving Luis L. Ortiz and Spencer Horwitz, the Pirates have room to strengthen their pitching depth. Junis, who had a strong 2024 season with a 2.69 ERA, could provide both a starting option and bullpen flexibility.