Pittsburgh shuffled its order, moving Spencer Horwitz to the two-hole for the first time this season as Ronny Simon leads off, a bold shake-up in a game that pits the Pirates against Brandon Woodruff and Milwaukee in a bid to stave off a sweep after a 14-0 setback.

Simon, recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis after Oneil Cruz landed on the seven-day concussion IL, brings speed and a track record of spark though his big-league path is still unfolding. Horwitz, who’s usually atop the lineup, now occupies a different slot, while he’s shown strong leadoff value (.284/.345/.450) versus weaker cleanup numbers (.205/.276/.282). Kelly’s lineup shuffle signals a proactive chase for offense and a fresh path to production against Milwaukee.

The shift to second and Simon’s top-of-lineupRole anchor could reshape how the Pirates generate runs in this series, with Horwitz’s leadoff-warmth and Simon’s speed providing multi-positional fantasy upside if the arrangement sticks beyond this game. Monitor how this dynamic evolves as Pittsburgh tries to snap an 11-game Brewers streak and avoid slipping into a longer skid.

Milwaukee invades American Family Field riding an 11-game win streak and the NL’s best record, aiming to extend its dominance over the Pirates in a pivotal August matchup. The Brewers sit as a heavy favorite (-192 moneyline) with a 7.0 total as Mitch Keller (Pirates) matches up with Brandon Woodruff (Brewers) in a clash that could shape the NL Central race down the stretch. NBC Sports’ model leans Brewers on the moneyline and favors the over, citing Milwaukee’s current form and Woodruff’s home-leaning excellence.

Keller enters with a 5-10 mark and a 3.86 ERA, coming off a 3.18 earned run turn with three walks and three strikeouts across five innings. Woodruff, 4-0 with a 2.29 ERA, punched out eight in his last outing, continuing his season-long patience and efficiency. The model factors in park effects, recent performance, and weather for a relative confidence edge on Milwaukee’s side, while noting the Pirates’ recent slide (#0-4 in their last four).

Trends point toward Brewers’ continuing home success (17 of 20 at home with Woodruff starting) and a run-line edge against Pittsburgh. Woodruff’s 1.96 ERA over his last five home starts reinforces Milwaukee’s home dominance; Keller will need to limit the big hits and pitch efficiently to keep this close. Fantasy players should weigh Milwaukee’s batting order depth and Woodruff’s at-home form when setting lineups.

As the MLB offseason approaches, trade rumors are heating up, with several players expected to be on the move. Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins is a key name, especially if the club decides to rebuild. His impressive fastball makes him a desirable asset.

Freddy Peralta of the Milwaukee Brewers is also on the radar as he enters his walk year. The Guardians may face dilemmas about Steven Kwan, whose declining athleticism raises questions about his future. Sandy Alcantara, despite struggles post-surgery, could still attract interest if he can return to form. Mitch Keller from the Pirates offers a compelling mix of reliability and affordability.

MacKenzie Gore of the Nationals finds himself in a pivotal offseason for the team, while Brendan Donovan could be an appealing trade target due to his versatility. Pete Fairbanks' high-leverage role with the Rays makes him a candidate for a deal. Finally, Josh Jung of the Texas Rangers could also be traded, particularly with his arbitration status looming.

The MLB trade deadline is approaching, and the New York Yankees are actively seeking to enhance their roster. Having already addressed their third base situation by acquiring Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies, the team's focus now shifts to bolstering their starting rotation.

One key name in trade discussions is Mitch Keller of the Pittsburgh Pirates. With a career-best 3.69 ERA in 127 innings this season, Keller presents a solid option for the Yankees. He is under contract for three more years at a reasonable $55.7 million, aligning with New York's preference for non-rental players. Acquiring Keller could solidify the Yankees' World Series aspirations, especially as they look to close the gap on the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East with their current 57-49 record.

The Chicago Cubs are determined to break their four-year playoff drought and currently lead the National League Central. With the Philadelphia Phillies closely trailing, the Cubs must address any weaknesses to maintain their position.

As the July 31 trade deadline approaches, MLB expert Bob Nightengale reports that the Cubs are actively seeking a starting pitcher. One potential target is Mitch Keller, a former All-Star, now 29 years old and under contract through 2028, who has posted a career-low ERA of 3.53 this season.

However, giving up on top prospect Owen Caissie, ranked 36th on MLB.com’s prospect list, would signal a strong commitment from the Cubs' management to win now, much to the anticipation of their fanbase.