The excitement surrounding the return of Backyard Baseball 2001 in July is palpable, enhanced by MLB's involvement and the return of iconic players. However, not all is well; three notable stars, including Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds, have opted out of this re-release, raising eyebrows and disappointment among fans. Meanwhile, Clayton Kershaw's recent achievement of 3,000 strikeouts has garnered mixed reactions, with hosts reflecting on the significance of this milestone and challenging the historical importance of pitcher wins, now overshadowed by strikeouts. The Blue Jays are in the spotlight as they challenge the struggling Yankees, and the Braves are facing injury woes amidst a shaky season. The All-Star Game starters have been announced, featuring standout players from various teams. As we approach the mid-season mark, the narrative is set for an intriguing second half of the MLB season.

The Chicago White Sox are riding high after a series win, showcasing resilience and talent amidst the season's challenges. Justin Verlander proved age is just a number, pitching effectively for the San Francisco Giants, but the White Sox's youth stepped up with a thrilling comeback victory in the final game. Key contributions came from Eric Miller and Ryan Walker, who played pivotal roles in the thrilling seventh inning.

Additionally, Andrew Benintendi's recent performance, including crucial home runs, highlights his value as they near the trade deadline. However, concerns loom over Luis Robert Jr.'s injuries and potential trades, complicating the team's future as they balance healing and rebuilding. The emergence of fresh talent like Kyle Teal and the promising performances of Adrien Hower suggest that the Sox might have a brighter future on the horizon.

Veteran pitchers like Zac Gallen and Luis Castillo are causing concern among fantasy baseball owners. Gallen has struggled with a 6.62 ERA in the last month and a 5.75 ERA for the season, leading to calls for his removal from rosters. Despite a drop in performance, Castillo's historical value suggests he might still be worth holding onto, especially if he can turn it around post-All-Star break. Other notable mentions include Camilo Doval, who's showing inconsistent form but has upside, and Kenley Jansen, whose save opportunities remain intact despite high ERA numbers.

Roman Anthony, a top prospect, is still worth holding onto due to his potential, while Corey Seager’s underlying metrics indicate he might rebound soon, making him a buy-low candidate. The episode emphasizes the importance of trading struggling players if possible, and being cautious with roster decisions as the season progresses.

The fantasy baseball landscape continues to evolve as several players make headlines with their outstanding performances. Will Warren has been impressive for the New York Yankees, boasting a stellar 1.50 ERA over his last three starts, showing remarkable control with a WHIP under 1 and a high strikeout rate. On the other hand, Logan Henderson from the Milwaukee Brewers, performing excellently after his call-up, has also demonstrated good control and strikeout potential, making him a must-add for fantasy managers. His upcoming matchup against the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates looks favorable.

Meanwhile, Hayden Birdsong of the San Francisco Giants is back in the rotation and had a promising outing against the Kansas City Royals, with good strikeout numbers and a low WHIP. Jack Leiter of the Texas Rangers is also on the rise, showing signs of breaking out after a couple of rocky starts. Ryan Weathers, now with the Miami Marlins, is another intriguing option, having shown promise in a couple of starts. Each of these players could provide valuable contributions down the stretch of the season.