The San Francisco Giants are set to face off against the Arizona Diamondbacks in a crucial matchup at Chase Field, aiming to even the four-game series. The Giants, after a dramatic extra-innings victory in Game 3, are looking to build momentum against a D-backs team that has struggled recently, going 2-5 over their last seven games. Starting pitcher Robbie Ray, boasting an impressive 2.75 ERA this season, will take the mound for the Giants, while Arizona counters with Brandon Pfaadt, who has a 5.38 ERA.

For bettors, the odds are tight, with the Giants slightly favored at -110 on the moneyline while the Diamondbacks sit at -109. With the total set at 8.0 runs, the Giants' historically strong performance with Ray pitching (13-4) suggests a potential lean towards the over. Key betting trends indicate that 6 of the last 8 matchups between these teams have gone over the total, adding further intrigue.

Clayton Kershaw etched his name in baseball history on Wednesday night, becoming the 20th pitcher to reach 3,000 career strikeouts, striking out Vinny Capra looking on a slider in the sixth inning. Despite a less-than-perfect performance, Kershaw expressed gratitude for the milestone and the support from his teammates and fans at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers rallied late, scoring three runs in the ninth inning to secure a 5-4 victory against the Chicago White Sox, spoiling an impressive outing from White Sox pitcher Sean Burke.

Chicago led until the ninth, thanks to timely hitting from Austin Slater and pitching from Grant Taylor. However, the Dodgers, led by Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, showcased their resilience, demonstrating the championship mentality that has defined their season. The White Sox fell to 5-21 in one-run games, highlighting their struggles this season.

On July 3, 2025, a strong lineup of MLB player prop bets is highlighted, focusing particularly on home run props. Riley Greene of the Detroit Tigers is noted for his impressive performance against right-handed pitchers, recently smashing four home runs in three games. The analysis suggests that Greene's matchup against Jake Irvin, who has struggled to prevent home runs, presents an excellent opportunity for bettors.

Jo Adell from the Los Angeles Angels is another standout pick, with favorable odds against Bryce Elder, a pitcher notorious for giving up home runs. Adell has been on a power surge, and his metrics against sliders suggest he could capitalize on Elder's weaknesses. Rafael Devers also gets a mention, facing Brandon Pfaadt, as he tries to regain his power stroke since joining the San Francisco Giants. The advice is to take advantage of Devers’ historically high home run rate against left-handed pitching.

Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers is highlighted for his current form, having hit home runs in two of his last three games. The favorable matchup against Aaron Civale, combined with Smith's past success against him, makes this a smart bet. Lastly, Lane Thomas of the Cleveland Guardians is recommended as a longshot, given his recent uptick in power and favorable conditions against a rookie pitcher.

Daily fantasy baseball enthusiasts have a well-structured slate ahead for Thursday, 7/3/2025, with impactful matchups and a variety of pitching options. Notable pitchers like Robbie Ray and Seth Lugo are at the forefront, offering solid strikeout potential and favorable matchups. Ray, recently coming off an injury, boasts a strong 2.75 ERA this season and has shown consistent performance against lefty-heavy lineups. Lugo, meanwhile, has been on a tear against top teams, showcasing a potent strikeout curveball.

Offensively, Bobby Witt Jr. and Addison Barger emerge as key targets. Witt is heating up with a six-game hitting streak, presenting great value against the Mariners’ struggling pitcher Logan Evans. Barger’s impressive metrics suggest he can exploit favorable matchups against right-handed pitching, making him a solid mid-range option. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani remains a standout play, contributing across the board with power and speed. Weather conditions are favorable, ensuring optimal conditions for fantasy relevance.

Josh Hader continues to dominate as the best closer in baseball, securing his 24th save this week for the Houston Astros with a stellar performance against the Cubs and Rockies. His setup man, Bryan Abreu, is also excelling with 21 holds and a remarkable K/BB ratio. Andrés Muñoz returned for the Seattle Mariners, claiming his first save since June 8 after a rough patch, while Edwin Díaz's consistent scoring adds to his impressive season stats. Aroldis Chapman remains a formidable force for the Boston Red Sox, boasting 15 consecutive appearances without an earned run. Meanwhile, rising star Randy Rodríguez is emerging as a potential closer-in-waiting for the San Francisco Giants, leading middle relievers in WAR.