Brewers sprint to dominance reshapes their postseason odds as Milwaukee rides a nine-game win streak and a league-best mark through a demanding weekend. The pivot hinges on Woodruff’s health and a subtly evolved pitch mix that covers for velocity dips post-shoulder surgery, while Isaac Collins emerges as a sneaky rookie of the year candidate, amplifying the lineup’s impact alongside William Contreras’ hot stretch. The Mariners answer with a high-octane, deep batting order—Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez fueling a surge that could threaten October plans—while Drake Baldwin’s two-homer burst for Atlanta hints at a Braves offense that remains dangerous despite a rough patch elsewhere. Across the league, Wheeler’s steadiness keeps the Phillies in the hunt, Otani’s bat stays electric, and Seattle’s depth is turning into a playoff barrel. The weekend also spotlighted Ichiro’s ceremonial moment in Seattle and a Cubs offense that will need a rebound after trading deadline moves, with managers weighing pitching chaos versus stability as they push toward the finish line.

Milwaukee’s surge centers on a careful reintroduction of Woodruff’s repertoire—the slider and sinker getting more usage while the velocity remains modest. The Brewers’ offense has learned to chase power from Contreras and the rising contributions from Collins, making the midseason sprint more feasible than expected. Seattle’s breakout is less about one star and more about the depth across the lineup, with Rodríguez heating up and Raleigh’s impact growing as teams pivot to pull-heavy hitting strategies. In Philadelphia, the rotation remains the glue even when some peripherals wobble, and CeCe Ce Ce Ce is mixing more pitches, signaling a trend toward greater starter versatility nationwide.

In a recent episode of Fantasy Baseball Today, the hosts outlined their redraft for the first two rounds of the fantasy baseball season, taking into account players' performances and projections for the rest of the year. The discussion kicked off with a review of notable highlights from the first half of the season, including Pete Crow-Armstrong's unexpected success, being a topic of heated debate among fantasy players. The home run derby results were also a point of interest, notably with 'Big Dumper' winning and the impressive distance hit by O'Neal Cruz. As they moved into the redraft, Aaron Judge was unanimously selected as the top pick, followed by Shohei Ohtani, whose continued dual-threat performance keeps him high on draft lists. Other standout picks included Bobby Witt Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., and Cal Raleigh, with discussions focusing on the potential impacts of each player moving forward.

Cal Raleigh has emerged as a prominent player in the MLB, showcasing incredible talent that has made a significant impact this season for the Seattle Mariners. After finishing the first half of the season strong, Raleigh's ability to hit from both sides of the plate has been pivotal, particularly against a formidable pitching staff. His recent win at the Home Run Derby and leading the league in home runs highlight his season's success, making it an exciting time for both him and Mariners fans.

The discussion of Raleigh's MVP candidacy, while perhaps premature, illustrates the buzz surrounding his performance. His approach at the plate exemplifies a solid game plan against tough pitchers, emphasizing the importance of seizing scoring opportunities. As Raleigh looks forward to the second half, expectations remain high, setting the stage for an electrifying end to the season.