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.

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.