The Detroit Tigers faced a disappointing defeat against the Washington Nationals, losing 11-7 in a game marked by early struggles from starting pitcher Dietrich Enns. After a promising start with a 428-foot home run by Spencer Torkelson, Enns faltered, allowing five runs in the first inning, including a home run to Paul DeJong, pushing the Nationals ahead. Despite a late rally, the Tigers fell short, continuing their trend of .500 play.

With the team in need of pitching depth, they are poised to welcome back Reese Olson for their next matchup. The Tigers' bullpen has suffered from overuse due to a recent series of doubleheaders and injuries, leaving them vulnerable against a Nationals team that capitalized on their mistakes. The Tigers must regroup as they head into their next series against the Cleveland Guardians.

The St. Louis Cardinals are currently 47-40, sitting four games behind the division-leading team in the National League Central. The team has exceeded early season expectations and is positioned not only for a division title but also for a Wild Card playoff berth if they maintain their performance.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Cardinals face tough decisions, particularly regarding players like Nolan Arenado and Ryan Helsley. Moving Helsley, who has struggled this season yet has a strong market due to his playoff experience, could be a strategic move. Though he has a 3.41 ERA and has allowed more home runs this year than in the previous two combined, many contenders view him as a valuable asset for the postseason. The upcoming month will be crucial for determining how the Cardinals navigate these roster decisions.

The Detroit Tigers are dominating the American League with a commanding 12-game lead in the AL Central over the Cleveland Guardians as July begins. After a strategic sell-off last season, they are shifting gears to become buyers at this summer's trade deadline. The Tigers have proven to be one of MLB's top teams this year, but their starting rotation needs strengthening, particularly with Alex Cobb struggling for consistency due to injuries.

Recent discussions suggest that the Tigers might target Erick Fedde from the St. Louis Cardinals. While not a marquee acquisition, Fedde's potential as a low-cost, middle-rotation starter could appeal to the Tigers. Currently holding a 4.56 ERA with a 3-8 record in 17 starts, he has experienced up-and-down performances. Yet, with the deadline approaching and the need for a reliable pitcher to eat innings, Fedde could be a valuable addition.

As the 2025 MLB season approaches its halfway point, fantasy baseball managers must reconsider their pitching options. In this week’s Unlikely Aces, we evaluate four starting pitchers who have shown unexpected promise: Colton Gordon, Trevor Rogers, Adrian Houser, and Matthew Liberatore. Each has demonstrated various strengths and weaknesses critical for fantasy roster decisions.

Colton Gordon, despite a recent hike in ERA after a rough outing at Coors Field, shows elite command with a 99th percentile walk rate. However, his lackluster fastball and high HR/9 rate make him a risky streaming option. Trevor Rogers, who’s rebounded from injury woes and is showing improvements, especially in velocity and control, remains a solid option in mixed leagues. Adrian Houser’s resurgence with the White Sox, boasting a stellar 1.90 ERA over his last seven starts, illustrates his potential as a bench streamer. Lastly, Matthew Liberatore has turned around his previous struggles with impressive command and a decent strikeout rate, making him a reliable addition for most fantasy formats.

On July 2, 2025, the St. Louis Cardinals (47-40) face the Pittsburgh Pirates (37-50) in a pivotal matchup at PNC Park. After a narrow 1-0 victory, secured by a sacrifice fly from Henry Davis in their latest game, the Pirates look to complete a sweep over the Cardinals, who are on a two-game losing streak. Pittsburgh has been on a scoring spree, amassing 38 runs during a five-game winning streak and 55 runs across a 7-2 run, putting them in strong form. In contrast, the Cardinals aim to bounce back from their recent losses, despite a solid 10-5 record in their last 15 games.

The starting pitchers for the game are Sonny Gray (Cardinals), boasting an impressive 8-2 record and a 3.36 ERA, against Mitch Keller (Pirates), who struggles with a 2-10 record but a respectable 3.90 ERA. Gray's last performance was stellar, throwing a complete game shutout with 11 strikeouts. Oddsmakers favor the Cardinals at -140 on the moneyline and predict a close game with an over/under set at 8 runs. Expert predictions suggest a play on the Cardinals to win and lean toward the over on total runs. Follow along as the action unfolds!