Chase Dollander returned from Triple-A Albuquerque to face the St. Louis Cardinals, delivering five innings of one-run ball with a four-pitch mix and sharp fastball command. He exited with Colorado trailing 1-0, but the Rockies finally tied it in the seventh, only to watch Miles Mikolas silences them for five frames before the bullpen implodes in a 3-2 defeat. Brendan Donovan delivered the pivotal eighth-inning two-run double for St. Louis, followed by Brenton Doyle’s two-out RBI single to push the lead. Colorado’s offense went quiet with runners in scoring position all night, extending what could become a historically painful stretch for the season.

The Rockies entered a brutal stretch, sitting at 30-88 and threatening the modern-era mark for losses. Dollander demonstrated enough command to warrant continued spot starts, but Mikolas, Donovan, and the late-game bullpen performance underscored the Cardinals’ ability to seize a game even when heavy traffic is limited. Colorado will attempt to rebound in Game 2 as the Cardinals look to capitalize on the momentum from a hard-fought series opener.

As the MLB offseason approaches, trade rumors are heating up, with several players expected to be on the move. Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins is a key name, especially if the club decides to rebuild. His impressive fastball makes him a desirable asset.

Freddy Peralta of the Milwaukee Brewers is also on the radar as he enters his walk year. The Guardians may face dilemmas about Steven Kwan, whose declining athleticism raises questions about his future. Sandy Alcantara, despite struggles post-surgery, could still attract interest if he can return to form. Mitch Keller from the Pirates offers a compelling mix of reliability and affordability.

MacKenzie Gore of the Nationals finds himself in a pivotal offseason for the team, while Brendan Donovan could be an appealing trade target due to his versatility. Pete Fairbanks' high-leverage role with the Rays makes him a candidate for a deal. Finally, Josh Jung of the Texas Rangers could also be traded, particularly with his arbitration status looming.

Three promising MLB prospects - Jordan Lawlar, J.J. Wetherholt, and Bubba Chandler - appear set to make significant impacts in fantasy baseball this season. Lawlar, an infielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks, has shown impressive stats at Triple-A, boasting a .319 batting average with 10 home runs and 18 stolen bases, despite dealing with a hamstring injury. His potential for ample playing time increases with the expected trade of Eugenio Suárez. Meanwhile, Wetherholt, a shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals, has excelled with a .307 average and power-speed blend, prompting speculation about his call-up if the team trades a veteran like Nolan Arenado. Lastly, Chandler, a budding ace for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has displayed elite strikeout capabilities in Triple-A. After a dominant outing recently, he is poised for a promotion, making him a must-stash in all fantasy formats.

As the MLB trade deadline approaches, teams are actively seeking to enhance their rosters for a playoff push. The New York Mets, after acquiring Gregory Soto, are reportedly receiving interest in outfielder Starling Marte, though they may hesitate to trade him unless necessary for payroll management. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Twins are open to trading standout relievers Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and Brock Stewart to strengthen their bullpen.

Other teams like the Chicago Cubs are eyeing Washington Nationals starter MacKenzie Gore, while the Houston Astros are exploring options for a left-handed hitter and third baseman, with Eugenio Suarez being a target. The Los Angeles Dodgers are also looking to bolster their outfield, showing interest in Harrison Bader and Brendan Donovan. Additionally, Sandy Alcantara’s recent performance has increased his trade value, and the Arizona Diamondbacks appear ready to sell key players. With the Texas Rangers now positioned as buyers, the deadline promises to be exciting.

The St. Louis Cardinals find themselves at a pivotal moment as the July 31 MLB trade deadline approaches. Currently fourth in the National League Central, they are closely vying for a wild card spot, trailing the San Diego Padres by just 2.5 games. A crucial series against the Padres and upcoming games against the Miami Marlins could dictate their trading strategy. Brendan Donovan, the Cardinals' standout infielder and lone All-Star, emerges as a significant trade target, reportedly attracting interest from teams like the New York Yankees and Houston Astros. Donovan boasts impressive stats this season, hitting .296 with nine home runs and 42 RBIs, and his versatility makes him an appealing asset. The Cardinals may also consider trading other key players, including Nolan Arenado and several pitchers, depending on their performance in this critical stretch.