Home run props are the focus for today's MLB betting, featuring players like Alec Burleson, Brandon Lowe, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Maikel Garcia. Burleson has shown impressive power recently, hitting 10 homers this season and enjoying a favorable matchup against Colin Rea, who struggles against left-handed hitters. Lowe, with 19 homers and a solid 1.000 OPS in the last three weeks, faces Chris Paddack. Guerrero Jr. is another strong candidate with 12 homers to his name, looking to capitalize on a weak Angels' bullpen. Garcia, while less prolific, has potential in a hitter-friendly park.

At the MLB trade deadline, the St. Louis Cardinals may bolster their bullpen with Gregory Soto, currently with the Baltimore Orioles. Soto, a two-time All-Star, has established himself as a reliable reliever with a career total of 55 saves and 376 strikeouts since debuting in 2019. His fastball, consistently clocked between 94-99 mph, complements a devastating breaking slider, making him a formidable asset for the Cardinals alongside Ryan Helsley.

With the Cardinals' current standings at 47-40 and vying for a Wild Card spot, acquiring Soto could create a dynamic duo in their bullpen, mirroring successful pitching pairings across the league. This potential move reflects the Cardinals' commitment to make a playoff push, especially after Soto’s previous contributions to playoff runs with different teams.

Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees made history by drawing his 23rd intentional walk of the season during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, equaling Mickey Mantle's long-standing franchise record from 1957. This notable achievement positions Judge alongside Albert Pujols, who also reached 23 intentional walks before the All-Star break in 2010.

In a pivotal eighth-inning moment, former Yankee Chad Green chose to intentionally walk Judge with two outs and the bases empty, marking Judge's fifth intentional walk of the series. This sets a new record for the Yankees, highlighting Judge's increasing significance and strategic value in the lineup, as he has accumulated a total of 91 career intentional walks.

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.