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!

The MLB betting landscape is buzzing with excitement as top matchups unfold on July 2, 2025. Following a successful no-runs-first-inning (NRFI) betting night, there are six standout NRFI picks to consider today. Key matchups include the St. Louis Cardinals facing the Pittsburgh Pirates, where pitchers Sonny Gray and Mitch Keller are set to take the mound. Gray, boasting an impressive 12-4 NRFI record this season, aims to maintain his form after a complete game shutout against the Guardians. Keller, with a solid 12-5 NRFI record, presents a tough challenge. Meanwhile, the San Diego Padres face off against the Philadelphia Phillies in a doubleheader, with Nick Pivetta and rookie Mick Abel pitching. Pivetta, also 12-4 on NRFIs this year, is expected to shine. The betting community is closely monitoring these games, considering weather conditions and lineup changes that could impact outcomes.