The Seattle Mariners have surged into contention with six straight wins, closing the gap to the Houston Astros to a half game in the AL West. They host a Rays squad that has sold off at the deadline and is long out of the playoff chase, setting up a favorable Sunday clash at T-Mobile Park for Seattle.

Adrian Houser takes the mound for Tampa Bay opposite Bryan Woo, a matchup that leans Seattle’s way in the latest sportsbook look. Woo’s outs prop (over 18.5) has legs again given his ability to work six innings and post multiple 19+ out starts, while Seattle’s hot hitting gives Woo a comfortable runway. The Mariners’ recent run fuels optimism that they can sweep the Rays and keep stacking wins as they chase down the division lead.

The betting card leans heavy toward Seattle: Mariners -200 on the moneyline, 7.5 total with a modest lean toward the under, and Woo’s recent track record suggesting another deep start. For fantasy and DFS, Woo’s durability and Seattle’s offense provide a favorable mix, while Houser’s 2.54 ERA is offset by a high WHIP that could give Seattle more baserunners and scoring chances.

The Rays’ deadline activity didn’t flip their fortunes, but it did shuffle their upside and how fantasy managers should look at August. The Athletic pegs Tampa Bay at No. 15 in power rankings as the team added Adrian Houser to bolster the rotation, while also juggling a multi-team swap that shuffled catcher talent and infield depth. The moves are described as a rare, almost paradoxical mix of buyer-and-seller instincts that sum to a net effect that may feel like a wash as the stretch run begins.

Key trades included Danny Jansen leaving and Nick Fortes coming aboard, Zack Littell moving out in a three-team deal for Hunter Feduccia, and José Caballero traded for Everson Pereira. Curtis Mead was sent away for Houser, Taj Bradley for Griffin Jax, all underscoring the Rays’ philosophy of flexible asset allocation rather than a core rebuild. Entering August, Tampa Bay sits 11 games back of Toronto and four ahead of Baltimore, a classic August “dog days” setup where momentum—and fantasy value—will matter more than ever.

From a fantasy lens, the Houser addition stands out as a potential anchor for the back of the rotation, while the trades at catcher and infield may shuffle lineups and playing time in ways that elevate some players and suppress others. If the Rays can find a new gear in August, Houston-like depth and defensively oriented pieces could emerge as best bets for streaming starts and potential saves opportunities behind a veteran group.

On Monday, August 4, 2025, the MLB DFS scene heats up with a dynamic slate featuring exciting matchups and several new player debuts from recent trades. The early slate includes four games, while the main slate showcases nine, featuring critical Wild Card implications. Notable pitchers like Tyler Glasnow of the Dodgers, Adrian Houser of the Rays, and Brayan Bello of the Red Sox are top picks for lineup construction. Glasnow comes back from a rough outing with favorable home stats, while Houser, making his Rays debut, has shown promise against the Angels. Bello is also in a prime spot against the Royals, looking to extend a solid stretch of performances. Stacking opportunities arise with the Blue Jays in Coors Field and the Brewers facing Erick Fedde, who has struggled recently.

As the fantasy baseball season progresses into Week 18, several starting pitchers have emerged as potential waiver wire adds. Eric Lauer of the Toronto Blue Jays has significantly improved, boasting a 3.00 ERA and 51 strikeouts in his last nine starts, primarily due to increased cutter usage. Adrian Houser, now with the Chicago White Sox, has shown consistency with a 2.10 ERA across 11 outings, although some regression may be expected based on his underlying metrics.

Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins is having a breakout year, with a 3.35 ERA and 96 strikeouts, positioning him as a must-add in deeper leagues. Sean Manaea of the New York Mets has finally returned strong after injury setbacks, indicating potential for a solid finish to the season. Fantasy managers must assess the value of these arms in their lineup.

The City Series delivered an exciting weekend for Chicago baseball fans, highlighted by the Cubs edging out the White Sox 5-4 in a thrilling finale. The emotional induction of Dick Allen into the Hall of Fame, represented by his widow, Willa Allen, created a poignant backdrop for the games. Cade Horton shined for the Cubs with 6 1/3 shutout innings, boosting the team ahead of their crucial series against the Milwaukee Brewers. However, a few questionable decisions marred the weekend's festivities, including manager Craig Counsell's decision to let Jon Berti pitch during a blowout. The Sox’s best-dressed move featured a throwback to the 1950s, bringing nostalgia alive on the field.