Ryan Pepiot’s fatigue forced Tampa Bay into a bullpen night, and Mason Montgomery paid the price, allowing five runs in 0.2 innings after a 1-0 lead. The Rays hung around with six relievers, while Chicago built a 6-1 cushion. Carson Williams and Junior Caminero homered in the fifth to fuel a comeback bid, Yandy Díaz had an earlier homer, and Richie Palacios plus Hunter Feduccia added small-ball pressure. A two-run late surge fell just short as Jake Mangum’s highlight catch and solid work from Joe Rock and Cole Sulser kept the Rays within striking distance, but White Sox held on 6-5.

Two homers by Rays hitters spurred the late charge, but eight White Sox relievers combined to blunt Tampa Bay’s rally. The game showcased a bullpen-focused night with innings decided by leveraged matchups and timing, rather than extended rotations, cementing a storyline where Rays’ depth and late-game execution were enough for a near-miss in Chicago.

The All-Star break signals the final sprint of the MLB season, with less than 60 games left and the trade deadline fast approaching. This transition period adds volatility to daily fantasy sports (DFS) strategy. Players like Cristopher Sánchez are shining, boasting an impressive 1.54 ERA and a streak of eight consecutive starts scoring over 18 DraftKings points. Meanwhile, Randy Arozarena and Corey Seager continue to impress with their strong performances and favorable matchups, making them prime targets for DFS lineups.

With options like Sánchez against the struggling White Sox and Arozarena facing a weak pitcher, fantasy players have several opportunities to maximize their scoring potential. Additionally, it's crucial to consider budget-friendly options like Ozzie Albies and Matt Wallner, who have shown signs of improvement and could yield high returns at low costs. Analyzing these players’ recent statistics and matchups will be key in optimizing lineups as teams gear up for the playoff race.

The final weekend before the All-Star break is packed with action, featuring a full slate of 15 MLB games. Start your DFS lineup with pitching recommendations like Joe Ryan from the Minnesota Twins, who boasts a 2.76 ERA despite facing Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates, who languish at the bottom in runs scored. Gavin Williams of the Cleveland Guardians is another solid pick against the struggling Chicago White Sox. For a bold choice, consider Chase Burns from the Cincinnati Reds, who has the potential to dominate against a Rockies lineup that has struggled to score runs this season.

Top hitters to consider include Juan Soto, who has shown exceptional form with a recent 1.156 OPS. Despite not being an All-Star, his performance against right-handed pitchers is noteworthy, especially against a floundering Michael Wacha. Also, keep an eye on José Ramírez, who has been central to the Guardians' offense with a .301 average and the potential for big plays, while players like Addison Barger and Willy Adames present great value at lower prices.

Stacking options for the day include the Texas Rangers against Lance McCullers Jr., and the Oakland Athletics facing Max Scherzer, who seems to be past his prime but remains a formidable opponent. With strong options across the board, fantasy players have ample opportunities to craft winning lineups before the break.

For fantasy baseball enthusiasts looking to bolster their roster with potential breakout players, Scott White presents a compelling list of 10 sleeper hitters for Week 16, all under 80% ownership in CBS leagues. These players may not be must-start options, but they are poised to make significant contributions based on favorable matchups and recent performances.

Austin Hays of the Cincinnati Reds stands out with a solid 3.39 Head-to-Head points per game, and the Reds face the most favorable matchups this week. Toronto's Addison Barger has rebounded with impressive stats and will also benefit from playing against weaker pitching. Meanwhile, Miami's Kyle Stowers has found his stride and faces a schedule that includes favorable matchups against left-handed pitchers.

Other notable mentions include Joshua Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays, who has improved his strikeout rate and is expected to maintain solid production, and Otto Lopez from Miami, who has been consistent at the plate. Cincinnati's Spencer Steer and Matt McLain are both thriving in their recent games, thanks to great matchups. Lastly, Xavier Edwards offers speed and solid batting, while Luis Garcia and Jeff McNeil from Washington and New York respectively could also be valuable adds this scoring period.