EightPitch: Saturday MLB DFS pivots center on a Diamondbacks-heavy slate with Arizona projected to carry the day—their top-billed bats look prime against Chase Dollander in Denver, while the Diamondbacks’ hefty run total supports a powerful stack alongside midrange to budget sleepers. Sonny Gray anchors a Thursday-to-Saturday plan with a favorable Yankees matchup in STL, while a budget-friendly Jason Alexander provides a high-floor punt option in Houston. Langeliers, Perdomo, Caminero, Marte and Gurriel headline the infield and outfield cores, with Altuve and Simpson stepping in for value and speed. Houston and Oakland stacks also offer strong leverage spots in this nine-game DK/FD slate, which kicks off at 7:10 PM ET, weather-safe aside from Tigers–Twins risk.

Atlanta smashed Miami 7-1 behind three home runs from Olson, Ozuna and Harris II, while Joey Wentz rode a strong five-plus innings to his first win since joining the Braves. Jen Pawol drew praise as the first female regular-season umpire in a major league game in the series’ backdrop, and Atlanta’s lineup kept rolling after sweeping Saturday’s twin bill.

Jurickson Profar’s two hits helped push the Braves in the fifth, giving them a 2-1 lead that they never relinquished as Cal Quantrill exited early for Miami. Ozuna’s three-run shot and Harris II’s solo homer in the seventh padded the margin, while Quantrill went four innings with one run allowed. The Braves closed the series strong, heading to Monday off before facing the Mets with Strider on the hill against Holmes.

Fantasy takeaway: Atlanta’s power trio carried the night, Wentz stabilized the rotation with 5 1/3 solid frames, and Profar supplied a timely spark. Olson, Ozuna and Harris II are hot—and with Wentz steady and the Braves in a favorable schedule, rostering Braves bats and Wentz remains appealing for the short term. Miami’s lineup sputtered and will need Cease-fire relief from Quantrill in future starts to slow Atlanta’s momentum.

As the July 31 trade deadline approaches, speculation about potential trades is at an all-time high. Teams are on the lookout for bargains that could bolster their lineups. In light of this, four under-the-radar players have emerged as intriguing trade targets. These players are not household names but possess unique skills that could provide significant value to contending teams.

First up is Brandon Eisert, a left-handed reliever for the Chicago White Sox. At 27, Eisert boasts a deceptive release point and a decent whiff rate on his pitches, despite a less-than-stellar ERA. His ability to generate weak contact and maintain a low walk rate makes him a viable option for teams seeking bullpen depth. Next is Blake Perkins, a center fielder with the Milwaukee Brewers, who has yet to see big league action this season due to injury but is considered a solid defensive player with impressive base-stealing abilities. His potential may attract teams looking to add speed and defensive prowess.

Another candidate is Alex Freeland from the Los Angeles Dodgers, a promising prospect who has shown solid offensive metrics in Triple-A. With the Dodgers loaded with infield talent, Freeland might benefit from a change of scenery. Lastly, Tyler Phillips from the Miami Marlins is noted for his ability to induce ground balls with a five-pitch mix, making him an appealing option for teams seeking starting pitching depth.

The remarkable journey from Bishop Eustace Prep to Major League Baseball showcases the talent of four pitchers: Justin Hagenman, Zac Gallen, Devin Smeltzer, and Tyler Phillips. This lineage is closely tied to the school's assistant coach, John Panchella, who has witnessed their development from youth athletes to professionals. Hagenman, now with the New York Mets, is expected to start against the Phillies, marking a significant milestone in his career. Gallen, an All-Star with the Diamondbacks, has achieved 57 wins over nine seasons, demonstrating his caliber on the mound. Smeltzer, a cancer survivor, pitched for the Twins and Marlins, now shines in the Mexican League. Phillips has also made a name for himself, with a career record of 5-1 with the Phillies and Marlins.

Panchella reflects on the hard work and dedication these athletes embodied, emphasizing that their success is a product of both talent and relentless effort. The strong camaraderie forged during their time at Bishop Eustace, particularly winning the Diamond Classic in 2014, exemplifies how ties forged in youth sports can propel individuals to greatness. Panchella remains an ardent supporter of his former teammates, while the school continues to serve as a breeding ground for future MLB talent.

Edmundo Sosa made his first start in center field for the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, showcasing a promising transition from utility infielder to a potential outfield bench option. Sosa, who had only previously played two innings in center field earlier this season, displayed improved ball tracking and quick reactions, making his first two catches of the spring. With Weston Wilson sidelined due to an oblique strain, Sosa’s role has become increasingly vital.

In addition to Sosa's development, the Phillies had a rough day against the Detroit Tigers, losing 1-0. Aaron Nola pitched two solid innings, striking out two but refrained from using his signature knuckle curveball. Johan Rojas, still recovering from a shoulder injury, contributed the team’s only hit but didn't risk sliding into second base during a double-play attempt. The Phillies are now focused on optimizing their lineup as spring training progresses.