The 2025 MLB All-Star Game roster reveals an exciting mix of established stars and fresh talent. Leading the American League is Houston Astros ace Hunter Brown, boasting a league-best 1.82 ERA. He’s joined by fan favorites like Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres, alongside emerging talents like Jonathan Aranda of the Tampa Bay Rays, who is hitting .320 with an .879 OPS.

On the National League side, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Freddie Freeman represent the Los Angeles Dodgers, while newcomers James Wood, a 6-foot-7 outfielder for the Washington Nationals, is making his All-Star debut after leading NL outfielders with a .943 OPS. With player injuries looming, the stage is set for potential replacements, adding to the All-Star Game's drama.

The New York Mets continue to search for answers in their starting rotation, particularly for their upcoming series against the Baltimore Orioles. After a solid debut by Justin Hagenman, who threw 4.1 innings with five strikeouts, the Mets are considering using him again, albeit his immediate availability is uncertain due to necessary rest days. Manager Carlos Mendoza hinted at the possibility of employing a bullpen game if Hagenman's limited pitch count is an issue.

The Mets are also looking ahead, with left-handers Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga expected to join the team soon, potentially adding much-needed depth to a beleaguered rotation. Injuries remain a concern, yet the Mets have secured bullpen help by recalling Zach Pop, while Austin Warren was sent down to Triple-A. The return of Brooks Raley from Tommy John surgery is also on the horizon, which would bolster a shaky bullpen.

The St. Louis Cardinals have placed outfielder Jordan Walker on the 10-day injured list retroactive to Monday due to appendicitis, as confirmed by the team's announcement on Wednesday. Manager Oliver Marmol indicated that Walker felt discomfort prior to batting practice, prompting further examination.

After medical imaging revealed early signs of appendicitis, the team opted to hold Walker overnight for observation. He is expected to resume baseball activities in four to five days. Currently, Walker is hitting .210 with three home runs and 23 RBIs in 55 games this season. To fill the roster gap, infielder José Fermín has been recalled from Triple-A Memphis, where he has performed well, hitting .308 with five home runs and 34 RBIs this season.

The Toronto Blue Jays' bullpen has had a challenging season, particularly evident in their recent 7-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox. Amid injuries, including Max Scherzer's thumb ailment, the team has relied heavily on its relievers to step up. Spencer Turnbull shared insights on maintaining a 'next man up' mentality, emphasizing flexibility and preparedness. Despite the struggles, the bullpen has shown resilience, boasting a respectable 3.61 ERA, ranking 11th in MLB.

In this particular game, Turnbull's outing was rocky, allowing four runs, but the latter relievers, including Braydon Fisher and others, managed to hold down the fort for six scoreless innings. Manager John Schneider recognized the efforts, indicating a strategy of balancing current game needs with future planning, especially with Scherzer nearing a return.

As we approach the halfway mark of the fantasy baseball season, several emerging pitchers are making waves on the waiver wire. This week, focus on Brandon Walter of the Houston Astros, who has been impressive in his recent outings, including back-to-back starts with strong strikeout numbers. His elite command and a solid changeup make him a viable streaming option.

David Festa of the Minnesota Twins is another name to watch. Despite a rocky return to the big leagues, his recent performance suggests he could be worth a gamble, especially with his effective changeup. Jacob Lopez from the Athletics recently had a breakout game, showcasing high strikeout potential. Finally, Charlie Morton has shown resilience and form, posting a significantly lower ERA over the past month, making him a reliable choice in deeper leagues.