The MLB presents an exciting slate on Canada Day, highlighted by the Yankees and Blue Jays matchup at 3:07 pm EDT. A total of ten games will kick off at 7:05 pm, setting the stage for fans and DFS players alike. Among the top pitchers, Yoshinobu Yamamoto stands out, facing the White Sox, while Jacob deGrom and Matthew Boyd also enter favorable matchups. Boyd is well-priced against a struggling Guardians offense, while Shane Baz, at a similar price point, faces the A's. For value picks, Colton Gordon and Emerson Hancock could offer solid returns given their matchups.

On the hitting side, stars like Julio Rodriguez and Randy Arozarena are in good form, facing Michael Lorenzen, whose strikeout rate has dipped. Stacking options abound, especially with the Atlanta offense against Tyler Anderson and Houston's matchup in Coors Field against Chase Dollander. Both provide intriguing choices for bettors looking to capitalize on the day's action.

The Oakland Athletics (35-52) face off against the Tampa Bay Rays (47-38) on July 1, 2025, in a matchup featuring starters Jeffrey Springs and Shane Baz. The Athletics took game one of the series, showcasing a strong performance highlighted by a triple from Lawrence Butler, leading to a 6-4 victory with contributions from Max Muncy and Max Schuemann.

As the teams prepare for the next game, insights on player performances and odds reveal the Rays' recent success, winning 8 of their last 9 games when Baz is on the mound, despite his elevated ERA at home. Betting trends suggest that while the Athletics are underdogs, they could cover the spread, indicating potential value for savvy bettors.

The Tampa Bay Rays experienced another frustrating loss after a solid performance from their bullpen and hitters. Despite going 3-for-6 with runners in scoring position and a valiant comeback effort, the Rays fell 6-4 to the Oakland Athletics. Closer Pete Fairbanks, who had been reliable, surrendered two runs in the ninth inning after the team showed promise in the late innings but failed to capitalize on prime opportunities.

Starter Drew Rasmussen struggled, allowing four runs early on, leading to his early exit as a precaution for his arm. The Rays showcased a mix of aggressive baserunning and timely hitting, but ultimately fell short as Fairbanks expressed his disappointment in not closing the game. This defeat adds to a troubling trend for the Rays, who have lost several games to teams with worse records, showcasing a perplexing inconsistency.

Friday's MLB DFS slate is packed with 14 games, providing an array of choices for lineup construction. Pitchers like Merrill Kelly from Arizona are gaining momentum, boasting a 3.39 ERA and 9.00 K/9 rate against the struggling Miami offense, while Ryan Pepiot's solid road performance for Tampa Bay against a low-scoring Baltimore lineup makes him a valuable option. Jose Quintana, despite not going deep into games, is a strong candidate against a weak Rockies offense.

Offensively, Kyle Schwarber continues to be a powerhouse, already hitting 24 home runs this season. Meanwhile, rookies like Jackson Chourio are showing promise with a blend of speed and power, making them attractive for roster spots. For budget options, Brandon Lowe and Nolan Schanuel are highlighted, both offering upside against favorable matchups.

As the 2025 MLB season approaches the All-Star break, the performance of several key pitchers has left fantasy managers frustrated. The focus turns to Bailey Ober, Kevin Gausman, Brandon Pfaadt, and Shane Baz, who have all struggled to meet expectations this season.

Ober, once a promising pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, has faced severe downturns, including a shocking 8.51 ERA in June. His drop in velocity and a lingering hip issue raise concerns about his role moving forward. Meanwhile, Gausman of the Toronto Blue Jays has displayed inconsistencies, with a recent stretch characterized by control issues leading to high ERAs.

Pfaadt, despite a solid start, has hit a regression phase, with an alarming ERA over the past month, and his strikeout rate has plummeted. Lastly, Baz, touted as a future ace for the Tampa Bay Rays, has also had mixed results, struggling with home runs though still showcasing potential. Each of these pitchers represents a unique case for fantasy managers weighing their options for the second half of the season.