Jacob deGrom, the star right-handed pitcher for the Texas Rangers, is back at the top of his game during his 12th MLB season. Recently named an All-Star for the fifth time, deGrom has shown that he is still one of the premier pitchers in the league. His excellent performance, including a 2.29 ERA and 105 strikeouts over 106.1 innings, has been a vital asset for the Rangers. Despite undergoing Tommy John surgery last season, his return has been marked by dominant outings, including nearly throwing a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles.

Under manager Bruce Bochy's guidance, the Rangers are managing deGrom’s workload carefully, opting to skip the All-Star Game to ensure he stays healthy for the long run. This season marks a key recovery point for deGrom, who signed a lucrative contract worth $185 million in December 2022. As he adapts to the rigors of the season while monitoring his innings, fantasy owners will want to keep an eye on his performance to take advantage of his potential impact.

Jacob deGrom prioritizes family this All-Star Game, opting to attend without pitching. The Texas Rangers ace is cautious about his workload after a significant comeback from injury, wanting to avoid risks associated with ramping up his innings after a Saturday start. With 106 ⅓ innings pitched this season, he’s already eclipsed previous totals since his last Cy Young win in 2019. DeGrom's decision brings relief to the Rangers management, who are focused on managing his innings effectively without needing to skip starts.

Despite deGrom's absence, Nathan Eovaldi, who boasts a 1.62 ERA, remains a strong candidate for the All-Star roster, although he faces challenges due to missed starts. The Rangers could be without an All-Star participant for the first time since 2017 if Eovaldi doesn't secure a spot.

Sports fans have a packed schedule this Saturday with major events across MLB, NBA, and more. The Chicago Cubs face the New York Yankees at noon, followed by the All-Star Futures Game at 3 PM. MLB matchups include the Texas Rangers at the Houston Astros in the evening, while Toronto takes on the Oakland Athletics. In the NBA Summer League, several games highlight the day, starting with Cleveland against Milwaukee, featuring prospects vying for roster spots. Other notable matchups include the Dallas Mavericks versus the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the New Orleans Pelicans. For golf enthusiasts, the PGA’s Genesis Scottish Open kicks off early in the morning. Meanwhile, the NASCAR Cup series will see qualifying and practice sessions in Sonoma, adding to an exciting sports lineup.

As MLB betting heats up, pinpointing key trends is essential for savvy bettors. Notably, the Cincinnati Reds are heavily favored at -235 against the Colorado Rockies, while the Detroit Tigers hold a -215 edge over the Seattle Mariners.

When analyzing pitching matchups, Philadelphia's Ranger Suárez, boasting a remarkable 1.99 ERA, is set against San Diego's Ryan Bergert, who has recently struggled. Suárez's ability to limit homers juxtaposed with Bergert’s injuries gives the Phillies an advantageous position. The recommendation here is to take the Phillies with -1.5 runs at +108.

In a different matchup, the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros face off in a game projected with a total of 8 runs. However, with both starting pitchers, Lance McCullers Jr. and Jack Leiter, showing inconsistent performances, the OVER bet appears to be promising. The suggested wager is the OVER 8 runs for -115.

The San Diego Padres are making a push for the playoffs, currently sitting just half a game out of the final National League Wild Card spot. Despite their strong lineup and pitching staff, they face a significant challenge in left field, where they have been struggling throughout the season. The team has been utilizing depth players in that position, but a potential trade could bring a much-needed upgrade. Tim Kelly from Bleacher Report has suggested ten realistic trade scenarios, with Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis García being a prime target.

García has been heating up recently and would be an immediate impact player for the Padres, noted for his solid defensive performance, including 11 defensive runs saved in right field this year. If acquired, he would transition to left field alongside Fernando Tatis Jr., forming an impressive defensive duo. While García's offensive numbers this season—hitting .231 with 11 home runs and 53 RBIs—might raise eyebrows, his consistent power over the past few seasons makes him a valuable asset. Speculations suggest that the Padres could offer outfielder prospect Kavares Tears, currently ranked as their No. 7 prospect, to land García.