Toronto clinched the division at home for the first time since 1993, riding a breakout night from Alejandro Kirk and a grand slam that sparked a five‑run seventh. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. delivered key RBI while Eric Lauer closed, sealing a 13‑4 win over the Rays. The victory grants Toronto a first‑round bye and a rested path to the playoffs, with a showdown against Boston or New York looming in the division series.

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.