Recent studies have highlighted a significant increase in Toronto's average temperature, which has risen more than any other Major League Baseball city over the past four decades. During the Blue Jays’ season, temperatures have increased by 3 degrees Celsius, according to Climate Central. Following Toronto, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ home city of Phoenix saw a rise of 2.8 degrees. The data indicates that the average temperature across all MLB cities has increased by approximately 1.7 degrees since 1970.

This information coincides with the Blue Jays' upcoming six-game homestand against the San Francisco Giants. It underscores the urgency around climate change, as Canada warms at nearly double the global average rate of 1.5 degrees Celsius. These figures serve as a stark reminder of the environmental challenges facing sports franchises and their communities.

The MLB slate post-All-Star Break poses a significant challenge for fantasy managers. With ambiguity rampant concerning starting pitchers, including teams like the Mets, Yankees, and Mariners lacking confirmed starters as of Friday morning, staying updated is crucial. Among the starters, Max Fried's potential blister issue makes him intriguing but risky. On the offensive front, Coors Field presents a prime opportunity to target Twins' hitters, while Astros and Mariners games are expected to be high-scoring given their favorable matchups.

Pitching options include Seth Lugo, who has shown consistency in recent outings despite a less favorable matchup against a decent Marlins lineup. Sean Manaea stands out due to his past performance against the Reds, while JP Sears could be a budget-friendly option against a struggling Cleveland offense. In terms of hitters, Byron Buxton's price reflects his explosive abilities, especially against left-handed pitchers. Meanwhile, players like George Springer and Rafael Devers offer significant value in matchups against vulnerable pitchers.

The fantasy baseball landscape is heating up as we move into the second half of the season. Identifying the right two-start pitchers can significantly impact your standings. This week, options abound with players like Hunter Brown of the Astros, who has been a beacon of consistency, and Tanner Bibee of the Guardians, who is poised to rebound against two average offenses. Shane Baz looks promising with a favorable matchup against the White Sox, while Max Scherzer's recent performances suggest he should be in all lineups despite challenging matchups.

Meanwhile, teams such as the Braves and Red Sox are still finalizing their rotations, creating uncertainty, especially for those looking to stream pitchers. Jacob Lopez of the Athletics and Kevin Gausman of the Blue Jays are also on the radar, though with varying levels of risk. It's crucial to stay updated on last-minute rotation changes to maximize your fantasy potential this week.

The Toronto Blue Jays are eyeing significant improvements to their pitching staff as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. With Chris Bassitt set to enter free agency and Kevin Gausman following closely, acquiring a solid arm is essential. MLB analyst Brad Wakai has highlighted Taj Bradley of the Tampa Bay Rays as a prime target for the Blue Jays, suggesting that he could serve as a future ace, particularly since he remains under team control for four more years.

Bradley, who has a record of 5-6 with a 4.60 ERA this season, was once viewed as an untouchable asset for the Rays. However, reports suggest that Tampa Bay is open to trade discussions, making him a viable candidate for Toronto. Adding him would not only strengthen the rotation alongside José Berríos but also provide a stable option for the upcoming seasons.

The San Francisco Giants (52-45) are set to face the Toronto Blue Jays (55-41) at Rogers Centre. Justin Verlander is taking the mound for the Giants, while Chris Bassitt will pitch for the Blue Jays. Toronto has been on a roll, winning 11 of their last 13 games before the All-Star break, averaging an impressive 6.2 runs per game. The Giants also come in strong, having won six of their last eight games. However, they need Rafael Devers to improve his .205 batting average for July if they want to compete effectively.

The odds for the game show the Giants at +114 on the moneyline and the Blue Jays favored at -135. The spread is set at Blue Jays -1.5 with a total of 8.0 runs. Verlander has struggled this season, holding a 0-7 record and a 4.70 ERA, while Bassitt boasts a more favorable 9-4 record with a 4.12 ERA. Betting trends indicate a positive outlook for Bassitt at home, as he has generated a profit on the moneyline and run line.