The Yankees sit atop the AL wild-card picture after a 7-3 stretch, primed for a pivotal series in the Bronx against the Rays as both clubs chase playoff spots. Tampa Bay slid from the postseason chase after dealing assets at the deadline, while New York braces for a run at the top Wild Card and a possible surge in the crowded AL East race.

In the marquee matchup, Carlos Rodón goes for New York against Shane Baz of Tampa Bay. Aaron Judge looms as a prime DFS/street-promise option, especially given his history against Baz and his power against right-handed pitching this year. The betting line has the Yankees as slim road favorites with favorable remaining schedules helping their cause.

From a fantasy angle, Rodón’s steady 2025 profile and Judge’s popping upside against Baz stand out. The Rays’ lefty-vs-righty dynamics and Tampa’s post-deadline shift add volatility, but New York’s top OPS and runs-scoring pace keep them in the center of attention as they vie for a deeper October run.

Tampa Bay visits Oakland in a Tuesday showdown, with Shane Baz opposing Jacob Lopez as the Rays chase a second win in a three-game series in Sacramento. Baz and Lopez headline a pitching duel after Tampa Bay tired of a three-game slide on a long west coast swing, and Oakland seeks to bounce back after a rough home skid. Odds lean tight on a close game with a total set around 10, reflecting two solid arms facing lineups capable of producing. The betting model highlights Rays on the moneyline and the under as appealing avenues, while leveraging recent team trends on the A’s and Rays to shape daily fantasy and betting angles.

Key trends: Athletics have been a touch better lately but remain volatile at home in this period, while Rays have battled on the road but flashed breakthrough wins on this trip. Baz carries a 4.92 ERA this year, while Lopez sits at 3.59, with Lopez racking ten strikeouts in his last outing and Baz showing swing-and-miss upside despite a tough previous block. Fantasy lines favor Rays talent at the plate where Baz’s opponent’s lineup can test him, but Lopez’s ability to punch out Rays’ hitters keeps this one competitive.

On August 6, 2025, the Tampa Bay Rays face the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium, with Tampa Bay seeking to build on their recent 7-2 victory that tied the series. Rays' Shane Baz (8-8, 4.79 ERA) is set to pitch against Tyler Anderson (2-7, 4.49 ERA) for the Angels. The matchup is critical as both teams vie for playoff positioning, with the Angels struggling at home recently and the Rays aiming to overcome a four-series loss streak. The latest odds slightly favor the Rays, who have historically performed well in recent road series against the Angels.

Expert predictions lean towards a competitive game. Notably, the Angels are advised as a potential fade in their upcoming series against teams like the Tigers and Dodgers, presenting opportunities on the spread. As the game approaches, bettors and fantasy players are keenly watching starting pitchers' recent performances, especially Baz's concerning last outing where he allowed five earned runs but still managed eight strikeouts. The total is set at 9.0 runs, with analysts cautiously avoiding a bet on the game total.

As Fantasy Baseball enters Week 19 of the 2025 MLB season, several key pickups are rising in priority after the recent trade deadline. Andrew Vaughn of the Milwaukee Brewers is making waves with a blistering .452 batting average, four home runs, and 12 RBIs over his last eight games. Meanwhile, Cade Smith and Randy Rodriguez are emerging as must-add relievers for any savvy fantasy manager.

Injuries are shaking up lineups; the oblique strain suffered by Miguel Vargas of the Chicago White Sox could open opportunities for other players. With some teams jockeying for playoff positions and others evaluating talent for the future, staying on top of player movements and performance trends is crucial. This week’s waiver wire priorities hinge on performance and potential, making it a pivotal time to enhance your roster for the stretch run.