The Toronto Blue Jays are set to face the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, July 9, with Eric Lauer on the mound for Toronto. The Jays are riding a ten-game winning streak, having recently defeated the White Sox 6-1, thanks to Chris Bassitt’s stellar six-inning performance. On the other side, Adrian Houser, boasting a remarkable 1.60 ERA, will pitch for the White Sox. This matchup is critical as the Blue Jays look to sweep the series and continue their momentum.

Betting lines favor the Blue Jays at -149 on the moneyline, with a spread of -1.5. Recent trends indicate that the Blue Jays have excelled on the road and tend to favor the under when playing against American League teams. Players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who had two hits in the previous game, and Mike Tauchman, who is on a six-game hitting streak, will be key to watch for their offensive contributions.

Wednesday brings a fresh look at starting pitchers trending upward, giving fantasy baseball enthusiasts key insights into potential acquisitions. Brandon Woodruff’s return from injury showcases a mix of pitches, including a new cutter and a sneaky sweeper, generating hope for consistent performance. Charlie Morton has rediscovered his curveball, leading to significant improvements in strikeout rates, while Joe Boyle, with revamped mechanics and a dominant pitch mix, shows promise for those looking to capitalize on fresh talent. Eric Lauer’s cutter evolution and Ryne Nelson’s return to form provide further streaming options as the season progresses.

The latest Hump Day analysis focuses on starting pitchers trending in the right direction. Among them, Brandon Woodruff shined in his season debut for the Milwaukee Brewers, showcasing a modified pitch arsenal that includes a new cutter and improved command on his fastballs. Despite some velocity loss post-injury, Woodruff's performance indicates he can be a reliable streaming option moving forward.

Charlie Morton has rebounded after a disastrous start to his season with the Baltimore Orioles, leaning more on his curveball, which has returned to form and is now critical to his success. Joe Boyle of the Tampa Bay Rays is generating buzz with a revamped pitch mix, featuring a new splitter that has led to impressive Triple-A numbers. Eric Lauer's resurgence with the Toronto Blue Jays and Ryne Nelson’s consistent performance as a starter for the Arizona Diamondbacks also highlight the emerging pitching talent this season.

As we reach the midpoint of the 2025 MLB season, some teams are exceeding expectations while others are struggling. The Houston Astros, despite losing key players and facing injuries, have surged ahead, competing for the best record in the league. Their resilience showcases emerging talents like Hunter Brown and Jeremy Peña. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays have also impressed, with pivotal performances from various players.

However, teams like the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves are facing significant challenges, raising questions about their postseason viability. The battle for playoff spots intensifies as the trade deadline approaches, making it crucial for teams to bolster their rosters effectively. The rest of the season promises intense competition and potential shake-ups in standings.

The Toronto Blue Jays are riding a hot streak, entering their latest matchup with nine consecutive wins. As the trade deadline approaches, GM Ross Atkins faces tough decisions about roster changes to enhance the team further. Starting pitching remains a key area of focus, especially regarding the health of Max Scherzer.

The Jays' rotation includes José Berríos, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, and Eric Lauer, with former ace Alek Manoah expected back in August. Acquiring another front-line starter could be beneficial, with potential targets like Jacob deGrom and Joe Ryan on the market.

Third baseman Addison Barger has shown flexibility, playing in the outfield as well. Adding a permanent third baseman could allow Barger to shift to right field. Eugenio Suárez is a candidate if he becomes available, which could strengthen the lineup significantly.

The outfield remains a vital question, depending on Anthony Santander’s recovery. If healthy, he could push for more playing time, but a trade for a left fielder like Jarren Duran may be necessary if uncertainty persists. Lastly, the bullpen will also see action at the deadline, with candidates like Emmanuel Clase and Aroldis Chapman potentially joining the Jays.