As the 2025 MLB season heads into the All-Star break, several pitchers are under scrutiny due to disappointing performances. Bailey Ober of the Minnesota Twins began the season with high expectations but has struggled, with his velocity significantly down and an alarming increase in earned runs. Despite a promising 2024 campaign, his recent 8.51 ERA in June has fantasy managers reconsidering his value. Kevin Gausman, a seasoned ace for the Toronto Blue Jays, also faced a rough patch in June, marred by control issues leading to a high ERA despite still striking out batters. His previous form suggests he could bounce back, making him a hold for now. Lastly, Brandon Pfaadt of the Arizona Diamondbacks was looked at as a potential breakout but has failed to find consistency, particularly with his strikeout rate plummeting and hard-hit balls against skyrocketing.

As the 2025 MLB season approaches the All-Star break, the performance of several key pitchers has left fantasy managers frustrated. The focus turns to Bailey Ober, Kevin Gausman, Brandon Pfaadt, and Shane Baz, who have all struggled to meet expectations this season.

Ober, once a promising pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, has faced severe downturns, including a shocking 8.51 ERA in June. His drop in velocity and a lingering hip issue raise concerns about his role moving forward. Meanwhile, Gausman of the Toronto Blue Jays has displayed inconsistencies, with a recent stretch characterized by control issues leading to high ERAs.

Pfaadt, despite a solid start, has hit a regression phase, with an alarming ERA over the past month, and his strikeout rate has plummeted. Lastly, Baz, touted as a future ace for the Tampa Bay Rays, has also had mixed results, struggling with home runs though still showcasing potential. Each of these pitchers represents a unique case for fantasy managers weighing their options for the second half of the season.

Kevin Gausman delivered an impressive performance, throwing eight innings of two-hit ball and striking out six batters in the Blue Jays' 6-0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. This win improves Gausman's record to 6-6, showcasing a return to form after recent struggles.

However, the game was marred by an injury to superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who exited after being hit by a pitch on his forearm, though subsequent X-rays revealed no fractures. The Blue Jays managed to capitalize on Cleveland's defensive mistakes, scoring three runs in the third inning and adding another three in the ninth, solidifying their series win.

Kevin Gausman experienced a tumultuous week, initially struggling against the Arizona Diamondbacks by allowing seven runs, inflating his ERA to 7.65. Yet, he bounced back spectacularly in Cleveland, delivering eight shutout innings against the Guardians, leading the Blue Jays to a 6-0 victory.

In his dominant performance, Gausman allowed only two hits and struck out six batters, demonstrating the resilience of a seasoned pitcher. The incident of his retaliation against José Ramírez after a hit on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. highlighted the competitive nature of the game.

The Toronto Blue Jays experienced a bitter defeat against the Cleveland Guardians, losing 5-4 in a frustrating game that included missed opportunities and poor base running. However, amid the disappointment, Max Scherzer's comeback to the rotation provided a positive note. After a three-month injury layoff, Scherzer pitched five solid innings, allowing three runs while striking out four. His velocity showed signs of improvement, peaking at 95.2 mph, and he expressed a desire to enhance his execution moving forward.

Scherzer faced challenges, including pitch-clock violations that contributed to runs scored against him. Despite these hiccups, he maintained confidence in his abilities and emphasized the importance of execution. The Blue Jays are hopeful that his experience and skills will reinvigorate their playoff push as they navigate a competitive AL wild-card race. Scherzer's presence in the clubhouse is also a boon, as he shares valuable insights with teammates about pitching and game strategy.