The Washington Nationals (41-61) are set to face the Minnesota Twins (49-53) on July 25, 2025, with MacKenzie Gore pitching for the Nationals against Zebby Matthews of the Twins. The Nationals are coming off a series win against Cincinnati, having gone 3-3 since the All-Star break. Conversely, the Twins are struggling with a 2-4 record after a trip that included games against the Rockies and Dodgers.

Gore, with a record of 4-9 and a 3.60 ERA, aims to bounce back after a rough outing where he allowed 8 earned runs in his last game. Matthews, a rookie with a 1-2 record and a 6.26 ERA, is looking to secure a win at home following a disappointing stretch. The game promises to be pivotal for both teams as they seek to improve their standings, with odds favoring the Twins slightly.

The Minnesota Twins faced a surprising setback against the Colorado Rockies, dropping their second consecutive game in a 10-6 defeat at Coors Field. This was particularly disappointing as the Rockies have struggled throughout the season, vying for the worst record in MLB history. Despite a promising start where the Twins scored three runs in the second inning, they faltered as the Rockies rallied with timely hits and a significant home run from their catcher, Hunter Goodman.

The Twins' pitching woes continued with Zebby Matthews allowing five runs in his first major league start since injury. The Rockies capitalized on the Twins' lack of offensive production in the middle innings, with pitcher Antonio Senzatela leading the charge. The Twins must regroup quickly, as they continue to battle for playoff positioning amid inconsistent performances.

The return of MLB provides a rich slate for daily fantasy players on DraftKings and FanDuel. Notably, pitchers like Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers have been on a roll, boasting six consecutive victories with impressive strikeout numbers, making him a solid pick despite facing the Los Angeles Dodgers. Zebby Matthews of the Dodgers also stands out, especially against a struggling Rockies team, though his recent IL stint raises some questions.

For infielders, Texas Rangers' Josh Smith presents excellent value with his ability against right-handed pitchers, while Cubs' Michael Busch is heating up, making him a potential GPP sleeper. Outfielders like Byron Buxton are in prime positions to capitalize in favorable matchups in Coors Field, while Randy Arozarena's current form adds to his appeal against the Astros.

As the 2025 MLB season heads into the second half, fantasy baseball managers are on the lookout for players who can make an impact in their rosters. Several players have shown promising signs that they could become valuable assets down the stretch. Among these are veterans like Salvador Pérez of the Kansas City Royals, who has turned his season around after a sluggish start, showing improved metrics that make him a solid addition at catcher. Meanwhile, young guns like Roman Anthony from the Boston Red Sox have displayed explosive potential, boasting impressive batting averages and hard-hit rates that suggest they are primed for breakout performances.

Continuing the trend of rising talents, Zebby Matthews, a pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, has shown glimpses of his high potential despite his previous struggles in the majors. His recent rehab performance indicated he could be a high-strikeout ace if he can maintain consistency. Other names like Addison Barger from the Toronto Blue Jays and Brice Matthews from the Houston Astros are also players to watch, as they bring versatility and the ability to contribute across multiple categories. Stashing these players could be key to securing a playoff spot in fantasy leagues this season.

The All-Star break has concluded and fantasy managers must pivot back to strategizing for the season's final stretch. Key FAAB targets are emerging, particularly among pitchers and position players who can make a significant impact. Trevor Rogers of the Baltimore Orioles has delivered outstanding stats recently, while Zebby Matthews is set to return from injury for the Minnesota Twins. Shane Bieber offers high-risk, high-reward potential as he progresses from Tommy John surgery. For batting support, Sean Murphy from the Atlanta Braves has been heating up, and there’s buzz around Andrew Vaughn's recent performance with the Milwaukee Brewers. This article outlines these players' recent performances and potential FAAB bids to help fantasy GMs make informed decisions.