The Chicago Cubs have emerged as leaders in the National League Central after 30 games, but their bullpen remains a significant concern. Currently ranking fifth-worst in the MLB with a 4.81 ERA, the Cubs have seen underwhelming performances from pitchers like Porter Hodge and Brad Keller, both with ERAs exceeding 5.00. Eli Morgan, a recent trade acquisition, is currently sidelined with an elbow injury, further straining the relief corps. Despite this, Ryan Pressly and Julian Merryweather have stood out as reliable options.

To bolster their chances for a postseason run, analysts are recommending the Cubs target Phil Maton of the St. Louis Cardinals. Maton boasts a solid WHIFF rate, allowing him to induce swings and misses effectively. With a respectable strikeout-to-walk ratio this season, including 17 strikeouts against only two walks, he could add depth to the Cubs' bullpen. Although trades between these division rivals are rare, acquiring Maton could be a strategic low-risk move for Chicago as they aim to secure their first postseason appearance since 2020.

The St. Louis Cardinals showcased an impressive offensive display, hitting three consecutive home runs in the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds, securing a 6-0 shutout victory. Victor Scott II, Lars Nootbaar, and Masyn Winn each contributed significantly to the team's run total. The outing marked a rare road victory for the Cardinals, who have struggled away from home this season, with this being just their third win on the road.

Winn's performance was particularly notable as he hit two home runs, establishing himself as a key player in this matchup. The Cardinals have been known for their potent offense, demonstrated by their past exploits, including a historic seven-homer game earlier this season. Reds manager Terry Francona highlighted the importance of maintaining a tight scoreline, indicating that the game's final moments slipped away due to missed opportunities.

The St. Louis Cardinals secured a commanding 6-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds in the first game of a day-night doubleheader, aided by a ninth-inning offensive explosion. The Cardinals' Masyn Winn opened the scoring with a solo home run off Cincinnati starter Brady Singer, who pitched six strong innings, allowing just one run. However, it was Reds' reliever Alexis Diaz who faced the brunt of the Cardinals' late-game firepower, giving up three consecutive home runs. Miles Mikolas pitched 5.1 innings for St. Louis, contributing to the Reds' struggles with only one hit and striking out four batters.

The game marked the end of Cincinnati's five-game winning streak as the Cardinals improved their record to 13-17 while the Reds fell to 16-14. Key performances included a stellar outing from Mikolas and impactful swings from Victor Scott II and Lars Nootbaar, who each homered in the top of the ninth. The Reds, despite a strong start from Singer, could not capitalize on their chances, with only one hit through the first eight innings. The loss prompted Reds manager Terry Francona to reflect on Diaz's performance, noting the critical moment when the game slipped away.

Reese Olson, Matthew Liberatore, and Will Vest have emerged as intriguing options for fantasy baseball managers in 2025, showcasing remarkable early-season performances. Olson's changeup usage has surged, helping him achieve a 3.55 ERA, with impressive strikeout rates. Meanwhile, Liberatore has transformed into a reliable pitcher with a 3.19 ERA, showcasing improved command and a strong reliance on his slider. Vest has carved out a niche in the Tigers' bullpen, displaying excellent metrics despite a recent rough outing.

Assessing whether these pitchers are merely breakouts or potential league winners is vital for fantasy managers. Olson's early successes, bolstered by his enhanced changeup, suggest he could provide solid depth in standard formats, but consistency remains a concern. Liberatore's post-hype breakout may offer a more stable option, while Vest's high-leverage role indicates potential value, especially in leagues that reward holds and saves.

On this Wednesday, a pair of intriguing National League matchups dominate the MLB betting landscape. The San Francisco Giants take on the San Diego Padres, where pitchers Landen Roupp and Michael King are set to duel. Roupp's 4.56 ERA is overshadowed by his impressive metrics, including a notable 10.9 K/9 rate. While he has had a shaky start, his ability to limit runs in most outings is promising. King's stellar 2.18 ERA and low WHIP suggest he will be a tough challenge for the Giants. Given both pitchers' strong early-game performances, betting on the 'Under' for runs in the first few innings seems prudent.

In the evening, the St. Louis Cardinals face the Cincinnati Reds with Steven Matz and Andrew Abbott on the mound. Matz's recent form shows promise, but historical struggles against Reds batters raise concerns. Abbott’s solid start to the season indicates he can limit the Cardinals' offense, especially given their struggles against left-handed pitching. The Reds are favored to score high, making their first-five innings line appealing for bettors.