HQ PM Weekly 7/23/2025

MLB Matchups and Betting Opportunities

On Wednesday, July 23, the Major League Baseball (MLB) slate features a variety of exciting games, with the most anticipated matchup being between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays. This rubber match is crucial for both teams as they compete for the top spot in the American League East. The Blue Jays currently hold a three-game lead over the Yankees, but this advantage was reduced after their recent 5-4 loss on Tuesday, which ended their franchise-record 11-game home winning streak.

The Yankees managed to break their five-game losing streak against the Blue Jays by coming from behind in the ninth inning, thanks to a solo home run by Ben Rice. For the Yankees, Max Fried (11-3, 2.43 ERA) will be looking to extend his perfect record against the Blue Jays, while the Blue Jays will counter with Chris Bassitt (10-4, 3.89). The latest SportsLine consensus odds have the Yankees as a -139 favorite, with the total set at 8.5 runs.

In addition to the Yankees-Blue Jays game, there are several other notable matchups on the evening schedule, including a WNBA contest and the 2025 MLS All-Star Game.

Red Sox vs. Phillies – Key Insights

The Red Sox will face the Phillies in a game that starts at 7:05 p.m. ET in Philadelphia. The Phillies won the first two games of their series against the Red Sox, with strong performances from Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sanchez. The SportsLine Projection Model favors the Over 8.5 in this matchup, predicting that the teams will combine for at least nine runs in more than 64% of its simulations. However, SportsLine expert Bruce Marshall believes the Phillies may struggle against Lucas Giolito, who has been dominant in his previous outings.

Yankees vs. Blue Jays – Strategic Analysis

The Yankees and Blue Jays will play their rubber match at 7:07 p.m. ET in Toronto. The Blue Jays have had better success against Max Fried recently, scoring four runs in a previous matchup. On the other hand, Chris Bassitt has been consistent, allowing only one run in his last two starts. The SportsLine model predicts a potential win for the Blue Jays, which could help them increase their division lead.

Additional MLB Best Bets

There are several other MLB games to watch, including the Yankees-Blue Jays Over 8.5 (-102), with the Rangers as a -136 favorite. Experts like Bruce Marshall have a strong track record in their MLB picks, making these bets worth considering.

WNBA Matchup – Dream vs. Mercury

The WNBA action includes a matchup between the Atlanta Dream and the Phoenix Mercury, starting at 10 p.m. ET in Phoenix. Both teams are in second place in their respective conferences, but the Mercury have a strong home record, while the Dream struggle on the road. This is the first of three meetings between the teams this season, with the Mercury having won three of their four matchups in 2024.

MLS All-Star Game – A Competitive Showdown

The 2025 MLS All-Star Game will take place at 9 p.m. ET in Austin, Texas. This is the fourth time in five years that this format has been used, with the MLS All-Stars previously winning against the Liga MX All-Stars. The Liga MX team includes notable players like Juan Brunetta and Sergio Ramos, while the MLS side features Sam Surridge, who is tied with Lionel Messi in goals this season.

Looking Ahead: 3M Open

The 2025 3M Open will begin on Thursday, with some of the top golfers in the world competing at TPC Twin Cities. Notable participants include Wyndham Clark, Sam Burns, and major winners like Adam Scott and Zach Johnson. SportsLine data analyst Mike McClure has a proven track record in golf betting, making his insights valuable for fans and bettors alike.