Fri Jul 18 21:50:00 UTC 2025: **News Article Summary:**

**MLB Second Half Begins: Expert Picks for Early Wins**

After a brief All-Star break, Major League Baseball is back in action, and CBS Sports analysts are highlighting key players to watch for potential victories.

The article focuses on four players poised for success in their upcoming games:

* **Jesus Luzardo (Phillies):** Set to face the Los Angeles Angels, who struggle against left-handed pitchers, Luzardo’s high strikeout rate and the Angels’ unfamiliarity with him make him a promising pick.
* **Byron Buxton (Twins):** Coming off a strong performance before the break and an impressive All-Star appearance, Buxton faces Rockies’ Kyle Freeland in Coors Field. Buxton’s history of success against lefties and Freeland’s struggles at home favor a productive game for Buxton.
* **Ryan O’Hearn (Orioles):** Playing in Tampa Bay with favorable hitting conditions, O’Hearn faces Rays’ pitcher Taj Bradley, who has struggled at home. O’Hearn also has a strong track record against Bradley, increasing his potential for a big game.
* **Kurtz:** Kurtz has been on a major power surge, entering the break with 17 homers and 44 RBI with a .558 slugging percentage and 143 OPS+.

The CBS Sports article emphasizes the confluence of factors favoring these players, offering insights for baseball fans looking for potential winners as the second half of the season gets underway. It is important to note that CBS Sports is not offering gambling services.

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