As the fantasy baseball season progresses into the summer months, savvy managers are looking to stash injured players who can provide significant value upon their return. Top targets include Luis Gil of the New York Yankees, who is nearing a return after a successful rehab stint, and Grayson Rodriguez from the Baltimore Orioles, who is also ramping up for his comeback. With both of these pitchers having shown impressive strikeout abilities last season, they could be pivotal assets down the stretch.

Outfielders like Joc Pederson of the Texas Rangers and Noelvi Marte from the Cincinnati Reds are also worth considering, as both are set to return shortly and have demonstrated strong offensive capabilities in previous seasons. Lastly, Gabriel Moreno of the Arizona Diamondbacks remains a compelling option behind the plate, particularly in an offense that benefits from his hitting prowess. Snagging these players now could pay off immensely during crucial weeks ahead.

Robbie Ray delivered a masterful performance on Thursday night, leading the San Francisco Giants to a 7-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Pitching a complete game for the first time since 2017, Ray showcased his skills by allowing only three hits and striking out seven batters, all while throwing just 102 pitches. This marks an impressive milestone in Ray's career as he improved his record to 9-3 for the season, with a commendable 2.68 ERA.

This outing was particularly significant as it came against his former team, the Diamondbacks, who Ray pitched for during his complete game against the Pirates in 2017. The Giants' offense supported Ray effectively, enabling him to dominate the game and secure a much-needed win. As he continues to shine, Ray's performance enhances his value in fantasy leagues.

Three American League players—Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, and Addison Barger—lead the league in extra-base power, averaging over 14 extra-base hits per 100 at-bats. Judge, the reigning AL MVP, continues to showcase his prowess, while Raleigh is on track for an unprecedented season as a catcher. Barger, a surprising outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, has already hit 11 homers this season, significantly improving his batting average. His recent performance includes home runs in two consecutive games, highlighting his ability to deliver consistent power.

In addition to these AL sluggers, Shohei Ohtani and Corbin Carroll also feature prominently in this elite category. Barger’s impressive metrics, including remarkable exit velocity, suggest that his success is not merely a fluke. Fantasy players should keep a close watch on him as he has the potential to continue this surge throughout the season.

Baseball's drama is once again in the spotlight as the Cleveland Guardians face a potential scandal involving pitcher Luis Ortiz, who has been placed on leave amid a gambling investigation that suggests he might have intentionally thrown pitches. Meanwhile, Arizona Diamondbacks pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly have raised allegations against the Cincinnati Reds, claiming their home pitching mound is illegal, thus providing an unfair advantage.

Kelly pointed out the mound's unusual height and how it contrasts sharply with what players encounter in other stadiums. Gallen's statistics from a recent outing against the Reds support his argument, as he recorded his lowest pitch release and extension marks, suggesting the mound might be less steep and affecting his performance. The debate over mound regulations could impact the Reds' roster decisions moving forward, as they may favor pitchers who perform well on their altered mound.

The New York Yankees are struggling to play complete baseball, leading to concerns about their roster as the trade deadline approaches. Despite a strong offensive showing, including a game-tying home run by Aaron Judge, they fell to the Toronto Blue Jays 11-9, tying the teams for first place in the AL East. As a result, speculation about potential trades has surfaced, with suggestions to acquire players like Eugenio Suárez from the Arizona Diamondbacks, relievers Seth Halvorsen and Jake Bird from the Colorado Rockies, and utilityman Willi Castro from the Minnesota Twins.

Suárez, who has had a resurgence with 26 home runs and a .874 OPS, could bolster the Yankees' lineup. Meanwhile, the Yankees could also benefit from adding Halvorsen and Bird to address their bullpen challenges. Lastly, a controversial trade involving Castro could reshape their infield dynamics, particularly if they decide to move on from Anthony Volpe.