Cal Raleigh launched a historic blast and Logan Gilbert owned the night as Seattle torched Oakland 11-4. Raleigh’s 448-foot shot, 110.9 mph, tied MLB’s record for most homers by a primary catcher in a season, while Gilbert piled up a career-best 13 strikeouts with a nasty, north-south slider. The Mariners’ offense finally gave him big run support, with Arozarena’s early spark and Polanco’s long at-bat helping fuel a blowout in support of Seattle’s rebuild arc.

Nick Kurtz has transformed a scouting buzz into MVP-caliber production for Oakland, blazing through MLB pitching since the All-Star break. He leads the league in several second-half metrics, posting a blistering blend of average, on-base, and slugging that stacks with elite clutch hitting. The breakout has not only solidified him as the AL Rookie of the Year favorite but also showcased his power, patience, and contact skills as the cornerstone of the A’s order.

Oakland’s 2024 draft class—headlined by Kurtz and supported by top picks like Tommy White and Gage Jump—shaped a bold over-slot strategy that now looks brilliantly efficient. Kurtz’s rapid ascent, from Wake Forest prospect to a probable MVP front-runner, has coincided with an array of young talents contributing in the majors. The class’s college-heavy pedigree and quick arrivals signal a rising wave for the franchise and a new benchmark for evaluating left-handed youth in today’s game.

As teammates like Jacob Wilson and Shea Langeliers chase the same breakout arc, the A’s look poised to leverage this core into sustained relevance. The larger narrative positions Kurtz not just as a breakout star, but as a potential franchise anchor whose development could redefine Oakland’s competitive arc in the near term. More MLB coverage from Sports Illustrated follows.

Zack Wheeler’s season took a sharp turn when a blood clot near his throwing shoulder landed him on the 15-day injured list, forcing the Phillies to rethink rotation plans. Early indicators point to a cautious approach with treatment already underway, including blood thinners, as doctors determine whether surgery to decompress the area (likely the first rib) is needed. If surgery is required, Wheeler’s 2024 campaign would end, but a return in 2025 remains plausible. The Phillies will prioritize long-term health as they map a careful path forward.

Week 21 in fantasy baseball centers on savvy IL stashes with upside for the stretch drive. Ryan Yarbrough returns to a Yankees rotation eager for stability after an oblique ailment, offering speculative late-season value if rehab goes clean. Landen Roupp looks poised to rejoin the Giants with strong strikeout metrics and favorable home/road splits, potentially anchoring a depth start. Colton Cowser carries power upside and outfield flexibility, but concussion issues keep him risky until late August. Jacob Wilson remains a hot target for AVG/OBP and run production as he nears activation from forearm surgery. Hyeseong Kim, a versatile Dodger with speed and middle-infield eligibility, may reclaim regular at-bats once back. Across the board, managers should consider brief IL stashes to boost stacks when playoff rosters tighten.

These five players each bring a different path to value: Roupp’s strikeout ability and pitcher-friendly home park; Yarbrough’s proven 2025 form with caveats on injury recovery; Cowser’s past power in a strong Orioles lineup; Wilson’s top-line batting average and OBP splash; Kim’s speed and multi-position eligibility in a potent Dodgers lineup. Owners in redraft leagues with IL slots will want to monitor rehab updates and activation timelines, ready to pounce as Week 21 turns into Week 22 and the playoff push accelerates.

As the 2025 fantasy baseball season heats up, several injured players are primed for a return, making them prime stash candidates for savvy managers. Notable names include Bryce Miller, Michael Soroka, Jacob Wilson, Jake Burger, and Rhys Hoskins. Miller, with a stellar 2024 season behind him, is expected back mid-August, while Soroka's recent trade to the Cubs enhances his win potential despite a shoulder injury. Wilson, a rookie sensation, boasts a .312 average and should return soon from a fractured forearm. Burger, a power hitter, is also nearing recovery, while Hoskins could be a valuable addition in September.