With the fantasy baseball season intensifying, several players offer intriguing opportunities for owners looking to bolster their rosters. Notably, Ryan Enriquez of the Miami Marlins has emerged as a potential closer, boasting three saves in recent weeks despite a high WHIP. Meanwhile, Quinn Priester of the Milwaukee Brewers is pitching impressively, with a remarkable strikeout rate and low ERA, making him a viable add for teams needing pitching depth.

On the hitting side, Jurickson Profar has returned for the Atlanta Braves after a suspension and offers significant upside, displaying power upon his return. Ramon Laureano of the Baltimore Orioles has also been heating up, contributing well in terms of runs and RBIs. Meanwhile, Trevor Story’s recent surge at the plate could be beneficial for teams that need batting average help, especially with the potential for stolen bases.

The latest update from the fantasy baseball landscape highlights the devastating news surrounding Spencer Schwellenbach, who has been diagnosed with a fractured right elbow and is set to be sidelined for at least four weeks. While his return is hoped for in September, the uncertainty surrounding his injury and the Braves' playoff aspirations complicate his value in redraft leagues. In contrast, Jerksin Profar has made a triumphant return, hitting a home run and showcasing impressive metrics in his debut with the Braves, making him a must-add player. Meanwhile, pitchers like Jacob Mizerowski and Dylan Cease have exhibited fluctuating performances, raising questions about their consistency moving forward. The podcast also addresses waiver wire options, emphasizing emerging players that could bolster fantasy rosters.

The excitement surrounding the return of Backyard Baseball 2001 in July is palpable, enhanced by MLB's involvement and the return of iconic players. However, not all is well; three notable stars, including Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds, have opted out of this re-release, raising eyebrows and disappointment among fans. Meanwhile, Clayton Kershaw's recent achievement of 3,000 strikeouts has garnered mixed reactions, with hosts reflecting on the significance of this milestone and challenging the historical importance of pitcher wins, now overshadowed by strikeouts. The Blue Jays are in the spotlight as they challenge the struggling Yankees, and the Braves are facing injury woes amidst a shaky season. The All-Star Game starters have been announced, featuring standout players from various teams. As we approach the mid-season mark, the narrative is set for an intriguing second half of the MLB season.

Struggling stars such as Mookie Betts, Jackson Merrill, and Ozzie Albies are on the fantasy radar this season, but their underwhelming performances raise concerns for managers. Betts, with a career-low batting average, is still seen as a buy-low candidate, primarily due to his potential for a strong second half. Meanwhile, Merrill is viewed as a high-upside prospect who could bounce back after injury setbacks. Albies also presents a compelling buy opportunity for managers seeking power and speed from their second baseman, despite his current struggles.

Pitchers like Blake Snell, who is currently nursing a shoulder injury, might be worth acquiring for teams positioned for a playoff push, especially given his history of strong second halves. Conversely, Christopher Sanchez’s impressive first half has sparked debate on whether he can maintain that success as the season progresses. The fantasy landscape is dynamic, with injuries and performance fluctuations influencing trade strategies.