New York rides a power surge on the road, using four homers to topple Atlanta 9-2 and remind the league they’re far from out of the NL East race. McNeil and Alonso led the charge, with Vientos going deep twice and Marte adding a multi-facet night. Holmes worked into the seventh for a quality start as the Mets leaned on timely hitting and baserunning to seize momentum against a Braves club out of contention.

The win tightens the Mets’ hold on second in the NL East and boosts their wild-card positioning, signaling they’re capable of grinding through rough spells and turning them into production on the road. With Soto in the lineup and the lineup producing, New York demonstrated they can win on the road in hostile environments and keep pressure on the division rival Phillies.

Francisco Lindor sparked the Mets during a tough week, going 5-for-7 with a homer, two walks, four runs and a stolen base across a pair of back-to-back losses to Atlanta. His 409-foot shot to right-center on Thursday underscored a growing feel for the barrel as New York chased consistency at the plate.

Despite an uneven season since breaking his right pinky toe, Lindor has hit .283 with an .878 OPS in August, his best month in months. Coaches Chavez, Barnes and Fernandez have kept him in the cage and urging adjustments—pull-side power, contact the other way and better plate awareness—signaling a mid-season revival that fantasy managers will want to monitor as he carries momentum into the Mets’ next series.

With Seattle looming in Queens, Lindor’s surge is timely. Brandon Nimmo contributed in the same series, driving in runs and providing baserunning spark as the Mets look to climb back into contention. The Braves took the set, but Lindor’s hot stretch offers a glimmer for a lineup that badly needs his star power to stabilize a fluctuating offense.

As we enter Week 14 of the fantasy baseball season, it's crucial to keep an eye on the waiver wire for potential closer pickups and bullpen updates. The New York Yankees' Luke Weaver has shown potential, sharing closing duties with Devin Williams, who is currently on a remarkable seven-game scoreless streak. Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers' bullpen remains a mix-and-match situation, with Chris Martin and Robert Garcia both earning saves recently.

The Atlanta Braves have finally seen some saves after a month-long drought, with Dylan Lee and Raisel Iglesias each getting one, but Lee seems to be the preferred choice moving forward. The Chicago Cubs' Daniel Palencia is a must-add with an impressive 1.86 ERA and eight saves, while the Philadelphia Phillies are also worth monitoring for Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm, who have been splitting saves. In deeper leagues, keep an eye on Calvin Faucher of the Miami Marlins and Grant Taylor from the Chicago White Sox, both showing potential for save opportunities.

As we reach the halfway mark of the MLB season, with the Dodgers and Tigers on track for 100 wins, fantasy managers must pivot their strategies for the second half. Jose Soriano shows promise with a recent impressive run, while Edward Cabrera's command issues make him a risky FAAB target. Jacob Lopez has been stellar with his strikeout rate, but concerns linger. In the bullpen, Dylan Lee might seize more saves, while rookie Drake Baldwin has impressed offensively. Spencer Steer's resurgence is noteworthy as he competes for playing time with Austin Hays injured. Casey Schmitt is heating up for the Giants, and the Angels' Christian Moore might finally get his shot. Keep an eye on these players for FAAB bids this week!

Aroldis Chapman is enjoying a resurgence in Boston, showcasing one of his best seasons as a 16-year veteran. With a remarkable 14 saves out of 15 opportunities and an impressive 1.36 ERA, he has been a key component for the Red Sox this season. His recent outings, including a clean save against the Giants and striking out three against the Angels, highlight his dominance.

Meanwhile, Josh Hader continues to excel for the Houston Astros, having completed five appearances in the last week, earning three saves along with a win. His statistics reflect his top-tier status, boasting a 1.73 ERA and a solid K/BB ratio. Moreover, in Atlanta, Dylan Lee has emerged as a reliable option in save opportunities, complementing Edwin Díaz's return. The Closer Report also identifies various relievers to watch across the league.