Atlanta sits 0.5 games behind Pittsburgh for the second-best lottery odds with two weeks left, keeping a path to the top pick open and boosting the value of late-season moves for fantasy rosters. Each additional lottery position translates to a higher chance of landing the top pick, reshaping exposure to Braves prospects and potential trade leverage as the season winds down. The Braves’ fate in the lottery influences who threads the lineup in September and beyond, with implications for playing-time and upside across the roster.

Meanwhile, Atlanta ends its frustration with a 6-2 loss to Houston as Elder struggles and Olson pops a homer, the Blue Jays promote Trey Yesavage, the Dodgers put Will Smith on the IL, and Tarik Skubal reports no major issue and could return soon. These notes ripple through fantasy lineups: monitor Braves balance of veterans and youngsters, Dodgers catcher replacements, and Jays yesavage watch, while Skubal’s health could lift a suspect Tigers rotation down the stretch.