As stolen bases surge across MLB, pinpointing the best base stealers and the most vulnerable pitchers and catchers is essential for fantasy teams. Last week, the Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays were highlighted for their aggressive base running, combining for 20 stolen bases. Jorge Mateo leads the league with 5 steals despite only starting four games, showcasing his explosive potential. Meanwhile, teams like the Colorado Rockies have struggled, allowing 15 stolen bases last week. The Baltimore Orioles have shifted their strategy under new management, attempting 14 steals last week, showing a willingness to take risks in a disappointing season.

Notably, the Marlins have dramatically improved their catchers’ effectiveness, limiting stolen bases against them significantly. This shift indicates an evolving dynamic within the league that fantasy players must monitor closely. The analysis extends to individual player efficiency, with names like Luis Robert Jr. and Bobby Witt Jr. dominating the overall season leaderboard with impressive numbers, while rookies like Jackson Holliday offer exciting potential.

Ronald Acuña Jr. is set to return to the Atlanta Braves after nearly a year sidelined with a left knee injury. The Braves announced that he would make his season debut in a home game against the San Diego Padres following a successful minor league rehab stint where he showcased his power, hitting two home runs in six games.

Acuña's 2022 season was cut short after just 49 games due to an ACL tear, but he bounced back spectacularly in 2023, winning the NL MVP award with a .336 average, 41 homers, 106 RBIs, and a staggering 73 stolen bases. His return is highly anticipated as he is a four-time All-Star and a game-changer for the Braves lineup.

The Chicago White Sox clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners in Game 2 of their series, leveling the matchup at 1-1. Joshua Palacios provided the game's only run with a clutch RBI single. Pitcher Adrian Houser stood out in his debut for the White Sox, throwing six shutout innings and allowing just two hits, striking out two batters. The former Rangers pitcher showcased a significant turnaround after struggling at Triple-A.

Looking ahead, the Mariners are set to face the White Sox in an early morning rubber match, with Seattle's Logan Evans taking the mound against Chicago's Shane Smith. Evans has shown promise with a 2.57 ERA this season, while Smith seeks to improve his record after a challenging start. This game could have implications for both teams as they push for postseason positioning.

Ronald Acuña Jr., the Atlanta Braves outfielder and reigning National League MVP, is set to begin a rehab assignment with the Gwinnett Stripers after recovering from a knee injury sustained earlier this season. Following a successful debut where he hit a home run, Acuña has continued to impress, boasting a .444 batting average with four hits and six runs in just four games. His return to the field is highly anticipated, with expectations of him being activated as soon as Friday when the Braves take on the San Diego Padres.

The Stripers will face the Louisville Bats, who are currently on a six-game losing streak, giving Acuña a chance to further refine his skills before returning to the big leagues. With Acuña's powerful hitting and base-running abilities, he is expected to provide a significant boost to the Braves’ lineup as they make a push for the postseason.

Ronald Acuña Jr., Spencer Strider, and Shane McClanahan are pivotal MLB players currently dealing with injuries, impacting fantasy rosters across the board. Acuña, after winning the NL MVP in 2023, faced a tough 2024 season due to a torn ACL, but is making strides toward a return, with a strong Triple-A performance suggesting he'll be back soon. Strider, who has shown tremendous strikeout potential, is back on the mound after a brief hamstring issue. Meanwhile, McClanahan's road to recovery from Tommy John surgery has been slower, and while he’s been cleared to throw, fantasy owners might need to be patient with his timeline.