Stolen bases are on the rise in MLB, with several players stepping up their game on the base paths. José Ramírez, Trea Turner, and Cedric Mullins are among the top performers, while emerging talents like Tyler Freeman and Evan Carter are also making waves. The Marlins lead the league in stolen bases allowed, making them a target for savvy fantasy managers looking for speed. Meanwhile, the Astros and Rays are also struggling with stolen bases against them, highlighting potential opportunities for fantasy players.

Monitor the trends as players like Mullins may get a boost if traded to a contender. Meanwhile, the Mets, despite being not particularly fast, have excelled in base stealing efficiency, showcasing the importance of strategy over sheer speed.

As the All-Star break approaches, identifying potential fantasy baseball breakouts is key for managers looking to bolster their rosters. This week, focus on four players who are heating up and might be available on the waiver wire. Ramon Laureano of the Baltimore Orioles leads the charge with a stellar .349 average and a 1.010 OPS over the last two weeks. Meanwhile, Cincinnati's Austin Hays and Oakland's Max Muncy are also making strides, albeit with varying degrees of consistency. Chicago White Sox's Brooks Baldwin rounds out the list, showcasing promise with significant improvements.

Clarke Schmidt's season with the New York Yankees is officially over after an MRI revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. This unfortunate news comes as the Yankees grapple with an already injury-riddled rotation, having already lost fellow starter Gerrit Cole to Tommy John surgery earlier this season. Schmidt's upcoming surgery marks a significant setback for the 29-year-old, who had been showing promise with a 3.32 ERA in 14 starts this season. Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated that while Schmidt seeks additional opinions on his elbow, the likelihood of surgery is extremely high. The Yankees are expected to explore both internal and external options to fill the void left by Schmidt heading into the All-Star break.

As the MLB season approaches the All-Star break, savvy fantasy baseball players are looking to bolster their rosters with under-the-radar hitters. This week, several players have emerged as strong candidates for waivers, offering potential boosts in critical categories like runs, home runs, RBIs, stolen bases, and batting average.

Josh Smith of the Texas Rangers, rostered in just 36% of leagues, continues to shine at the plate, boasting a .311 average with three home runs and 18 runs scored recently. Caleb Durbin of the Brewers is another name to watch, hitting .296 with three homers and 18 runs in June. Meanwhile, Ramon Laureano has returned to form with the Orioles, hitting .312 with four home runs and leading in runs scored.

For power hitters, Kyle Stowers of the Marlins is on the rise, hitting three home runs in the last week of June, while Gary Sanchez is making a significant impact for the Orioles as well, providing solid numbers despite limited playing time. Lastly, Otto Lopez is leading the NL in RBIs this month, making him a must-roster player. As the season progresses, these players could be the difference-makers for fantasy teams.

As the MLB season progresses, it's crucial to monitor lineup changes that can impact player value. For the Baltimore Orioles, Ramon Urias is stepping up at third base while Jordan Westburg recovers from a finger injury. If Westburg's time on the IL extends, Urias could become a regular starter, impacting fantasy strategies.

In Boston, Jarren Duran's batting position against lefties has been altered, dropping him from leadoff due to performance concerns. Meanwhile, David Hamilton may see more time at second base, complicating playtime for others in the lineup.

The New York Yankees' Ben Rice is on the verge of gaining catcher eligibility, an important factor for fantasy leagues. With Giancarlo Stanton's return limiting Dominguez’s play, monitoring these changes is vital for strategizing lineup placements.

The Tampa Bay Rays have introduced Chandler Simpson, whose speed could be a factor for those in need of stolen bases. Meanwhile, Jose Caballero has seen less playtime due to performance issues.

For the Toronto Blue Jays, George Springer’s increased DH appearances could affect his fantasy value, especially with outfield competition intensifying. Lastly, the Chicago White Sox's Michael Taylor has become a regular starter while Luis Robert is injured, presenting an opportunity for deep-league fantasy managers.