As the fantasy baseball season progresses into the summer months, savvy managers are looking to stash injured players who can provide significant value upon their return. Top targets include Luis Gil of the New York Yankees, who is nearing a return after a successful rehab stint, and Grayson Rodriguez from the Baltimore Orioles, who is also ramping up for his comeback. With both of these pitchers having shown impressive strikeout abilities last season, they could be pivotal assets down the stretch.

Outfielders like Joc Pederson of the Texas Rangers and Noelvi Marte from the Cincinnati Reds are also worth considering, as both are set to return shortly and have demonstrated strong offensive capabilities in previous seasons. Lastly, Gabriel Moreno of the Arizona Diamondbacks remains a compelling option behind the plate, particularly in an offense that benefits from his hitting prowess. Snagging these players now could pay off immensely during crucial weeks ahead.

As fantasy baseball enthusiasts prepare for Week 15, several prospects have emerged as prime candidates to stash on benches or NA spots. Notable promotions from the minors include Colby Thomas, Harry Ford, and Colson Montgomery, all making their major league debuts recently.

Among the top prospects to watch, Samuel Basallo of the Baltimore Orioles has continued to shine, boasting a 147 WRC+ with 16 home runs. Despite injuries plaguing the Orioles' catcher position, Basallo remains uncalled. Meanwhile, Carson Williams of the Tampa Bay Rays is showing promise with 14 home runs and 14 stolen bases but is still working through adjustments at Triple-A. Moises Ballesteros of the Cubs has shown flashes of potential but needs opportunities to cement his role. Lastly, Chase DeLauter and Kristian Campbell are making strong cases for call-ups, with the Guardians and Red Sox potentially in need of their offensive contributions soon.

At the MLB trade deadline, the St. Louis Cardinals may bolster their bullpen with Gregory Soto, currently with the Baltimore Orioles. Soto, a two-time All-Star, has established himself as a reliable reliever with a career total of 55 saves and 376 strikeouts since debuting in 2019. His fastball, consistently clocked between 94-99 mph, complements a devastating breaking slider, making him a formidable asset for the Cardinals alongside Ryan Helsley.

With the Cardinals' current standings at 47-40 and vying for a Wild Card spot, acquiring Soto could create a dynamic duo in their bullpen, mirroring successful pitching pairings across the league. This potential move reflects the Cardinals' commitment to make a playoff push, especially after Soto’s previous contributions to playoff runs with different teams.

The New York Yankees have faced significant challenges this season, especially within their own division, where they hold a disappointing 10-15 record. This is particularly concerning given the struggles of their rivals, such as the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox, who have both struggled for consistency. The Yankees, despite having star player Aaron Judge performing at an elite level, have failed to capitalize on their opportunities against these teams. The impending trade deadline could provide a chance for improvements, but questions linger about whether just adding new players will suffice.

As the Yankees prepare for their upcoming series against the Toronto Blue Jays, a pivotal moment looms. Their ability to turn around their divisional performance will be crucial not only for securing a playoff spot but also for restoring faith among their fanbase. It remains to be seen if a change in strategy, mindset, or player acquisitions can help the Yankees improve in the second half of the season.

Veteran catcher Gary Sánchez could be headed back to the San Diego Padres as the MLB trade deadline approaches. Sánchez, who has played for the Padres in the past, may be available due to the Orioles' recent injuries to their catching staff. Despite the defensive skills of current catchers Elias Díaz and Martín Maldonado, the Padres are looking to bolster their offensive output behind the plate.

In his previous stint with San Diego, Sánchez showcased his power, hitting 19 home runs with a .792 OPS over 260 plate appearances. He later signed a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers and was then picked up by the Orioles. This season, he has a .247 batting average with five home runs and 24 RBIs in just 95 plate appearances, marking a significant decline in performance. With no trade clause in his contract, Sánchez's potential move back to the Padres could help stabilize a struggling lineup.