The Texas Rangers jumped on veteran backstop Omar Narváez, signing him to a minor-league deal and assigning him to Triple-A Round Rock to shore up catching depth. Narváez, 33, sits at .252/.335/.373 across 681 MLB games over 10 seasons and was an NL All-Star with Milwaukee a few years back. He gives the Rangers a ervaren option behind Jonah Heim and Kyle Higashioka, and potentially a right-handed bat off the bench if injuries pop up. Cooper Johnson sits as Round Rock’s lone catcher on the 40-man’s depth chart, while Tucker Barnhart’s earlier stint in the organization ended with a release. The club also has Stanford product Malcolm Moore as a long-term upside piece in the high minors, but he’s still years away. Narváez’s arrival signals a prudent hedge for a playoff-aspiring club that already spent premium draft capital on catchers last summer. Round Rock gets a high-floor veteran who could push for a late-season MLB look if he stays healthy and productive.

Fantasy takeaway: Narváez is unlikely to push Heim from the job unless injuries clear the way, but he can be a valuable depth piece in 2025 and a potential waiver-wire add in trades or depth charts. If Heim struggles or Higashioka’s bat underperforms, Narváez could earn a look behind the plate or as a righty-hitting catcher/DH option in a hot streak. For now, keep an eye on Round Rock call-ups and any late-season roster moves that could propel Narváez onto the major-league stage.

On an electrifying evening in New York, the Houston Astros showcased their resilience, edging past the New York Yankees 5-3 in a thrilling extra-inning showdown. Carlos Correa played a pivotal role, delivering the winning single that brought Jose Altuve home in the 10th inning. Altuve, who had earlier launched his 20th homer of the season, finished the night with two hits and two RBIs, while Taylor Trammell's later homer fortified the Astros' lead against a faltering Yankees bullpen.

Astros pitcher Hunter Brown initially displayed dominance, allowing just one hit over five innings before yielding to the bullpen. Josh Hader's late-game heroics sealed the victory, despite facing a daunting Yankees lineup. The Astros, while struggling on a recent road trip, demonstrated their tenacity, narrowing their AL West gap as the playoffs loom. Framber Valdez is poised to take the mound next, aiming to continue the Astros' momentum.

As we hit the All-Star break, fantasy baseball managers need to keep a keen eye on the waiver wire, particularly for emerging starting pitchers who are currently undervalued. This week, four names stand out based on their recent performances and potential for sustained success.

Trevor Rogers of the Baltimore Orioles, once a highly regarded prospect, has bounced back from a rocky start to post a 1.86 ERA over his last 29 innings. His pitch mix, particularly his changeup, is showing promise, making him a solid pick for those in need of a reliable starter.

Meanwhile, Sean Manaea with the New York Mets is back from injury and displayed dominance in his first outing, reminiscent of his second-half performance last season where he posted a 3.48 ERA. His changeup improvement could lead to even better results.

Rookie Cam Schlittler from the Yankees made a strong debut with seven strikeouts in a bulk relief role, showcasing his potential as a future rotation piece. Lastly, Joey Cantillo of the Cleveland Guardians has the strikeout ability to contribute in favorable matchups despite some WHIP concerns.

The St. Louis Cardinals made a significant move in the 2025 MLB Draft, selecting left-handed pitcher Liam Doyle from the University of Tennessee with the fifth overall pick. This marks the Cardinals' first top-five selection since 1998. Doyle, ranked as the No. 8 player and No. 4 pitcher by MLB Pipeline, had a stellar college career, posting a 3.20 ERA and 164 strikeouts over 95.2 innings. Known as the 'psycho lefty', Doyle is celebrated for his intense on-field demeanor and has received numerous accolades, including being named SEC Pitcher of the Year and a finalist for the prestigious Golden Spikes Award.

Fans have expressed excitement over the pick, praising Doyle as a potential swing-and-miss starter. While there was speculation regarding whether the Cardinals would focus on pitching or shortstop, Doyle's selection suggests a commitment to bolstering the pitching staff. With three more picks remaining on the first night of the draft, attention now shifts to how the Cardinals will leverage their additional selections to further enhance their roster.

Jacob Misiorowski, the Milwaukee Brewers' rookie pitcher, has made a remarkable start to his MLB career, allowing just two runs across 16 innings while striking out 19 batters. Notably, he began his career with 11 hitless innings, a feat not seen in 125 years. Despite this early success, Misiorowski remains grounded, attributing his focus to spending time with family and avoiding social media distractions.

Misiorowski has worked diligently on his command, showing improvement in his walk rate during his time at Triple-A, dropping from previous highs. His impressive arsenal includes a fastball averaging 99.6 mph, a slider with high zone and strike rates, and a curveball that excels in vertical drop. His mental approach has evolved, learning to use visual cues for pitch placement, which has significantly enhanced his effectiveness on the mound. With this combination of talent and mental fortitude, Misiorowski appears poised for a successful career ahead.