Philadelphia locked in a six-man rotation as Aaron Nola returns from the IL, a move the Phillies hope will keep their elite staff fresh down the stretch. Sunday’s game against Washington will debut the six-man plan, with the team reassessing after the first rotation through. The roster features Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sánchez as undisputed aces, joined by Ranger Suárez, Taijuan Walker, and a returning Nola plus Jesús Luzardo in a speculative sixth slot. Rest for the rotation could reduce wear on the frontrunners and help keep everyone efficient in the pennant race.

The decision highlights a rotation that’s been among the league’s best this season, with Wheeler, Sánchez, Suárez and Luzardo each boasting a WAR of at least 2.4 and four starters carrying a sub-3.00 ERA across recent starts. Walker has been strong since resuming his role, posting a 3.05 ERA in his last five outings. Nola’s return comes after a rough start that included a 6.16 ERA through nine starts and 11 homers allowed in just under 50 innings. If he can recapture form, Philadelphia’s depth suddenly looks even more formidable as the season progresses.

The latest closer rankings in fantasy baseball showcase the elite talents in the game, reflecting their recent performances. Josh Hader of the Houston Astros leads the pack with an impressive 2.22 ERA and 73 strikeouts over 48.2 innings, securing 28 saves this season. Close behind is Andrés Muñoz from the Seattle Mariners, boasting a stellar 1.32 ERA and 24 saves. Edwin Díaz of the New York Mets continues to shine with 23 saves and a 1.48 ERA. The rankings also highlight the shifts in bullpen roles as teams adjust to trade deadlines and injuries, with players like Aroldis Chapman and Jhoan Duran gaining prominence.

As the season progresses, the landscape of save opportunities remains fluid. Notable performers like Trevor Megill of the Milwaukee Brewers and Robert Suarez of the San Diego Padres are making strides in the rankings, demonstrating their value in fantasy leagues. However, injuries and team trades, such as Gregory Soto joining the Mets and the potential shake-up of the Cardinals' bullpen, could drastically alter the dynamics of fantasy rosters. Fantasy managers must stay vigilant to capitalize on emerging talent while navigating these changes.

Ryan McMahon has become a member of the New York Yankees after being traded from the Colorado Rockies. Finding a jersey number is always a challenge with the Yankees due to their history of retiring numbers for legendary players. McMahon wore No. 24 in Colorado, which is now occupied by Jasson Dominguez, forcing him to adopt No. 19 instead. This number carries significant historical weight as it was worn by current manager Aaron Boone during his iconic 2003 postseason walk-off home run against the Boston Red Sox.

No. 19 is also part of Yankees lore, having been donned by other notable players like Masahiro Tanaka and Whitey Ford, albeit for just one season. The number's rich history and Boone's connection to it may serve as a good omen for McMahon as he transitions to this storied franchise.

As the MLB Trade Deadline approaches during the 2025 season, managing your fantasy baseball roster requires sharp attention to emerging talent and injury updates. This week’s waiver wire rankings highlight players like Nick Kurtz and Eury Perez, who are must-adds for any competitive team. Kurtz, with a 61% roster percentage, has shown he can produce consistently, while Perez's skills as a starting pitcher make him a valuable asset. Meanwhile, players like Spencer Arrighetti and Tyler Freeman are on hot streaks, making them essential picks for this week’s lineup. Monitor injuries closely, especially with Brandon Lowe's recent plantar fasciitis flare-up, as it could impact lineup decisions.

The San Francisco Giants (45-40) are set to face the Arizona Diamondbacks (42-42) in Phoenix, with Hayden Birdsong on the mound for the Giants against Zac Gallen of the Diamondbacks. In game one of the series, the Diamondbacks emerged victorious, winning 4-2, primarily due to Ryne Nelson's stellar performance, striking out seven in 6.2 innings while allowing only two earned runs.

As the teams prepare for their second matchup, important betting insights highlight that with Gallen starting, the Diamondbacks have won five of their last seven home games against the Giants. Additionally, the under has cashed in six of Gallen's last eight starts. The odds favor Arizona at -137 on the moneyline, while the Giants sit at +115. Today's game is projected to total at 9.0 runs. Expect expert predictions to heavily influence betting strategies, particularly with Gallen's recent form being a focal point.