Fantasy baseball managers are always on the lookout for emerging talent, and this week's spotlight shines on three notable prospects: Justin Crawford, Jordan Lawlar, and Jonah Tong. Each player is making waves in the minors and could significantly impact your fantasy roster.

Justin Crawford, an outfielder with the Philadelphia Phillies, boasts a stellar .325 batting average and outstanding speed with 33 stolen bases this season at Triple-A. His lack of power, reflected by only three home runs, may push him down the rankings, but his ability to steal bases and get on base should warrant serious consideration for stashing.

Jordan Lawlar of the Arizona Diamondbacks is another player to watch. With a .319 average, 10 home runs, and 18 stolen bases, he possesses an impressive all-around skill set. He is expected to return soon from a rehab assignment and could play a critical role in Arizona's lineup, especially with a more regular opportunity looming.

Finally, Jonah Tong from the New York Mets has been dominant as a pitcher in Double-A, leading with a 1.66 ERA and an eye-popping 146 strikeouts in just 92 innings. While there may be concerns about his immediate chance of being called up, he is a must-stash in keeper and dynasty leagues.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. came through with a clutch two-run single in the fifth inning, propelling the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 7-2 victory over the Oakland Athletics. This win snapped a frustrating six-game losing streak for the Diamondbacks. Ketel Marte, Alek Thomas, and Corbin Carroll each contributed with home runs, showing a much-needed offensive spark. Zac Gallen pitched effectively, allowing only two runs through six innings, supported by a solid bullpen effort from Andrew Saalfrank, Kendall Graveman, and Kevin Ginkel, who all recorded scoreless innings.

The game started with Marte hitting a solo homer, but the A's quickly took a 2-1 lead after back-to-back doubles in the third. However, the Diamondbacks rallied in the fifth, with Gurriel's single giving them a lead they wouldn't relinquish. With their second win in 11 games, Arizona is hopeful this victory can mark the start of a turnaround as they prepare for their next matchup against a yet-to-be-named starter from Oakland.

Week 18 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season brings a host of starting pitcher waiver wire pickups that can bolster your roster. Eric Lauer has emerged as a standout for the Toronto Blue Jays, boasting a formidable 2.61 ERA and six wins. Ryne Nelson of the Arizona Diamondbacks has also shown consistency with a stellar 3.29 ERA over his last five starts. Baltimore's Dean Kremer remains a polarizing figure with eight wins but inconsistent outings, while Jose Soriano from the Angels offers an impressive 68.5% ground ball rate. Will Warren of the Yankees is an intriguing option if he can maintain his strikeout ability despite a high ERA.

For deeper leagues, Nick Martinez from the Reds provides reliable innings, while Zebby Matthews is showing promise after a strong outing against the Nationals. Luis Severino has turned a corner recently, exhibiting potential as a backend rotation piece. Kumar Rocker, who is adapting his pitch mix, could be a gem moving forward. Joe Boyle's recent promotion in Tampa adds to a growing list of options for fantasy managers looking to fill gaps in their pitching rotations.

The stretch run of the fantasy baseball season is upon us, and four starting pitchers are highlighted for their potential to carry teams to victory. Brandon Woodruff of the Milwaukee Brewers has returned from injury with impressive stats, including a 1.65 ERA and a remarkable 39% strikeout rate, albeit with some concerns about his declining velocity. Trevor Rogers, now with the Baltimore Orioles, has shown a resurgence with a sub-2.00 ERA but may face regression due to high BABIP. Meanwhile, rookie Chase Burns of the Cincinnati Reds boasts a high strikeout rate but struggles with walks and home runs. Lastly, Joey Cantillo of the Cleveland Guardians, a less-rostered option, has flashed potential but carries significant risks due to a high walk rate and poor fastball performance.

Brice Matthews delivered a powerful performance for the Houston Astros, hitting a two-run home run that propelled the team to a 3-1 victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks. This marked Matthews' third home run in just five major league games, contributing significantly to the Astros' offensive success in the series. The Astros have scored nine runs in the first two games of this series, with seven RBIs coming from Matthews alone.

Framber Valdez showcased his pitching prowess, allowing only one run over seven innings, helping Houston secure its third consecutive victory after a rough patch. Despite early struggles, including stranding seven runners in the first five innings, Houston's resilience shone through with Matthews' decisive swing in the eighth inning, a moment that not only turned the game but also emphasized his growing impact on the roster.