The New York Yankees have officially signed veteran infielder Jeimer Candelario to a minor league contract, subsequently assigning him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. This move is particularly relevant as the Yankees have been grappling with third base inconsistency, an area that has seen Jazz Chisholm Jr. feeling more at home at second base, while DJ LeMahieu has shifted to second upon returning from injury. Candelario, a switch-hitter, was released by the Cincinnati Reds after struggling with a .113 batting average this season but has previously demonstrated his potential, hitting .251 with 22 home runs last year. The Yankees are contemplating further upgrades at third base as the trade deadline approaches, especially following injury news regarding Clarke Schmidt.

The Boston Red Sox have recently demonstrated offensive vigor, averaging over eight runs per game across their last six outings, including a remarkable 15-run game. However, the pitching remains a concern as injuries plague their rotation, particularly with Tanner Houck and Kutter Crawford sidelined. Walker Buehler's struggle is evident with his 6.45 ERA, raising questions about his future with the team. In contrast, Lucas Giolito has been impressive, boasting a 0.83 ERA in his last five starts, rekindling hope in Boston's pitching prospects.

As the trade deadline approaches, Boston appears to be contemplating a move for Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo, whose 3.52 ERA and 85 strikeouts in 94.2 innings offer potential stability in the rotation. Although the Reds are in contention for a Wild Card, they may consider trading Lodolo for significant prospects, which could benefit both teams.

Hunter Greene, Cincinnati Reds' emerging pitcher and an All-Star in 2024, is on the verge of a rehab assignment as he recovers from a series of groin injuries. After a successful bullpen session in Philadelphia, Greene is slated to pitch for Triple-A Louisville next week. Meanwhile, fellow Reds player Jake Fraley has also resumed swinging after dealing with a partially torn labrum. His absence has been coupled with a lack of surgery, indicating a cautious progress in recovery. Additionally, utility man Connor Joe has shown signs of recovery following an illness, aiming to contribute more significantly in the upcoming games.

Dan Straily, a veteran of eight MLB seasons across six teams, has announced his retirement. This journey began in Oregon and included stops with the Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, Miami Marlins, and Baltimore Orioles. His peak came in 2016 with a 14-8 record and a 3.71 ERA while with the Reds. Straily continued to pitch internationally in Korea and the Mexican League before injuries prompted his decision to retire.

The first quarter of the 2025 MLB season has concluded, with fantasy managers facing critical decisions as the All-Star break approaches. It's the perfect time to evaluate the waiver wire for potential upgrades to your roster. Players under 40% rostered in Yahoo! leagues are highlighted here, indicating they could provide much-needed boosts as the season progresses. Last week’s recommendations included Otto Lopez and Kyle Stowers among others.

Trevor Story has bounced back dramatically after a rough early season, showcasing strong offensive numbers, including a .347 batting average over his last 24 games. His ability to generate runs and maintain a high OPS makes him a valuable addition. Similarly, Noelvi Marte returned from injury and contributed effectively in his comeback game. Evan Carter has been on fire with a hitting streak and notable speed on the base paths. Eury Perez, a promising pitcher, could elevate any rotation with his strikeout potential, while Justin Wrobleski has shown resilience in the Dodgers’ rotation. Lastly, the recent performances of Ronny Henriquez and Grant Taylor have sparked interest as they step into pivotal roles that could translate into saves.