Kyle Schwarber launched his 42nd homer of the year to vault the Phillies past the Reds 4-1, extending Philadelphia’s NL East lead and sparking a four-run eighth inning. Abbott had been masterful through seven, but Weston Wilson and Trea Turner delivered RBI doubles in the eighth, setting the stage for Schwarber’s two-run blast off Tony Santillan. Taijuan Walker worked six strong innings, and Orion Kerkering closed it out for his third save. J.T. Realmuto added a fifth-inning double, while Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos contributed late offense to seal the win.

Philly’s offense remains potent, with Schwarber pacing NL power and Turner/R Realmuto providing run production atop a deep lineup. The win pushed Philadelphia six games clear of idle New York in the division, while Abbott’s solid start was undone in the eighth. For fantasy managers, Schwarber’s power remains a core asset, Turner’s multi-category appeal is amplified by surrounding hitters, and the Phillies’ bullpen usage offers late-inning wins and holds upside as the schedule tightens.

The MLB's 2025 season's two-start pitcher options for the week show promising matchups for fantasy managers. Key players like Garrett Crochet and Nathan Eovaldi are highlighted for their strong performances, with Eovaldi boasting an impressive 1.38 ERA. Players like George Kirby and Jeffrey Springs also have favorable matchups this week, making them solid choices. However, caution is advised with pitchers like Dean Kremer and Andrew Heaney, who face tougher challenges. Pay attention to the Dodgers, as they won’t have any two-start pitchers due to their six-man rotation.

As the MLB season approaches its critical stretch, fantasy managers must optimize their rosters ahead of the playoffs. This week, several undervalued players can be targeted for FAAB bids, especially with a focus on Thursday leagues. Pitchers like Cade Horton and Aaron Civale have shown strong recent performances, while relief options such as JoJo Romero and Calvin Faucher have stepped into prominent roles, enhancing their fantasy value.

Players like Andrew Vaughn are on a hitting streak, indicating that they could provide consistent production down the line. The trade deadline may have passed, but impactful pickups remain available, making it essential to keep an eye on player trends and matchups to bolster teams for the upcoming playoffs.

Andrew Kittredge, the newly acquired reliever for the Chicago Cubs, made headlines with an impressive feat during a game against the Cincinnati Reds. After a rocky previous outing, where he gave up four earned runs, Kittredge bounced back remarkably by achieving an immaculate inning. This rare accomplishment involved striking out three batters—Austin Hays, Gavin Lux, and Tyler Stephenson—on just nine pitches, marking the sixth immaculate inning in Cubs history. The rarity of immaculate innings, with only 120 recorded in MLB history, showcases Kittredge's resilience and skill.

Despite the earlier struggles, the Cubs' booth celebrated Kittredge's ability to turn around his performance, leading to the moment that caught even catcher Carson Kelly by surprise. As Kittredge struck out the side, it was only after the ninth pitch that Kelly realized they had witnessed something special. Immaculate innings have been on the rise in recent years, indicating a changing dynamic in the game. Kittredge's achievement not only highlights his talent but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball.

This week's spotlight shines on several starting pitchers, including promising newcomers and those trending up in 2025 Fantasy Baseball. Luis Gil of the New York Yankees faced a rough season debut but showed potential with improved fastball extension. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves' Joey Wentz has made an impressive transition into their rotation, boasting a 1.50 ERA over his first three starts, thanks to adjustments in pitch usage and mechanics. Hurston Waldrep, a teammate of Wentz, impressed in his debut with a solid performance that displayed improved command and pitch variety. Lastly, Johan Oviedo's season debut indicates room for growth, especially with enhancements in pitch extension and velocity.