Louisville 2, Toledo 0: eight Hens walks but three hits only; Randy Dobnak lasted four, charged with two earned runs in a rough fourth inning as Urquidy stepped in without allowing a run. Dylan Smith returned from rehab and faced two batters, then left the stage as Toledo failed to muster offense. Altoona controlled Erie 11–2 behind a bullpen assault that collapsed in the sixth; the playoff picture tightens for the Florida State League and Midwest League clubs as Lakeland and West Michigan chase titles.

In the minors, depth shifts and rehab returns are shaping up the Tigers’ pipeline: a mix of veteran arms and fresh swing threats set the table for the season’s final push. The outcomes emphasize on-base and patience over power, with walks translating into limited scoring and late-game bullpen volatility looming as a fantasy consideration for spot starts and streamer boards.

As we hit Week 14 of the fantasy baseball season, several starting pitchers have emerged as intriguing waiver wire pickups. Jacob Lopez from the Athletics has dramatically turned his season around, boasting a remarkable 0.39 ERA over his last four outings. Utilizing his slider and changeup more effectively has contributed to this success.

Kumar Rocker of the Texas Rangers, previously a highly-rated prospect, has begun to show his potential with a solid 2.20 ERA in his last three starts but still has work to do on his other pitches. Mike Soroka, now with the Nationals, has also found a rhythm, posting a 3.49 ERA since June 1 as he focuses on improving his changeup.

Eric Lauer of the Blue Jays has revitalized his career after a rough past, sporting a 3.32 ERA across four recent starts. Lastly, Quinn Priester’s impressive performance with a 2.30 ERA since joining the Brewers makes him another must-watch player. Fantasy managers should consider these pitchers as viable options for bolstering their rosters.

The Cleveland Guardians faced a tough loss against the Cincinnati Reds, ending the game 4-1 despite a promising performance from rookie pitcher Slade Cecconi.

Cecconi was impressive in his first start, striking out eight batters over five innings, but ultimately took the loss as he allowed three runs. The Guardians only managed a single run, courtesy of Daniel Schneemann's home run.

The Reds' offense was powered by solo home runs from Will Benson and Rece Hinds, along with timely hitting that included an RBI double from Austin Hays. As a result of this loss, Cleveland has now dropped three straight games, raising concerns about their pitching depth and offensive consistency.

The MLB season is heating up, making it crucial for fantasy baseball managers to identify which prospects to stash for future success. The Cubs recently called up Cade Horton and Moises Ballesteros, and the Dodgers promoted Dalton Rushing, marking an increase in rookie impact on the field. With injuries piling up across teams, expect more promotions soon.

Among the gems to consider is Jacob Misiorowski of the Brewers, boasting a 1.46 ERA and 59 strikeouts, making him a prime candidate for a call-up. Matt Shaw, currently tearing it up with the Cubs, could also see a promotion soon, thanks to his impressive offensive stats. Keep an eye on Zebby Matthews from the Twins, who is set to make his MLB debut this week, alongside future stars like Marcelo Mayer and Samuel Basallo.

The Boston Red Sox are facing a significant challenge after first baseman Triston Casas underwent successful surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. In response, the team is considering various options to replace him, particularly with the imminent call-up of Triple-A standout Roman Anthony. Star third baseman Rafael Devers, locked into a hefty $313.5 million deal, has publicly refused to transition to first base. This has sparked rumors of a potential trade involving Devers, with the Chicago Cubs emerging as a plausible destination due to their struggles at the third base position.

After sending prospect Matt Shaw down to the minors, the Cubs have cycled through multiple players at third base, none of whom have made a significant impact. A trade proposal could include Devers along with pitcher Sean Newcomb heading to Chicago in exchange for Shaw and other prospects. While the move could benefit both teams, the Red Sox must carefully navigate the complexities of Devers' contract and performance issues, as well as the Cubs' current success.