Lance McCullers Jr. shifts to the Astros bullpen in a short-term move aimed at jump‑starting a season that has seen him post a 6.89 ERA in 12 starts after a long layoff and two arm surgeries. Houston may ride a six-man rotation during a 13‑game span with no off-days, leveraging bullpen depth to keep innings in check. Cristian Javier starts Friday against the Angels, with Spencer Arrighetti and Hunter Brown in the mix, and Luis Garcia could be activated soon. McCullers could also fill a Monday start if ready, signaling a flexible, opportunistic plan from manager Joe Espada.

Week 20 of the 2025 MLB fantasy pitching slate centers on the resurgence of Andrew Painter and a fresh stash rotation sprinkled with upside teens. Logan Henderson’s shoulder setback opened a slot at the top, but Painter returns to reclaim the lead with Philadelphia’s ace-in-waiting profile. The column then pivots to a lone left-hander in this week’s stash, Robby Snelling, signaling a shift in the tier-one prospects as teams chase strikes and length.

Behind Painter, Bubba Chandler and Nolan McLean anchor the next tier for the Pirates and Mets systems, respectively, each offering big strikeout potential and the chance to forward a major-league call-up with continued minor-league success. Brandon Sproat’s rebound with Syracuse adds a sense that the Mets are cultivating depth for late-season rotations, while Snelling’s Jacksonville track record raises the Miami rotation ceiling if his ascent accelerates.

Additional deep-league targets include Hunter Barco, Noah Schultz, and Quinn Mathews, all on the radar for bench stashes in 12+ team formats. Bailey Falter’s trade-season move also factors into the puzzle, keeping Phillies arms in the conversation as teams weigh promotions and bullpen depth. The piece emphasizes workload awareness and the evolving minor-league-to-MLB timeline as the playoff push looms.

Fantasy managers should balance upside with innings risk: Painter remains the most rewarding long-term bet, while Snelling and Chandler offer speculative week-to-week upside for the closing weeks of 2025. In redraft leagues, consider short-term stashes with clear paths to rotation slots, and stay tuned for any deadline-driven promotions that could reshape the late-season rotation.

The San Francisco Giants' minor league affiliates had a busy day, showcasing notable performances and roster changes. AAA Sacramento's Hunter Bishop was placed on the Development List, leaving the outfield crowded. Bryce Eldridge, the top prospect, struck out in all four at-bats despite a strong season. Meanwhile, Drew Gilbert had a solid outing with a double and a stolen base, hinting at a potential call-up to the majors.

In AA, Trystan Vrieling made an impressive debut for the Flying Squirrels, pitching 5.1 innings with only one earned run and no walks. This performance further solidifies his status as a promising prospect after the Camilo Doval trade. Also noteworthy was Jhonny Level from Low-A San Jose, who hit his first professional home run and continues to show promise as a top prospect.

As we head into Week 20 of the 2025 MLB season, several prospects should be on your radar for fantasy baseball. Highlights include Robby Snelling, who has seen a resurgence with the Miami Marlins after moving to Triple-A, showcasing a strong strikeout rate and improved command. Dylan Beavers of the Baltimore Orioles is nearing a call-up, having made swing adjustments that have led to an impressive power surge. Kristian Campbell is also on the rise with a hitting streak that has rekindled hope for his future in Boston. Bryce Eldridge, a first baseman for the San Francisco Giants, boasts elite power potential and is expected to make his mark soon.

Stashing these players offers a chance to gain an edge in your league. Fantasy managers who anticipate these call-ups early can secure these prospects ahead of competitions, maximizing their Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB). With the right timing, investing in these rookies could be a game-changer for your season.