As we approach the All-Star break, the focus intensifies on improving pitching staff in fantasy leagues. Week 16 of 2025 offers a variety of viable starting pitcher pickups for teams struggling with injuries or inconsistency. Ryne Nelson of the Arizona Diamondbacks stands out with solid stats, including a 3.68 ERA and 1.07 WHIP, making him a worthwhile addition.

Eury Perez from the Miami Marlins is another strong candidate, showcasing promise post Tommy John surgery. Meanwhile, Mitch Keller, though part of a struggling Pirates team, has respectable numbers and could be a valuable trade target as the deadline approaches.

Brayan Bello, following a ten-strikeout complete game effort, and Trevor Rogers, steadily improving after a lackluster previous season, add depth to the waiver wire options. Adrian Houser of the White Sox has also emerged as a reliable option with impressive numbers.

In deeper leagues, Emmet Sheehan and Landen Roupp are players to consider for their potential upside. Charlie Morton, despite age concerns, continues to perform well, while Joe Boyle of the Rays offers intriguing strikeout potential in a bulk role. Rookies like Cam Schlittler of the Yankees should also be monitored closely as the regular season progresses.

Brandon Woodruff's comeback from injury has hit another snag after suffering a bruised elbow during a rehab outing for Triple-A Nashville. The Milwaukee Brewers right-hander was set to make his first major league appearance since September 2023 when he was struck by a line drive. Despite the setback, Woodruff remains optimistic, recognizing the situation could have been worse. Manager Pat Murphy mentioned that once the swelling subsides, Woodruff may resume throwing, with a potential return to the mound still uncertain.

Woodruff's injury history includes missing the entire 2024 season due to shoulder surgery. He had previously dealt with ankle tendinitis earlier this season and had been building up to a return. Murphy noted that despite Woodruff's current struggles, including a slight drop in fastball velocity, he expects the adrenaline of a major league game will elevate his performance upon his return. Fellow teammates Garrett Mitchell and Blake Perkins are also working towards their returns from injuries, adding to the Brewers' hope for reinforcements as they approach the All-Star break.

Recent trends in fantasy baseball show a refreshing shift in the catcher position, once a major area of concern for fantasy managers. This season, a wave of young talent has emerged, reshaping perceptions about the value of catchers. With breakout performances from players like Ivan Herrera of the St. Louis Cardinals and Drake Baldwin of the Atlanta Braves, the landscape appears more favorable. Herrera has demonstrated a remarkable offensive uptick, boasting a stellar WRC+ that reflects his potential as a starting-caliber catcher. Baldwin's impressive batting average also signals his promising future despite some concerns over playing time.

Other notable names like Logan O'Hoppe of the Los Angeles Angels and Hunter Goodman of the Colorado Rockies continue to add depth to this evolving position. O'Hoppe's power-hitting ability has drawn comparisons to previous fantasy stars, while Goodman, despite a shaky start to his career, has shown signs of improvement. Additionally, Agustin Ramirez from the Miami Marlins adds to the mix, displaying a solid blend of power and speed. Collectively, these emerging stars raise intriguing questions about the future of the catcher role in fantasy leagues, suggesting a need for reevaluation in both redraft and dynasty formats.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are facing a significant setback with the recent injury of catcher/first baseman Endy Rodriguez, who has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a lacerated right index finger. The injury occurred while catching during a game against the Washington Nationals, where he was hit by a pitch thrown by Paul Skenes. Rodriguez's absence is compounded by existing injuries to other players, leaving the team thin at multiple positions.

With Rodriguez sidelined, the Pirates' catching situation is precarious. Henry Davis is the only healthy catcher available, while Joey Bart remains out with lower back soreness. Abrahan Gutierrez has been called up from Triple-A Indianapolis but has not yet been added to the active roster. Rodriguez has struggled this season, hitting just .178 with two RBIs, which highlights the Pirates' ongoing challenges in offensive production.