Shane Smith's journey from Rule 5 draft pick to an All-Star is a remarkable tale in baseball. The White Sox right-hander earned his first All-Star nod for the American League, set to take place on July 15 in Atlanta, making him the team's sole representative. Despite a season record of 3-7 with a 4.20 ERA across 17 starts, Smith's growth has been impressive, including standout performances during spring training where he notably struck out Shohei Ohtani twice in one game.

Manager Will Venable expressed pride in Smith's achievements, highlighting how this rookie pitcher has evolved from fighting for a roster spot to making an All-Star team. His early season success was marked by a string of quality outings, and while recent performances have seen some struggles, Smith remains optimistic about his development. He reflects on his journey, emphasizing gratitude for the opportunity and the support from the White Sox organization.

Week 14 offers fantasy baseball players a host of intriguing waiver wire options, with focus on hitters under 50% rostered. Ernie Clement (TOR) stands out, especially against lefties, boasting a .425 batting average against them. Miguel Vargas (CHW) is poised for improvement as the team heads to Coors Field. Michael Toglia (COL) looks to capitalize on the homestand, while Nolan Schanuel (LAA) remains a solid option despite recent struggles. As for desperate picks, Spencer Steer (CIN) shows promise after recent performances, while Carlos Santana (CLE) may find his footing against left-handed pitchers.

Jo Adell's recent surge in performance has rekindled interest, as he posted a .280/.365/.707 line with 10 home runs since May 29. Despite previous struggles with high strikeout rates, he's showing improvements this season, particularly with a career-low strikeout percentage. Comparatively, his expected stats suggest he could be performing at a higher level, which might make him more relevant in fantasy leagues.

Another name to watch is Michael Toglia, who has shown promise after returning from a demotion. He has hit three home runs in six games since his recall, albeit with an elevated strikeout rate. Meanwhile, Chad Patrick is highlighted as a two-start pitcher to consider, currently boasting a strong ERA and a favorable upcoming schedule. Additionally, Cam Smith has emerged as a versatile player contributing across multiple categories. Overall, these players could add value in fantasy leagues as the season progresses.

Week 13 of the fantasy baseball season presents some intriguing waiver wire options. Michael Toglia of the Colorado Rockies has returned from Triple-A after a rough season start, showcasing power with three home runs in his first three games back. However, his high strikeout rate raises concerns about his overall fantasy viability.

Brady House, recently called up by the Washington Nationals, brings promising power but has struggled with contact and chase rates in the past. His limited speed may hinder his fantasy impact. Lastly, Orion Kerkering of the Phillies has emerged as a closer but his declining strikeout rates and control issues could limit his effectiveness moving forward.

The Colorado Rockies brought back memories of their powerful past, the Blake Street Bombers, by hitting seven home runs in a thrilling 10-6 win against the Washington Nationals. This marked the Rockies' first three-game winning streak of the season, with standout performances from Michael Toglia, who hit two homers, and Hunter Goodman, who added a three-run shot. The Rockies, despite struggling this season with a 16-57 record, showcased their potential as a slugging team.

Their home run explosion included contributions from Thairo Estrada, Ryan McMahon, and Sam Hilliard, culminating in a franchise record of ten homers over two games against the Nationals. Antonio Senzatela delivered a solid pitching performance, allowing just one unearned run over five innings, counterbalancing a shaky outing from reliever Anthony Molina, who surrendered five runs in the final two innings.