Blaine Crim’s September surge with the Rockies has the 2026 Opening Day discussion back on the table. A waiver claim in August gave way to five homers in 11 games, a feat that places him among Colorado’s most surprising power surges in franchise history.

Crim’s professional at-bats and bat-to-ball feel impressed interim manager Warren Schaeffer, who suggested there’s no reason he can’t be part of the future. If the right-hander continues to hit, Crim could push for a long-term role even amid organizational uncertainty.

Framber Valdez ripped off a sharp, seven-scoreless outing against Colorado, keeping Houston 1.5 games up on Seattle in the AL West. Yordan Alvarez, back from a 100-game layoff due to a fractured hand, belted a 421-foot two-run homer in the eighth, and Cam Smith followed with a homer to cushion the lead. Valdez’s curveball produced 10 whiffs on 17 swings, signaling a return to form as Houston finally pounded out late-game runs.

The Rockies hung around briefly, but the Astros’ revamped lineup and Valdez’s rejuvenated command offered a promising sign for fantasy managers chasing a Houston surge in September. Colorado’s pace toward a rough season tempered the mood, but Alvarez’s power return and Valdez’s efficiency give Houston upside down the stretch.

Bernabel’s walk-off single in the ninth capped a 4-3 win for Colorado over Los Angeles, snapping a 10-game skid against the Dodgers and boosting the Rockies to a four-game surge. Colorado sits 14-15 since the All-Star break, showing growth from a very young core while closing in on the league’s toughest competition.

The late rally began with Ezequiel Tovar’s bloop double and a misplay by Teoscar Hernández, then Bernabel delivered up the middle off Justin Wrobleski to seal it. Hunter Goodman spoke to the team’s learning curve and the joy of finally putting together clean baseball in pressure moments as the youngsters push the franchise forward.

LA, fresh off a sweep of San Diego, saw its title hopes tempered by a confident, rising Rockies club. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized that opponents will be treated as an equal, and the fielding depth in this game underscored both teams’ current trajectory as September approaches.

Ultimately, the moment underscored a rebuilt Colorado roster finding a pulse and a path toward sustainable competitiveness, with Bernabel and friends signaling a promising chapter for fantasy managers watching breakout candidates emerge late in the season.

For fantasy baseball managers navigating Week 19 of the 2025 season, several under-the-radar hitters are poised to bolster statistical categories. Blake Perkins, recently elevated to starting center fielder for the Milwaukee Brewers, is generating buzz after scoring eight runs and hitting two homers in his last week. Trent Grisham of the New York Yankees is set for increased playing time due to Aaron Judge's injury, recently hitting his 20th home run. Meanwhile, Lenyn Sosa from the Chicago White Sox is showcasing versatility and power, scoring six runs in the last week.

In terms of home run potential, Warming Bernabel and Jordan Beck of the Colorado Rockies are both on fire, with Bernabel hitting .417 and three home runs in his first ten days. Ryan Mountcastle of the Baltimore Orioles, returning from the IL, is another speculative yet intriguing add. For those seeking stolen bases, Luke Keaschall and Wenceel Perez present solid options, both demonstrating speed and opportunity. Finally, Spencer Horwitz from the Pittsburgh Pirates is quietly leading off, while Isaac Collins has quickly become a Rookie of the Year candidate.

As we head into Week 19 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season, there are several promising waiver wire additions poised to elevate your roster. The post-trade deadline landscape has reshaped opportunities, particularly for hitters and relievers available in over 40% of Yahoo! leagues. Key players include Andrew Vaughn, who has been tearing it up with the Milwaukee Brewers, boasting a .386 batting average, six homers, and 24 RBIs in just 17 games. His barrel rate and hard-hit metrics suggest he can maintain this momentum.

Warming Bernabel has made a sensational start at the major league level with the Rockies, hitting .458 with three home runs in 25 plate appearances. Meanwhile, Colson Montgomery is finally finding his stride with the White Sox, homering in six of his last nine games. Kyle Manzardo and Lenyn Sosa are also making waves, demonstrating solid power metrics. In the bullpen, new closer roles have opened up, with Randy Rodriguez and Dennis Santana leading the pack as reliable options for saves.