In a surprising move, the Philadelphia Phillies have claimed right-hander Carlos Hernández from waivers, hoping to bolster their bullpen after starter Ranger Suárez was placed on the injured list. Hernández, who previously struggled with the Kansas City Royals, posted a disappointing 5.26 ERA in 25 appearances for Philadelphia, leading to his release. The Phillies' decision to part ways with him echoes the Royals' earlier struggles with the pitcher, who will now join the Detroit Tigers.

The Tigers are currently leading the league with a 46-27 record but face challenges in their bullpen, particularly with closer Jason Foley out for the season. Hernández's high-velocity fastball gives him a chance to contribute, especially after a previous season where he recorded a career-best 3.30 ERA in 30 innings. However, doubts linger about his ability to replicate that success in a new environment.

In the fantasy baseball world, finding effective pitchers on the waiver wire can be a game-changer. This week, focus on Matthew Liberatore, who despite some recent struggles, has shown improved control and an advantageous matchup against the White Sox. Grant Holmes is another intriguing option; his slider has been effective, especially against the Marlins. Jose Soriano is worth a look after a stellar outing with 12 strikeouts, while Clarke Schmidt and Zack Littell are both set to face strikeout-prone lineups. Young pitchers like Ben Brown and Slade Cecconi are also on the radar with their two-start weeks. Finally, Sandy Alcantara’s recent control over his pitching might make him more reliable even against tough opponents, and Will Warren's recent scoreless outing suggests potential upside.

Lance McCullers Jr. returned to form with a stellar six-inning performance, leading the Houston Astros to a 3-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. McCullers, who had been sidelined for two seasons due to injuries, secured his first win since September 2022, limiting the Pirates to just two hits while striking out seven. His duel with Pirates ace Paul Skenes was tightly contested, as Skenes also delivered an impressive outing, surrendering only one run over eight innings with eight strikeouts.

The Astros broke the scoreless tie in the seventh when Christian Walker launched an impressive solo home run, followed by Isaac Paredes's two-run shot in the ninth, sealing the game. Houston's pitching staff, including relievers Shawn Dubin, Bryan Abreu, and Josh Hader, combined for a shutout, marking their sixth of the season. This win is a significant boost for the Astros, who have now won seven out of their last nine games.

Lance McCullers Jr. delivered an impressive performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates, going six innings without allowing a run and striking out seven batters. Matched against Paul Skenes, the Pirates' ace, McCullers showcased his skills after returning from a lengthy hiatus. Christian Walker's solo home run was pivotal, leading the Houston Astros to a 3-0 victory in the series opener. Despite struggles with the Astros' offense, McCullers maintained control over a Pirates lineup that has struggled offensively throughout the season.

McCullers' outing was marked by precision, allowing only two hits and one walk, while demonstrating his ability to induce swings and misses. This marked his second consecutive quality start, indicating a positive trend in his recovery. The Astros' bullpen effectively preserved the lead, with Josh Hader earning his 16th save, contributing to the Astros' rise to 33-27 in the standings. The Pirates' offensive woes continued as they only managed four hits against McCullers and the relievers.

The Baltimore Orioles are undergoing a tumultuous period after firing manager Brandon Hyde following a disappointing start to the season, now 15-30. Newly appointed manager Tony Mansolino faces an uphill battle as the team struggles to find its footing, culminating in a recent home sweep by the Washington Nationals. The Orioles have notably trailed by significant margins, signaling deeper issues within the roster and coaching strategies. Players like Zach Eflin express frustration, indicating that the team is not enjoying the game at this moment.

Amid these challenges, key players like Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman are crucial to the team's future, but their performance has been sporadic. Henderson, who recently returned from injury, has shown promise, reaching base consistently but still grapples with the team's overall struggles. The Orioles must navigate these uncertainties carefully to prevent any further regression and to remain competitive in the league.