Garrett Crochet sits atop MLB with 228 strikeouts in 185 innings for Boston, three starts remain as he aims for the first major strikeout crown of his career. A potential K title would join the Red Sox in a rare club, echoing the legacies of Clemens and Sale. If he handles the workload and avoids a blowup that could derail the run, his path could also edge toward the innings crown in a late-season push against the Yankees.

Atlanta sits 0.5 games behind Pittsburgh for the second-best lottery odds with two weeks left, keeping a path to the top pick open and boosting the value of late-season moves for fantasy rosters. Each additional lottery position translates to a higher chance of landing the top pick, reshaping exposure to Braves prospects and potential trade leverage as the season winds down. The Braves’ fate in the lottery influences who threads the lineup in September and beyond, with implications for playing-time and upside across the roster.

Meanwhile, Atlanta ends its frustration with a 6-2 loss to Houston as Elder struggles and Olson pops a homer, the Blue Jays promote Trey Yesavage, the Dodgers put Will Smith on the IL, and Tarik Skubal reports no major issue and could return soon. These notes ripple through fantasy lineups: monitor Braves balance of veterans and youngsters, Dodgers catcher replacements, and Jays yesavage watch, while Skubal’s health could lift a suspect Tigers rotation down the stretch.