The Boston Red Sox have displayed remarkable resilience, bouncing back with a ten-game winning streak just before the All-Star break. This surge places them in a strong position for postseason contention, trailing the Toronto Blue Jays by just three games and the New York Yankees by one. The team's recent success is credited to the impactful performance of rookie Roman Anthony, who debuted only a month ago and has quickly become a crucial asset.

In 31 games, Anthony boasts a .264 batting average with 28 hits, including eight doubles and two home runs, while driving in 13 RBIs and achieving a 117 OPS+. His standout achievement includes becoming the youngest Red Sox player since 1965 to have a hitting streak of nine games or more. The Red Sox will need to carry this momentum into the second half of the season as they navigate the upcoming trade deadline and strategize for the playoff push.

With the 2025 MLB season reaching its halfway point, fantasy baseball managers are eager for the call-ups of top prospects who can provide valuable boosts. Among the players on the brink of making an impact are pitchers Andrew Painter of the Philadelphia Phillies and Chase DeLauter of the Cleveland Guardians, both showcasing promise in the minor leagues. Painter's recovery from Tommy John surgery has shown flashes of his high strikeout potential, while DeLauter is proving his worth in Triple-A with a solid on-base percentage and power ability.

Additionally, Samuel Basallo of the Baltimore Orioles is making noise as a premier catching prospect with considerable power metrics. Bubba Chandler of the Pittsburgh Pirates is also in the mix. His recent performances have rekindled interest after a rocky stretch. Meanwhile, Justin Crawford of the Phillies and Trey Yesavage of the Blue Jays are noteworthy hitters and pitchers, respectively, to keep an eye on as the trade deadline approaches. Each has the potential to significantly influence fantasy rosters as they get the call to the majors.

The New York Yankees are bringing in Nicky Lopez, a former Cubs infielder, on a minor league contract after struggling through a tough stretch, losing four of their last five games. Lopez, who has bounced between teams this season, previously played for the Cubs, Los Angeles Angels, and Arizona Diamondbacks without making a significant impact at the Major League level. In 14 games for the Cubs, he managed just one hit in 18 at-bats, while his Triple-A performance shows a .620 OPS. The Yankees are hoping Lopez can find his footing in the minors and contribute in the future.

As the MLB season approaches the All-Star break, savvy fantasy baseball players are looking to bolster their rosters with under-the-radar hitters. This week, several players have emerged as strong candidates for waivers, offering potential boosts in critical categories like runs, home runs, RBIs, stolen bases, and batting average.

Josh Smith of the Texas Rangers, rostered in just 36% of leagues, continues to shine at the plate, boasting a .311 average with three home runs and 18 runs scored recently. Caleb Durbin of the Brewers is another name to watch, hitting .296 with three homers and 18 runs in June. Meanwhile, Ramon Laureano has returned to form with the Orioles, hitting .312 with four home runs and leading in runs scored.

For power hitters, Kyle Stowers of the Marlins is on the rise, hitting three home runs in the last week of June, while Gary Sanchez is making a significant impact for the Orioles as well, providing solid numbers despite limited playing time. Lastly, Otto Lopez is leading the NL in RBIs this month, making him a must-roster player. As the season progresses, these players could be the difference-makers for fantasy teams.

Kyle Hendricks is not just a veteran pitcher but a transformative influence on the Los Angeles Angels' pitching staff, which has seen an unusual consistency in its starting rotation this season. All five pitchers, including Hendricks, have made every start, a feat rare in today's game plagued by injuries and reliance on bullpen strategies. This stability has allowed the Angels to cultivate chemistry and growth among their pitchers, particularly for young talents like Jack Kochanowicz and José Soriano.

Despite some rough outings, the commitment to learning from each start has begun to show results, as both Kochanowicz and Soriano have delivered strong performances at times. Hendricks emphasizes that these experiences are crucial for their development, providing them the chance to adapt and refine their routines. This season's performance, while not stellar in terms of ERA, has instilled confidence in a group that continues to learn and grow. As they progress through the season, the potential for breakout performances becomes more apparent, enriching the Angels' pitching future.