Ripken's 2,131-game streak is a study in iron will and volume, from rookie of the year to MVP and World Series champion in short order. He logged innings, rarely rested, and the early- to mid-90s spotlight framed his run against Gehrig's record. The Sept. 6, 1995 lap and a father-daughter moment on kindergarten day humanize a legendary era for the Orioles and fantasy managers alike who chase durability and steady plate appearances.

Late playoff adds to chase: Ian Seymour offers a hopeful two-start window for Tampa Bay with Cleveland and a favorable next run, while Jose Soriano carries upside with strikeouts but ERA/WHIP risk barring a soft matchup. Romy Gonzalez and Trent Grisham provide multi-position depth and power, with Roman Anthony looming as a top Red Sox bat who could reshape ROY-like upside. Jeff McNeil and Jared Triolo anchor steady production and speed, and Shane Baz shows signs of rebound as a viable streamer.

Playoff week forces brutal cuts and sharp streaming reads. Cruz and Hernandez land on drop lists in shallow leagues, while Kwan and Perez hold or bench for floor. Trout is a buy-low chase, Perez and Yuri Perez look sturdy, Cease and Gore slide is warranted, Williams and Hader face bite-sized risk. A disciplined, stat-driven approach prevails.

Dodgers ride a walk-off win to steady a two-game division edge while MVP chatter swirls around Otani and Schwarber. Yamamoto flashed stopper-level stuff, anchoring belief in a rotation that could carry LA into October. Teoscar Hernandez’s benching highlights a tougher stretch, Conforto supplied a rally spark, and Will Smith’s pinch-hit walk-off sealed the latest drama. Health progress points to Muny and Edmond returning soon; the bullpen and offense remain focal worries as the final 25 games unfold.

Otani’s MVP case stands tall as Schwarber’s four-homer outburst sparks headlines, but data remains decisive. The discussion weighs Otani’s league-leading WPA, WAR when factoring his two-way value, and clutch performance against Schwarber’s power and defensive gaps. With Rosenthal’s voter-fatigue note in play, Otani’s all-around impact keeps him ahead for NL MVP, a narrative Dodgers fans should embrace as the season unfolds.