Jon Gray’s shoulder nerve irritation could be the end of his run in Texas unless a quick recovery or a surgical fix comes through. Thoracic outlet syndrome carries a rib-removal surgery risk and months to a year of rehab, a grim horizon for a veteran pitcher on a major contract. Texas called up Caleb Boushley to fill the void, signaling a rotation shakeup with real fantasy implications. The broader TOS landscape in recent years has included mixed returns: Bachman avoided surgery but still faced a tricky comeback, Strasburg’s surgery curtailed his peak, and Harvey’s long layoff offered a cautionary tale. For fantasy managers, Gray’s timeline must be pegged to surgical updates and the Rangers’ depth chart, with a willingness to pivot to streamers if the innings taper extends.

The Houston Astros continue to assert their dominance in the AL West, but their recent victories have come at a cost. The team has endured injuries to key players, including infielder Isaac Paredes, who suffered a hamstring strain in a tight 4-3 win against the Chicago White Sox, and rookie outfielder Jacob Melton, who is dealing with ankle soreness after a two-hit performance against the Minnesota Twins. Paredes, a crucial contributor this season, leads the Astros with 15 home runs and 42 RBIs, making his absence a significant setback.

In response to the injuries, Houston has called up Luis Guillorme from Triple-A Sugar Land to fill the void. Though Guillorme has had a mediocre major league career, his experience could provide depth for the team as they navigate the challenges ahead. The Astros are currently five games ahead of the Seattle Mariners and aim to secure a series win over the Twins, with Hunter Brown set to pitch against Joe Ryan in the upcoming game.

In Week 8 of the 2025 MLB season, fantasy owners are challenged by a plethora of player injuries and underperformers. Fortunately, the waiver wire offers a selection of hitters who can boost specific categories. For runs scored, consider Ryan McMahon and Tyler Fitzgerald, both showing solid recent performances.

Power hitters like Jordan Beck and Will Benson are making headlines with their home run potential, while veterans like Max Muncy offer stability in the RBI department. For speed, Chandler Simpson stands out as a valuable addition for stolen bases. Lastly, players like Hyeseong Kim and Drake Baldwin are making waves for their batting averages. Keep an eye on these names to enhance your fantasy roster.