Max Muncy of the Los Angeles Dodgers is expected to miss approximately six weeks due to an injury sustained from a collision with Michael A. Taylor at third base. Muncy had been performing well with a .287/.414/.575 slash line since April 30, making his absence a potential blow to the Dodgers' offense. However, both manager Dave Roberts and general manager Brandon Gomes believe this injury will not significantly alter their strategy as they approach the trade deadline. They maintain confidence in existing players like Tommy Edman and Hyeseong Kim to fill in effectively, particularly with Edman likely stepping in at third base and Kim taking on more responsibilities at second base.

Roberts noted the importance of giving Muncy ample time to recover, allowing him to return ready for the playoffs. Interestingly, this situation gives the Dodgers an opportunity to evaluate Kim's performance more closely, which could influence their decision regarding Muncy's contract options for next season. If Kim's play impresses, it might give the organization more flexibility moving forward without Muncy.

Juan Soto’s omission from the All-Star Game roster was a surprise for many, especially considering his strong numbers: a .267 batting average with 21 home runs and a .401 on-base percentage. When compared to outfielders who made the cut, Soto's stats significantly outshine those of Fernando Tatis Jr., Corbin Carroll, and Kyle Stowers, proving he was more than deserving of a spot. Soto's absence is even more pronounced given he ranked third among all MLB players in on-base percentage and OPS.

Soto's early struggles were overshadowed by a remarkable turnaround, including a stellar June in which he earned the NL Player of the Month after hitting 11 homers. With his current contract of 15 years worth $765 million with the Mets, his performance this season is not just about personal accolades, it also impacts his team's future aspirations. Although there’s a slim chance for his inclusion in the All-Star Game if another outfielder opts out, he will not join his teammates like Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso at the event.

This week presents a challenging landscape for fantasy baseball streaming options, particularly among starting pitchers. Nick Martinez leads the pack with a favorable two-start week against the Marlins and Rockies, alongside Eury Pérez, who is gaining momentum post-surgery despite tough matchups. José Soriano and Noah Cameron round out the two-start streamers, both facing variable outcomes against the Rangers and Mets. Rookies like Jansen Junk and Andre Pallante offer intriguing options while needing careful consideration for rosters. On the hitting side, the Reds and Red Sox boast numerous appealing matchups, with key players primed for success against struggling pitching staffs.

The first quarter of the 2025 MLB season has concluded, with fantasy managers facing critical decisions as the All-Star break approaches. It's the perfect time to evaluate the waiver wire for potential upgrades to your roster. Players under 40% rostered in Yahoo! leagues are highlighted here, indicating they could provide much-needed boosts as the season progresses. Last week’s recommendations included Otto Lopez and Kyle Stowers among others.

Trevor Story has bounced back dramatically after a rough early season, showcasing strong offensive numbers, including a .347 batting average over his last 24 games. His ability to generate runs and maintain a high OPS makes him a valuable addition. Similarly, Noelvi Marte returned from injury and contributed effectively in his comeback game. Evan Carter has been on fire with a hitting streak and notable speed on the base paths. Eury Perez, a promising pitcher, could elevate any rotation with his strikeout potential, while Justin Wrobleski has shown resilience in the Dodgers’ rotation. Lastly, the recent performances of Ronny Henriquez and Grant Taylor have sparked interest as they step into pivotal roles that could translate into saves.

Shane Smith showcased his potential as the Chicago White Sox's best pitcher against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with a solid strikeout rate and a 3.38 ERA. However, he struggled against the dominant Dodgers, yielding six runs in a 6-1 defeat. Despite his early exit, rookie pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered an impressive performance, earning an All-Star spot with a stellar 2.51 ERA after allowing just a single run and striking out eight batters.

In a game marked by a strong Dodgers offense, Andy Pages contributed with two hits and a solid .294 batting average, while Shohei Ohtani made his impact felt with a towering home run, his 30th of the season. The White Sox's Miguel Vargas, a recent acquisition from the Dodgers, failed to capitalize on the opportunity, going 0-for-4 while reflecting on his old team. Meanwhile, Michael Kopech's return from injury was delayed due to knee discomfort, leaving the White Sox scrambling to find consistent pitching amidst a troubling season.