Rangers rookie Jack Leiter grew noticeably this season, but a late-mixed-messaging loss to Miami underscored the two-way narrative: progress and still-growing innings wear. He battled through a six-inning, two-run frame until two late two-out homers swung the game 4-3 in favor of Miami, trimming Texas’ playoff odds to two based on Boston’s win at Tampa Bay. Bochy praised Leiter’s poise and growth, while Leiter acknowledged the must-win pace and remaining challenge.

The season has drafted Leiter as a legitimate starter with a refined changeup and the ability to slow the game. With another potential start left and an eye toward a 150-inning cap, fantasy managers should monitor his innings timing and continued curveball/fastball command as he evolves into a true frontline piece.

Trevor Rogers dazzled for Baltimore with six scoreless innings, dropping his season ERA to 1.35 and improving to 9-2. He has now delivered 15 straight starts allowing two runs or fewer, the longest streak in MLB this year, and he’s finally looking like the mid-career ace the Orioles hoped for when they acquired him. Baltimore’s playoff hopes hinge on continued pitching consistency, and Rogers appears to be the anchor as the lineup drives just enough offense to win 4-2 over the Yankees.

In a year with few bright spots, this performance reframes the Orioles’ outlook for 2026, especially after the Stowers-Norby trade that sent two promising prospects to Miami for the right-hander. New York managed just one hit until late in the game, with Aaron Judge struck out twice by Rogers while Mountcastle lauded his rhythm. The combination of Rogers’ health, the prospect-turned-asset balance, and the looming possibility of a competitive 2026 makes this a pivotal moment for Baltimore.

Sept roster expansion accelerates a wave of rookies and returnees across MLB fantasy rosters. Mets promote Jonah Tong and Nolan McLean to help a six-man rotation down the stretch; Boston tab Payton Tolle to stabilize a rookie-heavy brood. Cincinnati’s Sal Stewart and Kansas City’s Carter Jensen arrive with multi-position upside, while Miami’s Connor Norby and Arizona’s Jordan Lawlar return from injuries and search for steady at-bats. The Reds also lean on Sal Stewart for spark while Perdomo’s extension with Arizona locks in infield predictability.

Risers collide with risk as first-timers settle in: Tong’s debut win over Miami signals potential multi-start value; Tolle impressed enough to stay in the rotation through September; Norby and Lawlar offer speculative upside in shallower formats; Ke’Bryan Hayes’ move (via trade context) and Perdomo’s extension shape the infield depth for late-season fantasy planning.