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.

As the MLB betting landscape evolves, understanding the data behind each game is crucial. For June 27, 2025, numerous matchups stand out with varying implied probabilities for pitchers and teams alike. The New York Mets’ David Peterson, boasting a -167 line with a 62.5% implied probability, faces the Pittsburgh Pirates' Mitch Keller (+140, 41.7%).

Key games include the New York Yankees' Will Warren (-208, 67.5%), who has a favorable line against the Detroit Tigers' Sawyer Gipson-Long (-112, 52.8%). The matchup between the San Diego Padres' Dylan Cease (-143, 58.8%) and the Cincinnati Reds' Nick Martinez (+121, 45.2%) also piques interest. In today's slate, backing underdogs can significantly enhance profitability given baseball's unpredictable nature.

Week 12 of the 2025 MLB season sees a variety of waiver wire hitters who can significantly boost your fantasy baseball team across key categories like HR, RBI, SB, AVG, and runs. Notably, Giancarlo Stanton makes a return, adding power potential to a struggling Yankees lineup. Meanwhile, young talents such as Brady House and Max Muncy are stepping up, providing upside for fantasy managers looking to capitalize on emerging players.

Other noteworthy adds include veterans like Trevor Story and Jeff McNeil, both contributing significantly in their respective categories. With injuries and poor performances affecting many rosters, this week presents a prime opportunity to enhance your team with these players, ensuring you remain competitive in your leagues.