Brandon Woodruff's comeback from injury has hit another snag after suffering a bruised elbow during a rehab outing for Triple-A Nashville. The Milwaukee Brewers right-hander was set to make his first major league appearance since September 2023 when he was struck by a line drive. Despite the setback, Woodruff remains optimistic, recognizing the situation could have been worse. Manager Pat Murphy mentioned that once the swelling subsides, Woodruff may resume throwing, with a potential return to the mound still uncertain.

Woodruff's injury history includes missing the entire 2024 season due to shoulder surgery. He had previously dealt with ankle tendinitis earlier this season and had been building up to a return. Murphy noted that despite Woodruff's current struggles, including a slight drop in fastball velocity, he expects the adrenaline of a major league game will elevate his performance upon his return. Fellow teammates Garrett Mitchell and Blake Perkins are also working towards their returns from injuries, adding to the Brewers' hope for reinforcements as they approach the All-Star break.

Recent trends in fantasy baseball show a refreshing shift in the catcher position, once a major area of concern for fantasy managers. This season, a wave of young talent has emerged, reshaping perceptions about the value of catchers. With breakout performances from players like Ivan Herrera of the St. Louis Cardinals and Drake Baldwin of the Atlanta Braves, the landscape appears more favorable. Herrera has demonstrated a remarkable offensive uptick, boasting a stellar WRC+ that reflects his potential as a starting-caliber catcher. Baldwin's impressive batting average also signals his promising future despite some concerns over playing time.

Other notable names like Logan O'Hoppe of the Los Angeles Angels and Hunter Goodman of the Colorado Rockies continue to add depth to this evolving position. O'Hoppe's power-hitting ability has drawn comparisons to previous fantasy stars, while Goodman, despite a shaky start to his career, has shown signs of improvement. Additionally, Agustin Ramirez from the Miami Marlins adds to the mix, displaying a solid blend of power and speed. Collectively, these emerging stars raise intriguing questions about the future of the catcher role in fantasy leagues, suggesting a need for reevaluation in both redraft and dynasty formats.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are facing a significant setback with the recent injury of catcher/first baseman Endy Rodriguez, who has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a lacerated right index finger. The injury occurred while catching during a game against the Washington Nationals, where he was hit by a pitch thrown by Paul Skenes. Rodriguez's absence is compounded by existing injuries to other players, leaving the team thin at multiple positions.

With Rodriguez sidelined, the Pirates' catching situation is precarious. Henry Davis is the only healthy catcher available, while Joey Bart remains out with lower back soreness. Abrahan Gutierrez has been called up from Triple-A Indianapolis but has not yet been added to the active roster. Rodriguez has struggled this season, hitting just .178 with two RBIs, which highlights the Pirates' ongoing challenges in offensive production.

For fantasy baseball enthusiasts looking to bolster their pitching staff, several intriguing streaming options are available for the upcoming week. Jeffrey Springs of the Athletics is set to face the White Sox and Brewers, showing promise with his increasing velocity. Grant Holmes, also rostered at 73%, faces favorable matchups against the Blue Jays and Twins, despite previous efficiency issues. Chaos characterizes Mitch Keller's outings with the Pirates, yet his potential for high strikeouts can be enticing with two starts against the Nationals and Guardians. Keep an eye on Tylor Megill of the Mets; he’s been solid this season, albeit with uncertainty about a second start.

Tomoyuki Sugano has shown efficiency for the Orioles and could benefit from a weak Guardians batting lineup. JP Sears of the Athletics, currently at 27% rostered, is worth a flier, especially against the struggling White Sox. Landen Roupp has swing-and-miss potential and would be a good addition in points leagues. Finally, Richard Fitts boasts quality starts and might emerge as a sleeper against the White Sox. As we enter this scoring period, these pitchers present a variety of opportunities for fantasy managers.

Paul Skenes faced a challenging outing on Tuesday night against the St. Louis Cardinals, allowing a career-high five runs in a 5-3 loss. Despite his initial dominance, retiring six batters in the first two innings without a two-ball count, Skenes faltered in the third, with the Cardinals capitalizing on his missed spots. The young pitcher did not attribute his struggles to external factors, instead acknowledging the need for better execution.

Skenes is still adjusting to the major leagues after an impressive start to the season. He showcased a mix of pitches, including a split-finger fastball, but found himself behind in counts, allowing the Cardinals to find gaps and secure runs. Moving forward, Skenes aims to bounce back, drawing upon his past experiences where he quickly rebounded from rough outings. With the support of catcher Endy Rodriguez, who he is developing a rapport with, Skenes is optimistic about his growth and the team's potential.