Six weeks remain in the regular season, and every IL stint carries season-ending implications in fantasy. The headline is Zack Wheeler’s blood clot in the shoulder, a wrench in the NL Cy Young conversation and a gut punch for that dream rotation. The Phillies haven’t set a timetable, but blood thinners and restframes make a return this year a high-stakes needle thread, with a postseason window feeling more plausible than a late-season push. The piece leans into the broader IL landscape, urging owners to stash potential difference-makers rather than chase only activation timelines.

Key targets cited include Yordan Alvarez’s rehab from a fractured hand, Chris Sale’s rehab arc from a fractured rib, and Jackson Chourio’s looming return from a hamstring issue. The column emphasizes prioritizing players whose timelines are hazy but could swing the balance once they’re back, and it frames IL stashing as a strategic bet on upside over guaranteed short-term gains.

Milwaukee’s 73-44 surge has more than star power; it’s a sum-of-parts story. Fangraphs’ WAR tally for the Brewers sits at 20.2, placing Milwaukee sixth in baseball and underscoring a balanced, depth-driven lineup that has kept them atop the standings. Isaac Collins leads the pack at 3.1 WAR, followed by William Contreras (2.9), Jackson Chourio (2.8), Sal Frelick (2.6) and Brice Turang (2.4). Freddy Peralta (2.3) and Christian Yelich (1.5) contribute at the top of the rotation and lineup, with Andrew Vaughn (1.3) among the notable multi-team context pieces mentioned. The takeaway for fantasy and bettors: Milwaukee’s path isn’t about a single prodigy; it’s a chorus of productive players across positions, plus pitchers who stabilize the back end. The article also notes WAR isn’t perfect, but the Brewers’ broad contribution ladder helps explain their continued success and makes several players intriguing for rest-of-season value.

Milwaukee hosts New York in a clash where Milwaukee’s surge meets New York’s downturn. Brewers sit atop MLB with a 71-44 run, boasting a deep lineup and a bullpen that’s tightened since the trade deadline. The Mets have gone 18-29 since June 13, scoring just 178 runs and slugging at a league-worst clip. The recommended play on the slate is Brewers ML (-130) with a risk-averse path of early offense and a faded Mets bullpen, aiming for a Milwaukee win and a late-inning edge.

In the nightcap, Philadelphia visits Texas in a pair that features volatility on the mound. Luzardo’s inconsistent run support clashes with deGrom’s vintage skill, pushing the total over 7.5. The Mets’ hitters are scuffling outside Starling Marte’s recent power, while Milwaukee’s lineup continues to click with multiple players contributing. The picks lean Brewers early, Mets late, and a high-scoring rubric when Philadelphia and Texas square off, with a focus on sharp bullpen usage and the potential for a high-scoring finish in the Rangers-Phillies tilt.

For fantasy baseball managers navigating Week 19 of the 2025 season, several under-the-radar hitters are poised to bolster statistical categories. Blake Perkins, recently elevated to starting center fielder for the Milwaukee Brewers, is generating buzz after scoring eight runs and hitting two homers in his last week. Trent Grisham of the New York Yankees is set for increased playing time due to Aaron Judge's injury, recently hitting his 20th home run. Meanwhile, Lenyn Sosa from the Chicago White Sox is showcasing versatility and power, scoring six runs in the last week.

In terms of home run potential, Warming Bernabel and Jordan Beck of the Colorado Rockies are both on fire, with Bernabel hitting .417 and three home runs in his first ten days. Ryan Mountcastle of the Baltimore Orioles, returning from the IL, is another speculative yet intriguing add. For those seeking stolen bases, Luke Keaschall and Wenceel Perez present solid options, both demonstrating speed and opportunity. Finally, Spencer Horwitz from the Pittsburgh Pirates is quietly leading off, while Isaac Collins has quickly become a Rookie of the Year candidate.

The recent weeks have seen a wave of injuries hitting some of MLB's elite, including Aaron Judge and Ronald Acuña Jr., significantly impacting fantasy lineups. Acuña was enjoying a stellar comeback from an ACL tear, posting 14 homers and a .306 average before suffering a Grade 1 calf strain. His absence, likely extending beyond the initial 10 days, raises concerns for managers relying on his production as the Braves fight for a playoff spot.

Meanwhile, the Brewers face their own challenges with Jackson Chourio suffering a hamstring strain that may keep him out for an extended period. The team has opted for a PRP injection to expedite recovery, but caution remains paramount. Additionally, Jacob Misiorowski's tibia contusion further depletes Milwaukee's roster. With Tommy Edman also hitting the IL and Hunter Greene nearing his return, fantasy managers must prepare for a shifting landscape in player availability.