The Toronto Blue Jays faced off against the New York Yankees with Max Scherzer on the mound, a three-time Cy Young Award winner. Scherzer struggled, allowing four runs and five hits over five innings, resulting in a no-decision. The Yankees capitalized on his mistakes, notably with a three-run homer from Jazz Chisholm Jr. and a solo shot by Cody Bellinger. Scherzer acknowledged the Yankees' strong lineup and his own failure to locate pitches effectively. Despite this, the Blue Jays remain three games ahead of the Yankees in the AL East as they head into the series' final game.

Jeff Hoffman has bounced back from a tumultuous May, showcasing his formidable skills in the Blue Jays' bullpen, but home runs remain a lingering concern. Despite a solid ERA of 2.65 over his last 17 innings, Hoffman's 10 home runs allowed this season have raised eyebrows, especially as they seem to come at critical moments. In a recent game against the Yankees, a ninth-inning homer from Ben Rice cost the Jays a chance at victory, snapping a franchise-record home winning streak. Manager John Schneider acknowledged Hoffman's consistent performance but noted the razor-thin margin for error in tight games.

Even with an impressive save record of 14 out of 15 opportunities, Hoffman's propensity to give up homers could prompt the Jays to explore bullpen reinforcements ahead of the trade deadline. The team’s need for reliable pitching options is becoming increasingly clear, especially considering the stakes of a potential postseason run. As the Jays aim to solidify their position in the AL, the question remains: how will they address the vulnerabilities in their bullpen?

Heading into Week 15 of the 2025 MLB season and the All-Star break, it's crucial for fantasy baseball players to evaluate their rosters and pinpoint underperforming hitters. This week, three players in each offensive category are highlighted as potential waiver wire additions that can help enhance your team's performance across various metrics.

For runs scored, Roman Anthony of the Boston Red Sox is hitting .429 recently and has added a home run, making him a hot pickup. Jake Meyers of the Houston Astros shows consistent scoring, while Ronny Mauricio of the New York Mets is finding his stride with dual eligibility at 2B/3B. In terms of home runs, Addison Barger of the Toronto Blue Jays is showing strong offensive metrics, alongside Ben Rice of the Yankees and Sean Murphy of the Braves, who appears ready for more playing time. If your squad needs RBIs, look to Romy Gonzalez, Mickey Moniak, and Joey Ortiz for boosts. For stolen bases, Evan Carter, Tyler Freeman, and Ha-Seong Kim could be game-changers. Lastly, for batting average improvements, consider Josh Smith, Colt Keith, and Mike Tauchman, who have all demonstrated significant hitting prowess recently.

As the MLB season progresses, it's crucial to monitor lineup changes that can impact player value. For the Baltimore Orioles, Ramon Urias is stepping up at third base while Jordan Westburg recovers from a finger injury. If Westburg's time on the IL extends, Urias could become a regular starter, impacting fantasy strategies.

In Boston, Jarren Duran's batting position against lefties has been altered, dropping him from leadoff due to performance concerns. Meanwhile, David Hamilton may see more time at second base, complicating playtime for others in the lineup.

The New York Yankees' Ben Rice is on the verge of gaining catcher eligibility, an important factor for fantasy leagues. With Giancarlo Stanton's return limiting Dominguez’s play, monitoring these changes is vital for strategizing lineup placements.

The Tampa Bay Rays have introduced Chandler Simpson, whose speed could be a factor for those in need of stolen bases. Meanwhile, Jose Caballero has seen less playtime due to performance issues.

For the Toronto Blue Jays, George Springer’s increased DH appearances could affect his fantasy value, especially with outfield competition intensifying. Lastly, the Chicago White Sox's Michael Taylor has become a regular starter while Luis Robert is injured, presenting an opportunity for deep-league fantasy managers.

Giancarlo Stanton is back for the New York Yankees after a lengthy injury layoff, poised to make his season debut against the Los Angeles Angels. Having missed the first 70 games due to elbow issues, Stanton's return is a significant boost for a Yankees team holding a 3.5-game lead in the AL East. The designated hitter, known for his power, has a chance to reach the 500-home run milestone this season, needing just 81 more homers. Last year, Stanton showcased his abilities by hitting .233 with 27 home runs in 114 games.

During Stanton's absence, Ben Rice has stepped up as a temporary designated hitter, boasting a solid .227 batting average with decent power numbers. Yankees manager Aaron Boone recently lauded Rice's potential and hinted at a potential role behind the plate to maximize his offensive contributions. Stanton's presence not only elevates the Yankees' batting lineup but also adds depth as they strive to maintain their lead in the division.