For fantasy baseball managers seeking edge on the waiver wire, a plethora of streaming options is available for the upcoming scoring period from August 11-17. Jeffrey Springs from the Athletics stands out, with a robust 3.30 ERA since May, especially favorable matchups against teams struggling against lefties. Other enticing options include Zebby Matthews, who has shown promise despite tough matchups, and Jose Soriano, who has displayed potential as the league's best ground ball pitcher despite inconsistency.

Cade Horton has been impressive with a four-start scoreless streak, while Michael Wacha has showcased reliability against strong offenses. Each player's next matchups will be crucial in determining their fantasy value. The episode also highlights other notable pitchers such as Jacob Lopez, Slade Cecconi, Chris Paddack, and Charlie Morton, all of whom have favorable matchups this week.

With the MLB Draft and All-Star break behind, teams are now shifting focus to the July 31 trade deadline, igniting an influx of trade rumors. The Philadelphia Phillies have secured veteran reliever David Robertson for the remainder of the season, addressing their need for bullpen support. The 40-year-old has returned to the majors after a year off, bringing a solid performance history with a 3.00 ERA from last season.

The Arizona Diamondbacks may find themselves in a buyer's market with both the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox scouting their pitchers, Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. Gallen's erratic season could still entice teams hoping for a rebound, while Kelly's performance makes him an attractive target. Meanwhile, the Braves are expected to offload some veterans but may hold off on a complete rebuild until the winter.

The Atlanta Braves are poised to enter a selling phase as they approach the Major League Baseball trade deadline, reflecting a disappointing season with a 43-54 record. Notably, they are open to offers for notable players including catcher Ozzie Albies, center fielder Michael Harris, and catcher Sean Murphy, though serious discussions for them are expected to come later this winter. Key figures available now include designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, who is hitting .238 with 13 home runs, making him an appealing rental candidate for playoff teams. Additionally, closer Raisel Iglesias, who has a 5.12 ERA, and reliever Pierce Johnson, boasting a 2.78 ERA, are on the market. While not a total fire sale, these moves signal a shift in strategy for the Braves, aiming for a stronger future.

The New York Yankees showcased their resilience yet again, rallying from a challenging position to secure a win against the Seattle Mariners, with Aaron Judge's dramatic walk-off hit stealing the spotlight. Giancarlo Stanton, making history with his first career pinch-hit home run, contributed significantly, while the Mariners' closer, Andrés Muñoz, faced scrutiny for tipping pitches. The game also saw a fundamental misplay from the Mariners' Cal Raleigh, highlighting a mix of tense moments and excitement that reignited the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry, even as some fans lamented the loss of a bet on the game.

A unique initiative is underway in Japan as 12 active Japanese MLB players, including Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani and Chicago Cubs slugger Seiya Suzuki, will be honored with custom manhole covers starting June 16. The installations will take place at locations linked to each player's baseball roots.

Among the honorees is St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar, who represented Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Nootbaar, who has Japanese heritage, will have his cover unveiled on June 23 in Higashimatsuyama City, Saitama Prefecture. Despite a strong start to the season, Nootbaar has struggled recently, hitting just .128 in June with 15 strikeouts.