As the fantasy baseball season progresses into the summer months, savvy managers are looking to stash injured players who can provide significant value upon their return. Top targets include Luis Gil of the New York Yankees, who is nearing a return after a successful rehab stint, and Grayson Rodriguez from the Baltimore Orioles, who is also ramping up for his comeback. With both of these pitchers having shown impressive strikeout abilities last season, they could be pivotal assets down the stretch.

Outfielders like Joc Pederson of the Texas Rangers and Noelvi Marte from the Cincinnati Reds are also worth considering, as both are set to return shortly and have demonstrated strong offensive capabilities in previous seasons. Lastly, Gabriel Moreno of the Arizona Diamondbacks remains a compelling option behind the plate, particularly in an offense that benefits from his hitting prowess. Snagging these players now could pay off immensely during crucial weeks ahead.

After a stunning four-game sweep by the Toronto Blue Jays, the New York Yankees find themselves in second place in the AL East, losing their grip on the top position for the first time in 82 days. Manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence in his team's resilience despite the recent struggles, stating that embracing these challenging times is crucial.

The Yankees, who have lost 14 of their last 20, face a daunting schedule ahead, including matchups against the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves. The team’s performance with runners in scoring position has been dismal, hitting merely .180 and leaving 40 runners stranded during the series against Toronto. Meanwhile, star player Aaron Judge faced an unusual strategy from the Jays, being intentionally walked five times across four games.

Pitching issues are also a concern, with Clarke Schmidt leaving Thursday's game with forearm tightness, raising doubts about his availability. Boone’s message to the players is to remain unfazed and focus on competing hard, as the looming trade deadline approaches. The coming weeks will be pivotal for the Yankees as they aim to reclaim their spot at the top.

Luke Weaver, the right-handed relief pitcher in his tenth major-league season, has taken the closer role for the New York Yankees after a tumultuous career. Originally drafted 27th by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2014, Weaver faced struggles during his time with the Arizona Diamondbacks, leading the NL in losses in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. However, he reinvented himself with the Yankees, showcasing a strong performance before a hamstring injury affected his recent outings.

Weaver's early successes included an impressive 1.05 ERA and eight saves over 24 games, demonstrating his potential as a top-tier reliever. Yet, his recent form has left fans and analysts questioning his ability to maintain that level of performance as the Yankees look to recover from a four-game losing streak against the Toronto Blue Jays. The pressure is now on Weaver as the Yankees prepare for their upcoming series against the New York Mets.

The New York Yankees have found themselves in a troubling slump, having lost four consecutive games to the Toronto Blue Jays, which marks a historic four-game sweep in Toronto. Despite entering the series leading the American League East, the Yankees now sit in second place, just one game behind the Blue Jays. A lackluster performance saw the Yankees allow eight runs in their last game, with George Springer contributing significantly by driving in four runs. This series has incited frustration among fans, many of whom are calling for the dismissal of manager Aaron Boone due to the team's poor performance.

The Yankees' situation has become dire, as they have gone from playoff contenders to a team struggling to maintain their position. The calls for Boone's firing echo throughout social media, with fans expressing their dissatisfaction and demanding immediate changes. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays are celebrating their resurgence in the standings, emphasizing the shifting dynamics in the AL East as the postseason approaches.

Three American League players—Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh, and Addison Barger—lead the league in extra-base power, averaging over 14 extra-base hits per 100 at-bats. Judge, the reigning AL MVP, continues to showcase his prowess, while Raleigh is on track for an unprecedented season as a catcher. Barger, a surprising outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, has already hit 11 homers this season, significantly improving his batting average. His recent performance includes home runs in two consecutive games, highlighting his ability to deliver consistent power.

In addition to these AL sluggers, Shohei Ohtani and Corbin Carroll also feature prominently in this elite category. Barger’s impressive metrics, including remarkable exit velocity, suggest that his success is not merely a fluke. Fantasy players should keep a close watch on him as he has the potential to continue this surge throughout the season.