The Cleveland Guardians resume their season with a home game against the Oakland Athletics, looking to build on their recent success. After a challenging stretch where they lost 10 consecutive games, the Guardians have rebounded impressively, winning 6 of their last 7 games, including a sweep over the Houston Astros. They will face the Athletics at 7:10 p.m. ET, marking the start of a three-game series.

However, the Guardians will be without All-Star outfielder Steven Kwan due to a wrist injury. Slade Cecconi, with a solid 3.44 ERA, is set to take the mound for Cleveland, while JP Sears will pitch for Oakland. This matchup is crucial for the Guardians as they look to maintain momentum in the second half of the season.

The 2024 MLB amateur draft concluded with the Washington Nationals selecting Oklahoma prep shortstop Eli Willits with the third overall pick, marking a significant moment for the franchise. Willits, who won’t turn 18 until December, showcases tremendous potential but won't be the first to reach the majors. The draft saw various other notable picks, with players like Tyler Bremner and Jamie Arnold highlighted for their abilities and likely quick ascensions to MLB.

Bremner, selected second by the Los Angeles Angels, is known for his changeup and improving fastball, while Arnold, taken 11th by the Athletics, has the tools to become an above-average big-league starter. Gage Wood, the wild card at 26 to the Phillies, is viewed as potentially the best pitcher in the class, but injury concerns linger. Kade Anderson, the third pick by the Mariners, possesses a full arsenal of pitches, suggesting he might not need extensive minor league time. Lastly, Liam Doyle stands out as a fastball-heavy prospect for the Cardinals, although he might face a slower development path.

As the unofficial midpoint of the MLB season approaches, teams are gearing up for the final stretch, and fantasy players must prioritize matchups over general performance. With only five game weeks left, savvy waiver wire strategies become essential for head-to-head points leagues. Highlighted teams with favorable schedules include the Oakland Athletics, facing weaker lineups on the road, and the Cleveland Guardians, boasting an optimal matchup slate. Pitchers like Jeffrey Springs and Slade Cecconi are strong targets. Conversely, fantasy managers may want to fade players from the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins due to their challenging upcoming schedules.

The Oakland Athletics face off against the Cleveland Guardians tonight at Progressive Field, with both teams struggling as they head into the latter part of the season. The Athletics sit in last place, trailing the Houston Astros significantly, while the Guardians hover around the .500 mark and are contemplating a potential trade deadline strategy.

JP Sears, with a 4.79 ERA, will be on the mound for the Athletics, while the Guardians counter with Slade Cecconi, who boasts a solid 3.44 ERA and is coming off a strong performance against Houston. Recent trends show Cleveland dominating the Athletics in home games, raising questions about whether they can maintain this streak. Meanwhile, Brent Rooker from Oakland is enjoying a hitting streak that could be pivotal for his team's performance tonight.

In Week 17 of the 2025 MLB season, several hitters are emerging as fantasy baseball assets. Chandler Simpson holds the longest active hit streak at 16 games, showcasing his speed and potential for steals, yet remains under-rostered. J.P. Crawford is also heating up, boasting a 14-game streak and strong on-base skills. Roman Anthony has turned a slow start into a hot 9-game streak, crucial for the Boston Red Sox, while Byron Buxton's recent cycle highlights his offensive prowess despite injury concerns.

Further examining the batting landscape, Nick Kurtz has posted an impressive isolated power (ISO) of .714, signaling his potential for home runs, while Ivan Herrera is making waves as a catcher with stolen base capabilities, even after a long injury absence. Fantasy managers should also consider xwOBA leaders like Luis Garcia Jr. and Carlos Narvaez, who illustrate the variance in player performance versus expectations. This week’s report emphasizes the importance of tracking these trends to bolster fantasy lineups.