J.T. Realmuto delivered the big blow, a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth as the Phillies toppled the Mariners 6-4. Kyle Schwarber opened Philadelphia’s scoring with his 44th homer, and Bryson Stott added his eighth as Bryce Harper contributed with a sacrifice fly. Realmuto reached base three times and drove in three runs, including an RBI single and a catcher’s interference that kept Philly’s offense humming. David Robertson earned the win in relief, while Jhoan Duran closed for his 22nd save. Seattle’s Cal Raleigh slugged his 47th homer and Eugenio Suárez added RBI doubles, but their four-game slide continued.

Bryce Miller was activated for Seattle and logged five innings, allowing four runs on five hits. Cal Raleigh’s power pace remains notable, with his HR total one shy of the catcher-season record. Cristopher Sánchez struck out a dozen in 6 1/3 for Philadelphia, tying a career high. The Mariners got RBI doubles from Randy Arozarena and Suárez, and Seattle’s offense showed flashes, even as the night ended with Philly’s third straight win. Up next, Luis Castillo faces Jesus Luzardo in a matchup that should favor Philly’s lefty-heavy approach.

Realmuto’s performance stands out not only for the bat but for timing, giving Philadelphia a critical cushion in a tight NL race. The Phillies’ ability to win with timely hits, plus their bullpen hold from Robertson and the closing save by Duran, underscores their depth entering the stretch run. Seattle, meanwhile, will lean on continued power from Raleigh and a sharper pitching plan from Miller as they look to snap the skid.

Aaron Nola is set to return Sunday, reuniting Philadelphia’s trusted rotation as the Phillies opt for a six-man mix for the near term to ease the workload. The move comes after the rotation logged MLB-leading innings and a robust 3.42 ERA, with Wheeler, Sánchez, Luzardo, Nola, Suárez, and Walker forming the backbone. Depth beyond the top six remains thin, but the plan preserves a high-floor starting corps behind a lineup led by Harper, Turner, Schwarber, and company.

Fantasy players should note the structure: Nola back strengthens stability atop a rotation already driving wins, while the six-man approach creates occasional bullpen angles and rest days for each starter. With the Phillies’ rotation carrying the ball, Philadelphia’s pitchers remain a top source of value as the season wears on, even as depth options like Joe Ross or top prospects enter occasionally.

Week 20 of the 2025 MLB season brings a targeted waiver-wire boost across five standard fantasy categories. Three solid options per category provide a mix of power, speed, and average help for shallow rosters. Key names to grab: Lenyn Sosa, Noelvi Marte and Luis Rengifo bolster Runs; Colson Montgomery, Matt Shaw and Kyle Manzardo supply Home Runs; Spencer Steer, Drake Baldwin and Blaze Alexander drive RBI; Bryson Stott, Andres Giménez and Jakob Marsee add Stolen Bases; Isaac Collins, Ernie Clement and Miguel Andujar push Batting Average. Rostering notes highlight multi-position eligibility and recent August upticks, making these plays viable streamers with strong rest-of-season upside.

These adds come with context: many carry at 35-50% ownership and are stepping into lineups with daily playing time or versatile infield/OF roles. Use them to shore up depth in counting stats while balancing risk in shallow leagues. The list emphasizes players with hot months and clear paths to plate appearance, elevating the chance of contributing across Weeks 20 and beyond.

Heading into Week 18 of the 2025 season, fantasy baseball managers face tough decisions regarding roster management. Jacob Wilson of the Athletics, while boasting a strong batting average, offers little else of value, making him a candidate for dropping. Bryson Stott of the Phillies mirrors this narrative, being primarily a stolen base contributor but faltering elsewhere. Starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo's inconsistent performances raise questions about his utility despite favorable matchups ahead. Meanwhile, Dylan Cease of the Padres, while loaded with strikeouts, presents a dilemma with a high ERA and low win total.

Players like Zach McKinstry of the Tigers maintain relevance due to their versatility, but recent struggles could signal a need for replacement. The situation for Teoscar Hernandez of the Dodgers is similarly precarious, as injuries hindered his early-season momentum, yet a recent uptick in performance suggests potential. Conversely, Marcell Ozuna's lack of playing time post-injury raises concerns for managers hoping for a turnaround. Lastly, Shea Langeliers of the Athletics has shown promise at the catcher position, making him a valuable asset for those in need of power.

As the July 31 trade deadline approaches in Major League Baseball, teams are actively engaging in trade talks, with several key players being discussed. The Cincinnati Reds have rekindled interest in third baseman Eugenio Suárez from the Arizona Diamondbacks, although sources suggest a deal is unlikely. The Diamondbacks are also evaluating their options as sellers, considering other impending free agents like Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen.

The New York Yankees are fielding inquiries about catcher Ben Rice, who has been showcasing his potential as a hitter. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres are eyeing outfielder Steven Kwan from the Cleveland Guardians, contingent on Cleveland's willingness to sell.