The Houston Astros' offense has hit a rough patch, scoring only 12 runs over the last six games. In their latest outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates, they were shut out 3-0, marking their fourth shutout loss this season. Houston managed seven hits but struggled to capitalize with runners in scoring position, going hitless in four at-bats with a scoring opportunity. Rookie starter Ryan Gusto struggled, allowing three runs in 4 ⅓ innings. Pirates pitcher Mike Burrows held the Astros scoreless for nearly six innings, striking out six batters and showcasing his fastball and changeup effectively.

Burrows' performance was unexpected given his previous struggles on the mound. The Astros' lineup was unable to find its rhythm against the Pirates' young pitchers, who collectively managed to quiet their offense. The Astros will need to regroup quickly, as they cannot afford to remain stagnant in a competitive AL West division.

As Week 9 of the 2025 MLB season approaches, fantasy managers are scrutinizing players on hot streaks. Strong performances from pitchers and batters are making waves in fantasy leagues, particularly among players rostered in under 65% of Yahoo! leagues.

Logan Henderson of the Milwaukee Brewers has established himself as a must-add, showcasing an impressive 1.71 ERA and 29 strikeouts over four starts. His recent outings have solidified his role as a pivotal member of the Brewers’ rotation.

Chase Meidroth, a versatile infielder for the Chicago White Sox, has emerged as a promising option as well, riding a 12-game hitting streak and displaying speed on the basepaths. Meanwhile, Noah Cameron of the Kansas City Royals has proved effective early in his career, making him a valuable streaming option.

On the flip side, Nick Kurtz of the Athletics has begun to show power potential, while Brett Baty of the Mets has rebounded from a slow start to become relevant again. Each player presents unique opportunities and challenges for managers looking to enhance their rosters for the upcoming week.

The Prospect Watch highlights notable minor league performances from American League organizations. Gage Jump of the Athletics has a 1.95 ERA and impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio, showcasing his potential as a left-handed pitcher. For the Orioles, Yaramil Hiraldo has rapidly ascended through their system, promising an impactful role if the major league squad struggles. The Red Sox's Roman Anthony impresses with a high OPS, indicating his potential to break into the big leagues soon.

Tim Elko of the White Sox made a major league debut after a stellar stint in Triple-A, while Guardians’ Braylon Doughty, despite a modest ERA, stands out for his strikeout rate at just 19 years old. Meanwhile, the Tigers’ Max Clark compares favorably to top prospects, and the Astros’ Colton Gordon made his debut as a promising back-end starter. The Royals' Jac Caglianone continues to impress with a strong batting average, and the Angels' Ryan Nicholson shows potential despite age concerns. The Twins’ Carson McCusker is seen as a long shot but has showcased impressive power.

As the MLB season progresses, fantasy managers with FAAB budgets are presented with pivotal opportunities to bolster their rosters. Ryan Weathers of the Miami Marlins has emerged as a potential gem, showcasing his ability to rebound from injury with a 1.69 ERA in the minors and a solid major league debut against the Cubs. His fastball velocity has notably increased, positioning him as a player to watch. Similarly, Logan Henderson of the Milwaukee Brewers continues to impress, having earned a couple of wins and striking out seven batters in a recent start.

On the other hand, Stephen Kolek of the San Diego Padres has made waves with a complete game shutout despite a relatively low-profile start. Although his next matchup against the Mariners will be a critical test, his current form suggests he may offer value on a budget. Additionally, Phillies' Jordan Romano has turned around his slump, recording saves in consecutive outings.

Among the hitters, Drake Baldwin of the Atlanta Braves has stepped into a more significant role as Sean Murphy struggles, while the Dodgers' Dalton Rushing shows promise after his promotion, although his playing time may be limited. The White Sox's Tim Elko has made an immediate impact, hitting a three-run homer in his debut, while Brett Baty of the Mets is rebounding after a stint in Triple-A. Finally, Ryan McMahon of the Rockies appears to be heating up, capitalizing on his home games.