Pirates 3, Cubs 2 at Wrigley Field snapped Pittsburgh’s five-game skid as Braxton Ashcraft turned in five solid innings and allowed the Bucs’ offense to stay within reach. Jack Suwinski delivered the decisive blow, a go-ahead homer in the ninth that sealed the win and highlighted Pittsburgh’s late-game pop.

With the 3-2 victory, the Pirates improve to 52-71 while Chicago sits at 68-53, and the clubs head into Saturday’s rematch. For fantasy players, Suwinski’s power remains a reliable source of HR upside in the Pirates’ lineup, and Ashcraft’s five-inning quality start provides a plausible streaming option in deeper formats if he can sustain innings well into the late going.

Overall, the win underscores the Pirates’ ability to manufacture late-inning offense and gives fantasy managers a glimmer of upside from Pittsburgh during this stretch. The Cubs faced a close loss but remain formidable offensively, setting up an intriguing follow-up in the weekend set.

The countdown to the MLB playoffs intensifies with just two months left in the regular season, making it crucial for fantasy baseball managers to optimize their rosters. With the addition of players from the minors, this week's waiver wire targets include notable names such as Luke Keaschall, Andrew Vaughn, and Shane Bieber. Luke Keaschall, recently activated from the injured list, has made an immediate impact, hitting .444 with six RBIs in two games. Andrew Vaughn is also a strong contender with a consistent batting average, making him a valuable asset as managers push for playoff spots.

In addition to Keaschall, pitchers like Bubba Chandler and JoJo Romero are intriguing options. Chandler has shown promise with 20 strikeouts in Triple-A, despite a high ERA, while Romero's recent performances are worth monitoring. As teams expand their rosters, keeping an eye on these players can greatly influence fantasy outcomes. The landscape is ever-changing, and staying ahead in the waiver wire could be the difference come playoff time.

As the trade deadline approaches, fantasy baseball managers must stay alert to player movements and their implications. Jesus Sanchez, recently traded to the Houston Astros, is a riser to watch. With a solid .256 batting average, 10 home runs, and 9 stolen bases, his transition to a strong Astros lineup could enhance his production. Meanwhile, Jhoan Duran's move to the Philadelphia Phillies positions him as a clear choice for their closer role, boasting a 1.97 ERA and 25.4% strikeout rate, which could translate into valuable saves.

On the flip side, Gavin Sheets of the San Diego Padres faces uncertainty following the acquisition of Ryan O'Hearn and Ramon Laureano, which may reduce his playing time. In the pitching realm, David Bednar and Camilo Doval, both now with the New York Yankees, find themselves in a crowded bullpen, complicating their save prospects. Tracking these changes is crucial for maximizing your fantasy team's potential.

The recent MLB trade deadline has significantly altered the landscape for fantasy baseball, creating new opportunities for saves from a variety of relief pitchers. With many teams reshuffling their bullpens, several closers have emerged as valuable pickups for fantasy managers looking to enhance their rosters.

Dennis Santana of the Pittsburgh Pirates has stepped into the closer role after the departure of David Bednar to the Yankees, despite a rocky start in his new position. In Cleveland, Cade Smith is now filling in for Emmanuel Clase, who is on paid leave due to a betting investigation, while Kevin Ginkel has taken over closing duties for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Other notable mentions include Jose A. Ferrer for the Washington Nationals and Randy Rodriguez for the San Francisco Giants, both of whom have shown promise in their new responsibilities.

Three top MLB prospects are poised to make significant impacts for fantasy baseball teams: Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat, and Kristian Campbell. Each player has shown impressive stats at the Triple-A level, making them valuable candidates for waiver wire pickups or stashes.

Nolan McLean, a right-handed pitcher for the New York Mets, has bounced back from a rough patch to post a 2.57 ERA across 98 innings. His recent performance suggests potential for a call-up, although limited rotation spots may delay this. Brandon Sproat, also from the Mets, has dramatically improved, showcasing a 0.64 ERA in his last 28 innings, positioning him for possible promotion as well.

Kristian Campbell of the Boston Red Sox is heating up with a batting average of .364 since the All-Star break, making him a strong stash option, especially with his versatility in the infield and outfield. He could soon provide much-needed stability for the Red Sox, increasing his fantasy value in deeper leagues.