Spencer Strider’s August struggles loom large as his fastball shape lags behind the slider and curve. The Braves ace still misses bats, but three straight long outings with five-plus earned runs have fantasy managers pondering a bench or even a non-roster pause. There’s no rush to drop him, per cautionary notes; the upside can swing the balance with back-to-back good starts. Jurickson Profar has seized the moment for Atlanta, fueling a hot streak with multi-homer duels and elite plate discipline from the leadoff, fueling fantasy upside even as exit velocity fluctuates.

Michael Harris II followed with a four-for-four night and 15th homer, plus pace-setting runs and steals, riding a second-half sprint that’s reminded owners why he was a top prospect. Vlad Guerrero Jr. left with hamstring tightness, adding to the list of injuries in a crowded week, while Zack Wheeler’s blood-clot procedure looms as a major timeline question. The show also highlighted Trevor Rogers and Ranger Suarez turning in strong, deep outings, Yuri Perez’s control bumps and Gavin Williams’ rebound, with Bryce Miller slated for a return and Freddy Peralta continuing to pile up wins.

Two-start week conversations center on arms like Dustin May and others, while Freddy Freeman’s late-season resurgence continues to quiet the critics. JT Realmuto and Bryce Harper are among the seasoned bats delivering steady value, and the squad remains vigilant about hamstring and shoulder news that can tilt weekly lineups. The dynamic Braves offense, paired with a rotating cast of pitchers, keeps fantasy rosters nimble as the stretch drive unfolds.

Pete Crow-Armstrong is in a rough patch after the break, but the underlying data paints a patient, long-term bounce-back story. He’s posting solid contact metrics and power indicators, suggesting the slump is temporary rather than a failing profile. Fantasy managers should weigh the Cubs’ lineup context and the rookie’s track record before pulling the plug.

James Wood carries a contrasting arc: elite raw exit velocity and hard-contact rates point to a breakout ceiling, even as a two-week lull drags his ownership down. Wyatt Langford owns a different tale—early-season promise tempered by a brutal month, with strike-zone discipline and plate approach as the keys to his next stretch. Lawrence Butler and Brendan Donovan illustrate the mid-season reality: big counting stats can mask inefficiencies, making them risky or retreat-worthy in shallower formats while still usable in deeper leagues where flexibility matters.

Max Fried remains a pillar, but recent results urge matchup-driven decisions rather than reckless trust. Josh Hader’s shoulder issue clouds late-season plans, elevating Brian Abreu as a potential save-hand in the short term. The host’s broader theme is clear: with playoff push here, owners must cut the fat, protect the core, and ride the upside players who can carry through the final sprint while managing risky spots with strategic benching and timely pickups.

Major shakeup in MLB top 100 prospect rankings expands the late-season fantasy toolbox. Kevin McGonicle rises to No. 2 for Detroit after posting a monstrous minor league line: about 63 games, .330, 49 runs, 28 doubles, 9 homers, 57 RBI, and 40 walks against 31 K with six steals. JJ Weatherholt slides into a top-10 slot for St. Louis, slashing .299 in 83 games with 19 doubles, 13 homers, 47 RBI, and 16 steals, projecting a strong batting-average and speed contribution. Colt Emerson climbs to No. 11 for Seattle, carrying a 276 average across 96 games with 12 homers and 54 RBI plus 16 steals. Carson Benj of the Mets shows a .308 average across 92 games with 12 homers and 60 RBI, highlighting a quick, adjust-to-big-league hit tool. Spencer Jones, a power-speed force for the Yankees, sits around the middle of the top tier after posting a 293 average across two levels, with 30 homers and 62 RBI in 81 games and a sky-high 25 steals. The update also flags real questions about emergence timelines in Detroit, Seattle, and New York as teams weigh cup-of-coffee calls.

Injuries and returns loom large. Shane Bieber could rejoin the Blue Jays’ rotation after a rehab assignment that showed promise, with potential five to six starts down the stretch and a velocity rebound that would boost any fantasy staff. Shane McClanahan’s season-long shutdown leaves a gap for a few other arms to step up. Marcelo Mayer’s return from injury could juice Boston’s depth if he hits the ground running; Luis Garcia’s minor-league rehab shows progress and a possible AL-Only stash. Michael Soroka surfaces as a late, low-owned stash with a hint of upside as he works his way back in Chicago.

For fantasy managers, the path to production is clear: McGonicle offers a near-term batting average with multi-category upside; Emerson and Weatherholt bring speed and on-base skills that could translate quickly in favorable lineups; Benj and Jones carry big upside in power and speed, with Jones possibly arriving soon. Bieber’s return would be a season-changer for any roster, while Garcia and Soroka represent high-reward, low-cost risks in deeper formats. Mayer’s clock remains one to-watch as the Red Sox navigate health and depth down the stretch.

Recent MLB trades are having a significant impact on fantasy baseball teams, with notable players like Ryan O'Hearn and Jesus Sanchez shifting to more favorable lineups. O'Hearn's move to the San Diego Padres from the Baltimore Orioles could enhance his production due to a stronger supporting cast, despite a slight dip in power potential. Sanchez's transition to the Astros positions him well in a potent lineup, increasing his opportunities for runs and RBIs.

Additionally, other players such as Jorge Polanco and Logan Henderson emerge as must-adds, with promising performances in their respective teams. Polanco's improved context in Seattle offers higher upside, while Henderson's ability to strike out batters may solidify his spot in the rotation. JoJo Romero also garners attention as he takes over closing duties for the Cardinals, presenting an appealing option for those in need of saves.

The Dodgers continue to navigate the season with a series win over the Tampa Bay Rays, despite some concerns regarding player performance and injuries. Mookie Betts' struggles at the plate raise questions about his mechanics and mental state, while Blake Snell's strong return to the rotation offers hope for a healthy Dodgers' pitching staff. The team also deals with injuries to key players like Tommy Edman and the impact these absences might have on their playoff aspirations.

As they approach the postseason, the Dodgers will need their stars to perform, especially Betts, who is under considerable scrutiny. His potential move down the batting order could be a strategic decision to alleviate pressure, while also considering the team's overall performance and health as critical factors for success.