Nolan Gorman of the St. Louis Cardinals has had a tumultuous season in 2025, struggling with a .220 batting average over his first 68 games. However, with increased playing time due to Jordan Walker's injury, Gorman has started to heat up, batting .389 in his last seven games, including two home runs. His recent success is partly attributed to a swing adjustment that he's made.

With Brendan Donovan's health status uncertain as he deals with a toe injury, Gorman is set to take on a larger role at second base. Donovan, who leads the team with a 2.2 WAR, may not hit the injured list, but his absence has opened opportunities for Gorman to showcase his potential this weekend against the Milwaukee Brewers.

The St. Louis Cardinals made significant roster adjustments following a disappointing homestand, where they went 3-6, including a sweep by the Toronto Blue Jays. Among the notable changes is the promotion of 25-year-old reliever Andre Granillo from Triple-A Memphis, who boasts a stellar 1.82 ERA and 46 strikeouts across 29 2/3 innings this season. He is expected to make his MLB debut in a crucial four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Alongside Granillo's ascent, outfielder Michael Siani is returning after a solid stint in the minors, where he recorded an OPS of .799 and hit five home runs. In contrast, Ryan Vilade has been designated for assignment after struggling at the plate. Additionally, Jordan Walker is starting a rehab assignment after recovering from wrist inflammation. This shake-up comes at a pivotal moment in the season, as the Cardinals look to improve their standing in the tightly contested NL Central.

Injuries are stacking up in the MLB, particularly affecting key fantasy players. Bryce Harper was placed on the IL with wrist inflammation, creating an opportunity for Otto Kemp to step up for the Philadelphia Phillies. Yordan Alvarez is dealing with a small fracture in his right hand, while Anthony Santander is sidelined with shoulder issues. Jordan Walker is expected to return soon from a wrist injury, but others like Ryan Mountcastle and Pablo Lopez face longer recoveries, with Mountcastle expected to miss 8-12 weeks due to a hamstring strain.

The situation highlights the importance of handcuffing players in fantasy leagues. With multiple players dealing with oblique strains, monitoring player health and having viable substitutes ready can significantly impact fantasy outcomes. The latest injury updates suggest that players like Dylan Crews, Austin Hays, and Shea Langeliers are also worth watching as they navigate their recoveries.

The St. Louis Cardinals have emerged as the premier defensive team in MLB for the 2025 season, boasting a staggering 28 Outs Above Average (OAA) through just 47 games. This not only leads the league but surpasses the second-best Houston Astros by a notable 10 outs. The Cardinals are also topping the charts in runs prevented with a total of 22.

It’s a collective effort with nine players on the roster contributing positively to the OAA metric. Notable performers include shortstop Masyn Winn, who leads the team and ties for third in the National League with an OAA of six, while Nolan Arenado and Victor Scott II follow closely with five each. Willson Contreras, after transitioning to first base, ranks second among NL first basemen in OAA, showcasing an impressive adjustment. Meanwhile, Jordan Walker has made significant strides in his outfield defense, moving from one of the worst defenders to a top contender among NL right fielders.

As the 2025 MLB season enters its seventh week, fantasy managers find themselves scouting waiver wire hitters to enhance their rosters across various offensive categories. The ongoing injury crisis has intensified this search, making it crucial to identify under-the-radar talent that can provide significant boosts in runs scored, home runs, RBIs, stolen bases, and batting average.

Among notable names, Trent Grisham of the New York Yankees has emerged as a surprising contributor, boasting 12 home runs and remarkable run-scoring ability with 23 runs this season. Jake Cronenworth from the San Diego Padres is also shining, showing promise with a healthy return to the lineup. For deeper leagues, Addison Barger of the Toronto Blue Jays is a must-watch, demonstrating strong underlying metrics and potential for growth.

Additionally, power hitters like Jake Burger from the Texas Rangers and Colt Keith from the Detroit Tigers are making waves with their recent performances, while Rhys Hoskins of the Milwaukee Brewers is proving to be a reliable source of RBIs. Keep an eye on prospects such as Jordan Lawlar from the Arizona Diamondbacks, who is expected to soon gain more playing time and showcase his speed on the base paths. As fantasy playoffs approach, these players could be key additions.