The New York Yankees faced a significant blow this week as starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt was placed on the 15-day injured list due to right forearm tightness, a concerning issue for any pitcher. Schmidt has admitted to managing this discomfort for several weeks, raising questions about the Yankees' already precarious rotation situation.

With injuries piling up, the Yankees may need to turn to Cam Schlittler, a promising 22-year-old right-hander currently excelling in Triple-A. Yankees manager Aaron Boone recently hinted at Schlittler's potential call-up, stating, "He’s an exciting pitcher... He’s certainly put himself in the mix." Schlittler, known for his mid-90s fastball and effective slider and splitter, boasts an impressive 1.69 ERA and over 40% strikeout rate across 21 innings at Triple-A. However, he still has areas in need of improvement, such as refining his changeup and addressing some mechanical issues. With the Yankees' rotation already thin, a call-up may be imminent as they search for stability on the mound.

With the MLB playoffs looming, strategic pitching acquisitions become crucial for fantasy teams. Yusei Kikuchi has turned a corner since June, boasting a string of quality starts and strikeouts, making him a viable buy-low candidate. Ryan Pepiot is gaining traction due to an advantageous upcoming schedule, particularly excelling on the road. Jacob Lopez is transitioning from a reliever to a starter and showing promise, albeit with a smaller sample size. Edward Cabrera's control issues have improved, hinting at a potential breakout. Michael Soroka, now healthy, is showing consistent performance. Quinn Priester and Chad Patrick present contrasting trends, with Priester surging while Patrick struggles.

In Week 14 of 2025, several MLB hitters have emerged as intriguing fantasy prospects, particularly from the Milwaukee Brewers and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Caleb Durbin, rostered at 15%, boasts a .375 average with 2 HR and 7 RBI over his last 15 games, demonstrating a knack for scoring runs, although red flags indicate potential regression due to a high BABIP. Teammate Joey Ortiz is also generating buzz with a .326 average over 12 games. Meanwhile, Nick Gonzales from the Pirates is showing promise with a .345 batting average, highlighting his potential as he returns from injury. Lastly, Jake Mangum, while prolific, struggles to maintain consistency in an evolving Rays lineup.

Week 15 of the 2025 MLB season presents a treasure trove of breakout hitters and potential fantasy gems. Key players on the rise include Brandon Lowe, who is currently on an impressive 18-game hitting streak, showcasing a .380 batting average with six home runs. Jo Adell, also making waves, has transformed into a power hitter, boasting a 13-game hitting streak with a .340 average. Meanwhile, underachievers like Corey Seager highlight the discrepancies between expected and actual performance, suggesting a robust bounce-back potential.

Fantasy managers should be on the lookout for waiver wire targets with players such as Zach McKinstry and Caleb Durbin. McKinstry's versatility across multiple positions and his recent .524 batting average make him an attractive acquisition. Similarly, Durbin’s minor league speed credentials could translate into significant fantasy value if he heats up. Utilizing tools for trade analyses and matchup data can further enhance lineup decisions as we navigate the critical stretch of the season.

Home run props are the focus for today's MLB betting, featuring players like Alec Burleson, Brandon Lowe, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Maikel Garcia. Burleson has shown impressive power recently, hitting 10 homers this season and enjoying a favorable matchup against Colin Rea, who struggles against left-handed hitters. Lowe, with 19 homers and a solid 1.000 OPS in the last three weeks, faces Chris Paddack. Guerrero Jr. is another strong candidate with 12 homers to his name, looking to capitalize on a weak Angels' bullpen. Garcia, while less prolific, has potential in a hitter-friendly park.