Zack Wheeler’s season took a sharp turn when a blood clot near his throwing shoulder landed him on the 15-day injured list, forcing the Phillies to rethink rotation plans. Early indicators point to a cautious approach with treatment already underway, including blood thinners, as doctors determine whether surgery to decompress the area (likely the first rib) is needed. If surgery is required, Wheeler’s 2024 campaign would end, but a return in 2025 remains plausible. The Phillies will prioritize long-term health as they map a careful path forward.

Today’s 12-game slate turns fantasy rosters into a chess match of premium aces and value stacks. Paul Skenes benchmarks elite upside with a sub-2.00 ERA and a massive strikeout ceiling, even against Milwaukee’s righty-heavy lineup. Jack Flaherty offers a budget-friendly upside play with a high CSW and K-rate, ideal as an SP2 or value SP1. The Dodgers stitch together power and speed in a favorable matchup, while the Yankees draw a favorable turn in Tom Hatch’s priors. Mid-priced and value options populate infield and outfield, with Junior Caminero and Willson Contreras anchoring cheap stacks. Shohei Ohtani remains the top upside bat, while Ketel Marte, Yandy Díaz, Corey Seager, and Aaron Judge provide steady, high-floor options. Stacks spotlight Dodgers, Yankees, and Cardinals as prime upside groupings. ”

Ohtani’s run of big games continues to justify top DK/FD price tags, especially in Los Angeles hitting weather. Skenes carries significant slate leverage, and Flaherty’s 29.3% CSW makes him a sharp DKFD SP option under $10K. Inexpensive Cardinals and Cubs-adjacent plays offer a route to double-stacking premium arms with cheap bats. As always, monitor lineups and weather, and use the Discord room for late-breaking updates and last-minute pivots. The night’s best value is often found in the cheapest bats who can contribute multiple doubles and a homer or two in hot weather.

As the second half of the MLB season unfolds, several top prospects are set to make their mark in 2025 redraft leagues. Notable names include Samuel Basallo, who, despite not being called up amidst an injury to Adley Rutschman, continues to showcase his elite power in Triple-A with a .264/.390/.579 line and a high barrel rate. Bubba Chandler, while initially impressive, has struggled with walk rates in recent outings, raising concerns about his promotion timeline. Conversely, Hunter Barco's exceptional K-BB rate and low ERA position him as a strong candidate for a call-up soon.

Spencer Jones, after a successful stint in Triple-A, is one to watch, though his contact issues might hinder his transition. Colby Thomas has been a standout with solid stats indicating 25/15 upside, making him a likely candidate for a call-up. Overall, stashes of these players could yield significant fantasy returns as the season progresses.

Corbin Burnes, once a standout for the Brewers, is facing injury woes after a solid start with the Diamondbacks. Meanwhile, several former Brewers are experiencing varied success in their new teams this season. Devin Williams, now with the Yankees, struggled early but has shown improvement in recent innings. Josh Hader, thriving with the Astros, boasts a stellar ERA and a commendable save record. Eric Lauer has made his return with the Blue Jays, posting impressive stats, while others like Willy Adames and Keston Hiura are also in the spotlight for their performance with new teams.

Trent Grisham is making waves with a breakout season, showcasing a strong OPS and nearing his career-high in home runs despite a recent slump. Players like Rowdy Tellez and Jesse Winker have had decent starts to the season, while young talents like Reese Olson are emerging as bright spots after trades. The Brewers' former roster is a mixed bag, revealing both success stories and struggles that fantasy enthusiasts should keep an eye on.

The Colorado Rockies made a significant roster move by optioning struggling first baseman Michael Toglia to Triple-A Albuquerque. After showing promise last year with a .233 batting average and 21 homers, Toglia has not been able to replicate that success this season, starting the year in a 2-for-23 slump and leading the majors with 81 strikeouts in just 186 at-bats. Interim manager Warren Schaeffer emphasized the need for Toglia to improve his offensive game and control the strike zone better.

In Toglia's absence, the Rockies have called up Keston Hiura, who has some past success with the Brewers. Hiura is expected to get the bulk of playing time at first base, but Kyle Farmer will start on Saturday. The Rockies currently hold the worst record in Major League Baseball, which adds pressure for players like Hiura to step up in this critical period.