The fantasy baseball landscape is ever-evolving, and savvy managers should prioritize players with the potential to rise in rankings significantly. This week highlights some intriguing pickups, starting with the Toronto Blue Jays' Addison Barger, a third baseman/outfielder who has shifted into a vital role, accumulating impressive stats including seven home runs since May 8. His improved swing mechanics have contributed to a stellar hard-hit rate, making him a compelling addition for teams seeking upside.

For pitchers, Lance McCullers Jr. of the Houston Astros shows promise, boasting a 39.1% strikeout rate in his recent appearances despite a history of injuries. Additionally, Jack Leiter from the Texas Rangers is on the radar as a solid pickup after demonstrating strong velocity and a commendable ERA. Lastly, Toronto's Andres Gimenez remains valuable in rotisserie formats, showing he can still contribute significantly in stolen bases.

The Toronto Blue Jays are actively bolstering their roster as they prepare to face the Philadelphia Phillies at Rogers Centre. The team is reinstating second baseman Andres Gimenez and catcher Tyler Heineman after they recovered from injuries. Their return is expected to provide a significant lift to the team’s performance as they approach critical matchups.

In a roster shake-up, the Blue Jays also designated infielder Michael Stefanic and catcher Ali Sanchez for assignment, indicating a strategic move to optimize their lineup and capitalize on player availability. This adjustment illustrates the team’s commitment to refining their roster for the remainder of the season.

Andrés Giménez has been sidelined for three weeks with a strained right quad, yet his absence has seemingly improved the Blue Jays' overall performance. Ernie Clement has stepped up as the starting second baseman, batting .306 with significant defensive contributions. His wins above replacement (WAR) also surpasses that of Giménez, who struggles with a low OPS of .440. Meanwhile, with Clement at second, Addison Barger has excelled at third base, while Nathan Lukes has provided valuable play in the outfield.

Giménez's return is set to complicate the current success the Jays are experiencing, as his hefty contract of nearly $100 million guarantees him a starting role. This could hinder the playing time of Clement and Barger, which poses a dilemma for manager John Schneider. Although Giménez is known for his elite defense, his offensive struggles have raised concerns about his long-term fit for the Jays.

In an encouraging turn for the Toronto Blue Jays, pitchers Max Scherzer and Nick Sandlin participated in bullpen sessions as the team looks to recover from injuries. Scherzer, who has dealt with right thumb inflammation, and Sandlin, recovering from a lat strain, are making strides in their rehabilitation. Additionally, second baseman Andres Gimenez has resumed running and baseball activities following a quadriceps strain.

Relievers Ryan Burr and Erik Swanson are also on the mend, with plans to throw for one of Toronto's minor league affiliates, conditional on weather. Burr is battling right shoulder inflammation, while Swanson has faced median nerve entrapment since the spring. Kevin Gausman is slated to start against the San Diego Padres, despite enduring a comebacker incident in a recent 8-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in a precarious position at 21-22, struggling to maintain competitiveness in the AL East without key players like Max Scherzer and Andrés Giménez. Scherzer, signed to a hefty one-year deal, has only managed to make one start this season, while Giménez's disappointing .195 batting average raises concerns about his impact. As the team lags behind the New York Yankees by four games, both players are working their way back from injuries, but their absence is felt deeply in a pitching staff that ranks 23rd with a 4.40 ERA.

With Scherzer still not cleared to face live hitters, the Blue Jays could face weeks without their star pitcher. The effectiveness of a three-time Cy Young winner at full strength is undisputed, evidenced by his solid performances with the Texas Rangers in prior seasons. Meanwhile, Giménez is focusing on rehabilitation in hopes of returning to form. The team is actively seeking improvements to its lineup, but the pressure is mounting as they navigate through this challenging stretch.