Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remains Toronto's offensive engine, hitting .300 with a .898 OPS while leading the Blue Jays in homers (21) and RBIs (69). His high OBP (.398) guards fantasy value even as the power pace sits below his 2021 peak. A left hamstring tightness forced his exit, injecting risk into the Toronto lineup as six weeks remain and playoff seeding looms.

Toronto counters with a deep, balanced attack led by Bo Bichette and George Springer, supported by a rotation featuring Kevin Gausman and Eric Lauer, with veteran depth from Max Scherzer, Shane Bieber, and closer Jeff Hoffman. If Guerrero sits, expect more emphasis on OBP+contact players and a shuffle of the top of the order. The Yankees and Red Sox are within reach, but Toronto sits a half-game up for the AL’s top seed, making Guerrero’s health a key fantasy pivot down the stretch.

Jeff Hoffman has bounced back from a tumultuous May, showcasing his formidable skills in the Blue Jays' bullpen, but home runs remain a lingering concern. Despite a solid ERA of 2.65 over his last 17 innings, Hoffman's 10 home runs allowed this season have raised eyebrows, especially as they seem to come at critical moments. In a recent game against the Yankees, a ninth-inning homer from Ben Rice cost the Jays a chance at victory, snapping a franchise-record home winning streak. Manager John Schneider acknowledged Hoffman's consistent performance but noted the razor-thin margin for error in tight games.

Even with an impressive save record of 14 out of 15 opportunities, Hoffman's propensity to give up homers could prompt the Jays to explore bullpen reinforcements ahead of the trade deadline. The team’s need for reliable pitching options is becoming increasingly clear, especially considering the stakes of a potential postseason run. As the Jays aim to solidify their position in the AL, the question remains: how will they address the vulnerabilities in their bullpen?

As the MLB season progresses into its second half, identifying underperforming players poised for positive regression is essential for fantasy managers. Ryan McMahon, hitting just .184 with an 80 wRC+, has shown signs of improvement with substantial hard-hit metrics and a potential trade that could boost his performance. Colt Keith, the Tigers’ leadoff hitter, boasts a 120 wRC+ and has been producing consistently, making him a high-value asset. Nick Gonzales, overlooked due to injury, is also expected to rebound with a respectable 119 wRC+, while Michael Conforto's historical luck suggests better days ahead despite a poor start with a .184 batting average. Jesús Luzardo and Jeff Hoffman are pitchers to watch, with both likely to experience positive regression in their upcoming outings.

Max Scherzer showcased his elite pitching skills at Rogers Centre, leading the Toronto Blue Jays to a 5-4 win over the New York Yankees. In his second start of the season, Scherzer struck out seven batters, allowing only three hits and two runs over five innings. His fastball was impressive, clocking in at over 95 mph, reflecting adjustments made after a thumb issue sidelined him earlier this season.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. highlighted Scherzer's dedication and focus, underscoring the impact his return has on the team, which is striving for a strong playoff push. Guerrero Jr. contributed significantly to the victory, driving in three runs. The Blue Jays now sit just two games behind the Yankees in the AL East, bolstered by a solid team performance that has seen them thrive in recent games.