Alejandro Kirk is on track for a second All-Star appearance following a stellar first half of the season. The 26-year-old catcher has significantly elevated his game after securing a $58 million contract, leading the Toronto Blue Jays in several key metrics, including 2.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR). Veteran Chris Bassitt dubbed him the team’s best player, indicative of Kirk's dual-threat capability behind the plate and at bat.

With a .323 average and an impressive .807 OPS, he has performed particularly well under pressure, hitting .457 in high-leverage situations. His emergence as one of the league's elite catchers raises questions about the Blue Jays' past roster decisions, particularly the trade of Gabriel Moreno, which they now seem to have justified given Kirk's production.

Josh Hader maintains his status as the top closer in MLB, achieving 17 saves with a stellar 1.29 ERA and 43 strikeouts over 28 innings. Other top-tier closers include Andrés Muñoz, who rebounded with a perfect inning for a save, and Edwin Díaz, who recorded another save despite a less dominant strikeout rate. Meanwhile, David Bednar has been impressive since returning from a minor-league stint, contributing two saves and a win while showcasing a 2.49 ERA.

Atlanta’s closer situation remains uncertain as Raisel Iglesias continues to struggle, likely leading the Braves to adopt a committee approach. The loss of Justin Martinez to the injured list adds to their woes. In contrast, Kenley Jansen and Shelby Miller are finding their rhythm, both converting multiple saves. With so much movement in the closer ranks, fantasy managers must stay on top of these developments to make informed decisions for their rosters.

The Toronto Blue Jays secured a narrow 10-9 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, marking their 11th win in the past 13 games. Andrés Giménez launched a three-run homer to kick off the scoring, but Chris Bassitt's shaky fourth inning allowed Nolan Gorman to tie the game. Toronto responded with a fifth-inning double from Addison Barger and a sac fly from George Springer. Alejandro Kirk's two-run blast later contributed to a late-game cushion. Despite a tense ninth inning with a three-run homer off closer Jeff Hoffman, the Jays held on for the win.

The game showcased a mix of fortunate hits, as the Jays compiled nine hits off soft contact. Following Gorman's homer, Bassitt settled down, retiring eight consecutive batters. Nathan Lukes was a late scratch due to neck discomfort. Barger’s performance raises questions about his long-term role, given his recent drop in batting average after a stellar stretch. The Jays’ versatility may keep him fluctuating between third base and the outfield.

In a strategic move, the St. Louis Cardinals are giving Lars Nootbaar a break after a rough stretch at the plate, where he went 1-for-19 over his last five games. Nolan Gorman will step in as the starting left fielder against the Toronto Blue Jays, and Masyn Winn moves into the leadoff position. Iván Herrera, who recently hit a crucial three-run homer, will bat second. On the mound, Miles Mikolas faces Chris Bassitt in a critical matchup as the Cardinals aim to even the series following a disappointing extra-inning loss.

Tyler Heineman has emerged as a key contributor for the Toronto Blue Jays, showcasing his skills in a backup role. In a recent game against the Philadelphia Phillies, he delivered a stellar performance with two hits and three RBIs, bringing his season batting average to an impressive .404. Heineman's success includes seven multi-hit games across 20 appearances, placing him among the top performers in franchise history for his first 20 games.

Manager John Schneider praised Heineman’s conviction, noting that he understands his role and the offensive impact he can make. The Blue Jays, buoyed by Heineman's contributions, are currently solidifying their position in the playoff race, having won eight of their last ten games. With Heineman's ability to consistently find gaps, he is proving to be a valuable asset as the team gears up for a challenging road trip.