Week 9 of the 2025 MLB season brings important waiver wire considerations for fantasy baseball outfielders. Notably, players from the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays are prime targets given their seven-game schedules. Chandler Simpson, a rookie with 13 steals, is highlighted for his speed potential. Miguel Vargas, a versatile contributor for the White Sox, is also worth adding with his recent performance of six homers in May. Jose Caballero offers similar speed with six steals in his last seven games. Daulton Varsho and Gavin Sheets have shown power potential, while deeper league options like Robert Hassell III and Addison Barger promise upside. You'll want to capitalize on this week’s matchups and streaming opportunities!

Nathan Lukes, an outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, has made a significant impact in his first full MLB season at the age of 30. After a long journey through the minor leagues, he finally debuted in 2023, showcasing his talent by hitting a walk-off single against the San Diego Padres. Currently, he holds an impressive OPS of .808, highlighting his ability to make consistent contact and contribute offensively. Manager John Schneider praises Lukes for his hard work and resilience, noting that he has gained confidence and is hitting with intent.

Despite a career marked by injuries, including a severe thumb injury in 2024, Lukes is now healthy and earning trust from his team. His versatility as a hitter allows him to drive balls to various parts of the field, making him a valuable asset in the lineup. Teammates like Myles Straw and Ernie Clement support his inclusion in their daily lineup, acknowledging his consistency in both hitting and fielding. As he continues to seize every opportunity, Lukes reflects on his journey as finally paying off, proving that persistence in baseball can lead to success.

Toronto Blue Jays displayed resilience in a thrilling match against the San Diego Padres, overcoming multiple extra-inning deficits to secure a 7-6 victory. Daulton Varsho contributed significantly, tying the game with a triple and later scoring the winning run on Nathan Lukes's RBI single. The team's newfound confidence, rooted in improved communication and support among players, has become a crucial element in their gameplay, allowing them to maintain composure in high-pressure situations.

Manager John Schneider praised the team's fighting spirit, suggesting that despite their current success, there is still room for improvement. The matchup required strategic pitching changes, including Schneider's decision to pull Bowden Francis early to prevent him from facing the Padres' strong lineup a third time. This win marked a significant moment in the Blue Jays' season, reinforcing the effectiveness of their revised approach to teamwork and situational play.

In a thrilling showdown, Nathan Lukes delivered the winning RBI single in the bottom of the 11th inning, securing a 7-6 victory for the Toronto Blue Jays against the San Diego Padres, completing a three-game sweep. The Blue Jays rallied with Daulton Varsho's triple, driving in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to tie the game at 6-6. Despite a strong outing from Bowden Francis, who had a no-decision, it was the bullpen's stellar effort that managed to contain the Padres until Jeff Hoffman faced a setback in the ninth, allowing a two-run homer to Gavin Sheets.

Sheets was the star for San Diego, contributing five RBIs, including two homers that kept the game within reach. His performance almost single-handedly minimized the Padres' six-game losing streak. Meanwhile, Luis Arraez and Jonatan Clase exchanged key hits that showcased the back-and-forth nature of the game.