Atlanta sits 0.5 games behind Pittsburgh for the second-best lottery odds with two weeks left, keeping a path to the top pick open and boosting the value of late-season moves for fantasy rosters. Each additional lottery position translates to a higher chance of landing the top pick, reshaping exposure to Braves prospects and potential trade leverage as the season winds down. The Braves’ fate in the lottery influences who threads the lineup in September and beyond, with implications for playing-time and upside across the roster.

Meanwhile, Atlanta ends its frustration with a 6-2 loss to Houston as Elder struggles and Olson pops a homer, the Blue Jays promote Trey Yesavage, the Dodgers put Will Smith on the IL, and Tarik Skubal reports no major issue and could return soon. These notes ripple through fantasy lineups: monitor Braves balance of veterans and youngsters, Dodgers catcher replacements, and Jays yesavage watch, while Skubal’s health could lift a suspect Tigers rotation down the stretch.

Houston heads to Truist Park to face Atlanta in a late-season showdown. Hunter Brown (11-7, 2.25) is matched against Bryce Elder (7-9, 5.35) as the Astros chase the AL West lead with Seattle, two games clear of Texas. A second straight win would keep Houston rolling down the stretch. Friday saw Zach Cole erupt for a homer in his first at-bat with a three-hit game and a win, while Lance McCullers Jr. landed on the injured list again, shaking up Houston’s rotation.

Atlanta contends in the NL East and will lean on Elder to slow the Astros’ momentum. Fantasy managers should watch for bullpen decisions late and the potential impact of McCullers’ absence on Houston’s depth. This matchup carries meaningful implications for postseason positioning and streamer options.

Toronto's bid for a decade-long division title is shadowed by a bullpen in flux after the All-Star break. Hoffman has struggled, serving up homers and blowing late leads, including a ninth-inning shot to Yainer Diaz that doomed a comeback against Houston. The Jays still lead the AL East by three games, but playoff savor hinges on stabilizing late innings and Hoffman’s next few outings.

Depth arms—Louis Varland, Yariel Rodríguez, Brendon Little, Tommy Nance, Braydon Fisher—offer options if Hoffman falters, and Seranthony Dominguez is a logical closer fallback given his prior closing work. Fantasy managers should watch how Toronto choreographs late-innings duties down the stretch and into October.