Dump of four rising starters in a pitch-shift week, framed for fantasy managers who want actionable reads on who’s adjusting and who’s just hot, with a focus on changes in usage, timing, and pitch mix. Cease shifts to a deeper arsenal, leaning on curve and sinker to back off lefties and jam righties, signaling a real second-half buy window if command holds. Javier re-emerges post-TJ with a fastball that plays up, a sweeper addition, and a plan to deepen the map with a sinker, cutter, and changeup—yet command must follow the stuff. Cavalli shows a deliberate multi-pitch approach in two starts, using four-seam, sinker, curve, and changeup to set up two-strike sequences and keep hitters guessing. May’s swing toward a four-pitch mix in Boston, with a higher location fastball and a more-used cutter, plus a lighter sweeper load, signals a plausible reclamation arc, even if the lack of a true knockout pitch persists. Bergert’s Royals debut stretch features a rising fastball with elite iVB, a new sweeper to diversify looks, and a likely future as a rotation anchor with a potential changeup upgrade. The narrative threads through Judge’s top-season resurgence chatter, Wheeler’s shoulder guard, and Bregman’s frame of reference, all anchored by Roman Anthony’s Sox ascent as a reminder that big-name youth and veteran reclamations ride the same wave of attrition and adjustment.

In sum, recent results are tied not only to raw velocity or one-off changes but to curated tools, sequence work, and the placement of new offerings within two-strike plans. The takeaway for fantasy: prioritize Cease, Javier, Cavalli, May, and Bergert if you’re chasing trend-changes that could endure; monitor Arrighetti, Judge, Wheeler, and Bregman for ancillary impact and roster flexibility; and keep an eye on Roman Anthony as a late-blooming contextual lift for Sox stacks down the stretch.

As we approach Week 9 of the 2025 MLB season, identifying key prospects to stash in your fantasy league is crucial. Ryan Ritter of the Colorado Rockies is having an exceptional minor league season, amassing an 11-game hitting streak, showcasing a blend of power and speed. Jacob Misiorowski's impressive 0.96 ERA with a 35% strikeout rate for the Milwaukee Brewers indicates he's ready for a big league call-up. Meanwhile, Jac Caglianone continues to hit well for the Kansas City Royals, making a strong case for promotion with 14 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A.

Cade Cavalli's recent form suggests he could contribute soon to the Washington Nationals, boasting a 1.29 ERA over his last three starts. These players represent not just potential but the chance to gain a significant edge in your fantasy league with timely promotions.

The Washington Nationals, in a hypothetical redraft of the 2020 MLB draft, would have chosen Canadian outfielder Owen Caissie instead of their original pick, pitcher Cade Cavalli. Caissie, who was selected by the San Diego Padres that year, has emerged as a top prospect, currently rated No. 2 in the Chicago Cubs' farm system and No. 34 overall in baseball. His impressive Minor League performance includes a .278 batting average, 19 home runs, and 11 stolen bases in 2024.

On the other hand, Cavalli, who debuted in 2022, has struggled with injuries, including Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for most of 2023 and 2024. Despite a promising minor league career with a 3.46 ERA and 11.5 K/9 rate, he faces challenges in command and the need to maintain health as he aims to secure a spot in the Nationals' rotation in 2025.