David Peterson's eight-inning gem steadies the Mets and eases bullpen strain, signaling a rotation lengthening that fantasy managers crave. A pair of rising Mets youngsters—Mark Vientos and Brett Beatty—provided back-to-back homers, injecting much-needed power and implying more at-bats as Mendoza tinkers with the lineup. The improved depth at third and second could unlock sustained scoring and give New York a clearer path to wins as they head into a crucial slate against the Nationals, Braves, and Phillies. If this balance holds, length and power could drive a meaningful stretch run for fantasy rosters.

Pete Crow-Armstrong is in a rough patch after the break, but the underlying data paints a patient, long-term bounce-back story. He’s posting solid contact metrics and power indicators, suggesting the slump is temporary rather than a failing profile. Fantasy managers should weigh the Cubs’ lineup context and the rookie’s track record before pulling the plug.

James Wood carries a contrasting arc: elite raw exit velocity and hard-contact rates point to a breakout ceiling, even as a two-week lull drags his ownership down. Wyatt Langford owns a different tale—early-season promise tempered by a brutal month, with strike-zone discipline and plate approach as the keys to his next stretch. Lawrence Butler and Brendan Donovan illustrate the mid-season reality: big counting stats can mask inefficiencies, making them risky or retreat-worthy in shallower formats while still usable in deeper leagues where flexibility matters.

Max Fried remains a pillar, but recent results urge matchup-driven decisions rather than reckless trust. Josh Hader’s shoulder issue clouds late-season plans, elevating Brian Abreu as a potential save-hand in the short term. The host’s broader theme is clear: with playoff push here, owners must cut the fat, protect the core, and ride the upside players who can carry through the final sprint while managing risky spots with strategic benching and timely pickups.

Gavin Williams showcased his potential with a brilliant performance against the New York Mets, taking a no-hitter into the ninth inning. He struck out six and limited hard contact, showcasing improved control and a refined pitch mix. Despite skepticism, his numbers suggest he may be turning a corner with a 1.30 ERA in the second half. Cade Cavalli also made headlines with a strong return, striking out six over four scoreless innings, despite a rough Triple-A record prior. Meanwhile, Josh Naylor continued to impress with back-to-back games featuring two steals, pushing him towards a potential 30-steal season, an astonishing feat for him. The Blue Jays' offense has also come alive, scoring an astounding 45 runs in a three-game series against the Rockies, with standout performances from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette.