Texas’ week was a jittery, high-leverage sprint. Cody Freeman sparked three Rangers wins with hustle and timely baserunning, despite an under-.230 average. Jake Burger supplied a late-week power surge, while Josh Jung carried the lineup with a multi-week hot streak. Corey Seager and Adolis García could return for a late-season push, giving Texas a thinner but dangerous offense. The pitching and bullpen, led by Shawn Armstrong, held down Houston and kept playoff dreams afloat, but only a village effort will close the gap in a brutal closing stretch.

The Rangers’ path hinges on consistent offense from the supporting cast and energy in the clubhouse, not just the big names. Freeman’s energy, Jung’s swing adjustments, and Burger’s health/timing form the core of a potential surge. If Seager and García return, the lineup balance shifts from a rally-driven squad to a more stable run-producing unit, complicating matchups for playoff contenders as they chase the last 18 games needed for 86 wins.

Davey Johnson died at 82, leaving a baseball legacy as a player, manager and mentor. Harper recalls a door‑open coach who taught daily and helped him reach Rookie of the Year in 2012 with the Nationals. Johnson’s World Series title with the Mets in 1986 and his long runs with Reds, Orioles, Dodgers and Nationals define a coaching tree rooted in opportunity and trust.

Boyd delivered another quality start for Chicago, keeping the Cubs in a tight ballgame as Daylen Lile’s tiebreaking homer carried Nationals to a 2-1 victory. Chicago drew seven walks but couldn’t cash in, leaving fantasy managers waiting for a spark from the top of the order. Crow-Armstrong is turning heads as a growing depth option, while Swanson and Happ provide steady counting stats down the stretch. PCA’s knee contusion could shuffle the Cubs’ outfield mix, adding risk but also opportunity for emergent players. Tucker’s injury update with Houston adds a cross-team wrinkle for late-season lineups.

Four 2025 fired managers—Derek Shelton, Brandon Hyde, Bud Black, and Davey Martinez—spent an eventful summer at home, fishing, watching families, and recharging, before plotting a winter return to the game. They stress the grind, the health toll, and the value of reflection that comes after upheaval. For fantasy players, the piece signals a potential shift in rosters and staff with late-winter signings and staff reshuffles creating fresh opportunities for young players and sleepers to emerge in 2026.

Davey Johnson, 82, died after a long illness in Florida, leaving a legacy built on fearless leadership, a knack for empowering players, and a data-informed edge that helped the 1986 Mets overcome the impossible. The piece traces his arc from Orioles star to World Series winning manager with the Mets, Reds, Dodgers and Nationals, noting tributes from teammates and executives who praised his mind, mentorship and hall‑of‑fame influence.