The Washington Nationals have officially placed starting pitcher Trevor Williams on the 15-day injured list due to a right elbow sprain. This announcement comes just two days after Williams faced off against the Detroit Tigers, where he allowed a season-high seven runs in a crushing 11-2 defeat. Williams has struggled throughout the season, posting a 3-10 record with a 6.21 ERA over 17 starts.

In a season where he has become tied for the second-most losses in the National League, Williams signed a lucrative two-year, $14 million contract after a promising previous season where he finished with a 6-1 record and a 2.03 ERA, albeit limited to just 13 starts due to a strained muscle in his throwing arm. Meanwhile, the Nationals have recalled pitcher Ryan Loutos from Triple-A Rochester, who has had a rough outing this year with a 13.50 ERA in eight games across the Los Angeles Dodgers and Nationals. In addition, catcher Keibert Ruiz has been activated from the injured list after recovering from a concussion suffered on June 23. Ruiz’s return is timely as the Nationals optioned Drew Millas back to Rochester following a lackluster performance where he hit just .143 with one RBI in three games.

As MLB action kicks off the week, player prop bets are a focal point for savvy gamblers. One standout is Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles, who is on an impressive hitting streak of eight games, with a .433 average. His over 1.5 hits, runs, and RBI bet is set at -135 at DraftKings, reflecting his consistency at the plate and favorable matchup against Ryan Pepiot. In another exciting matchup, Alex Call of the Washington Nationals also shows potential, with an over 1.5 hits, runs, and RBI bet at -125 against the Colorado Rockies' Carson Palmquist, who struggles against left-handed batters.

Keibert Ruiz is another intriguing option, with a bet for over 0.5 singles at -115. While not a power hitter, his ability to find the gaps against lefties makes this a solid bet. With these players highlighted, bettors should find ample opportunities for strategic wagers this Monday.

As the 2025 MLB season unfolds, savvy fantasy baseball players continue to scour the waiver wire for catcher talent. In Week 2, notable streamers include Keibert Ruiz from the Washington Nationals, who has maintained impressive consistency with a .320 batting average and is a secure option behind the plate. Ivan Herrera of the St. Louis Cardinals, riding a hot streak with four home runs, stands out as a must-add, showcasing elite upside. Hunter Goodman from the Colorado Rockies also deserves attention, particularly with Coors Field's opening series, which could boost his power stats significantly.

For deeper leagues, Sean Murphy's anticipated return from injury could reignite the Atlanta Braves' offense, making him an intriguing pickup. Meanwhile, keep an eye on Dalton Rushing of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who, although currently not called up, has demonstrated immense potential in the minors.

The baseball season is heating up, and this week’s Players to Watch includes key names like Rafael Devers and Dylan Crews, both of whom are struggling early in the season. Devers, despite being fully healthy, has not recorded a hit, setting a record with 12 strikeouts in his first 16 at-bats. Meanwhile, Crews shares a similar fate, with a risk of demotion if his performance does not improve. In contrast, Keibert Ruiz of the Nationals is thriving with impressive stats and offers significant fantasy potential. Josh Smith steps in for the injured Josh Jung and could be a valuable short-term option for managers. As pitchers, Jackson Jobe and Casey Mize are ready for their first starts of the season, showcasing promising skills after injuries. Keep an eye on these players for your fantasy lineup this week!

Drafting a catcher can be a daunting task in fantasy baseball, especially when some highly drafted players may not provide the value expected. Adley Rutschman, ranked as the second catcher in drafts, struggled significantly in the second half of 2024, hitting just .207 with a poor OPS. His declining bat speed and inability to handle right-handed pitching raise concerns about his performance moving forward. Will Smith also faced challenges, with rising strikeout rates indicating a potential decline as he approached 30. J.T. Realmuto's age is showing, with decreased power and stolen bases, suggesting a shift towards younger options may be prudent. Keibert Ruiz and Tyler Stephenson present additional risks with poor performance metrics that question their fantasy viability. The catcher's landscape is shifting, encouraging fantasy managers to explore alternatives for value.