As we reach the halfway mark of the MLB season, with the Dodgers and Tigers on track for 100 wins, fantasy managers must pivot their strategies for the second half. Jose Soriano shows promise with a recent impressive run, while Edward Cabrera's command issues make him a risky FAAB target. Jacob Lopez has been stellar with his strikeout rate, but concerns linger. In the bullpen, Dylan Lee might seize more saves, while rookie Drake Baldwin has impressed offensively. Spencer Steer's resurgence is noteworthy as he competes for playing time with Austin Hays injured. Casey Schmitt is heating up for the Giants, and the Angels' Christian Moore might finally get his shot. Keep an eye on these players for FAAB bids this week!

Shohei Ohtani's highly anticipated return to the mound is here, as he is set to pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the San Diego Padres tonight. This marks his first start as a pitcher in nearly two years, following elbow surgery in September 2023. Despite his hiatus from pitching, Ohtani has excelled at the plate, leading the Dodgers with 25 home runs and 41 RBIs this season. The game will be broadcast on the MLB Network at 10:10 PM ET, allowing fans to witness this exciting comeback.

Shohei Ohtani is set to make his much-anticipated return to the mound as he starts for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the San Diego Padres. Having undergone surgery on his right elbow last September, Ohtani's readiness has been affirmed by manager Dave Roberts, who highlighted the excitement within the team for his comeback. Initially, Ohtani will pitch for one or two innings as the Dodgers look to gradually increase his workload. This creative approach allows Ohtani to build his pitch count while also continuing to serve as the designated hitter. Ohtani, the reigning National League MVP, has impressive stats to back him up, with a career 3.01 ERA and 608 strikeouts in 481.2 innings, but his return comes during a time when the Dodgers' rotation has been impacted by injuries.

In a thrilling contest, the Los Angeles Dodgers edged out the Arizona Diamondbacks 14-11, cementing their lead in the NL West. The highlight of the night came from Shohei Ohtani, who hit a pivotal three-run homer in the ninth inning, showcasing both power and emotion rarely seen from the usually composed superstar. Ohtani's blast was a significant moment in a game that saw the lead change hands multiple times, with both teams showing offensive prowess.

The Diamondbacks initially led 3-1 in the first but faltered as the Dodgers surged ahead with a five-run third inning. However, Arizona rallied to tie the game at 8-8 before taking an 11-8 lead late in the game. The Dodgers, showing resilience, responded in the ninth with a four-hit rally off Diamondbacks' pitcher Kevin Ginkel, ultimately setting the stage for Ohtani's dramatic home run. Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts drew comparisons between Ohtani and Barry Bonds, emphasizing his unique ability to perform consistently in clutch situations.

October baseball may elude Miami's loanDepot Park, but Shohei Ohtani has made his mark by delivering electrifying performances each time he steps onto the field. In a recent game against the Marlins, Ohtani crushed a two-run homer off Sandy Alcantara, achieving his fifth home run in just six games at this venue, solidifying his impressive .370 batting average in Miami. This thrilling moment came as the Dodgers secured a 7-4 victory, extending their winning streak to eight out of nine games.

Among the sparse crowd of 15,395, it was a stark contrast to the Dodgers' previous game, which drew over 47,000 fans. Ohtani's presence was felt even in this often-empty stadium, transforming it into a stage for his incredible talent. The Marlins, with a payroll of $69 million, stand in stark contrast to the Dodgers’ $450 million, highlighting a financial disparity between the two franchises. Nonetheless, Ohtani continues to prevail, crafting a legendary tale within a venue that has yet to host postseason magic.