Leiter racked seven scoreless innings, 10 K, two hits, and zero walks as Texas crushed Cleveland 10-0 to pull within a half-game of the Guardians in the AL Wild Card hunt. He leaned on a 97 mph heater and mixed in added velocity on the curve, showcasing improved feel and command with a pitch mix that minimized two-strike woes.

Between-start tweaks emphasized targeted, power-focused secondary stuff and a simpler mental approach, helping him punch out 14 of 15 two-strike counts. With fellow elite outings by Skubal, Gray and Schwellenbach cited as context, Leiter's breakout tease lands as a potential fantasy turning point for the Rangers' playoff push.

Atlanta faces a turbulent 2025 as expectations fade and injuries bite. Snitker, the franchise’s longest-tenured manager, is steering a club with aging roots and a contract likely to expire at season’s end, casting doubt on his future in Atlanta despite a string of playoff berths. The narrative centers on a pitching staff drained by injuries and a front-office pivot to depth, not rebuild.

Key injuries have crippled the rotation. Joe Jiménez’s knee setback closes out his 2025, Reynaldo López and Spencer Schwellenbach appear done for the year, and Atlanta has leaned on depth moves to patch the gaps. In response, Carlos Carrasco resurfaced on a minor-league deal, slated for Gwinnett as a long-innings option. Fantasy managers should monitor Carrasco’s innings intake and the evolving role of Atlanta’s longer men as the season winds down.

In short, the Braves’ season pivots on bullpen depth, innings-eating efforts, and managerial continuity. Carrasco’s arrival adds a veteran floor, while the injury toll narrows the path to late-season success and playoff positioning. For fantasy, value shifts to those absorbing extra frames and any late-inning opportunities that emerge as the rotation stabilizes post-injuries.

Week 20 of 2025 narrows the gap between add and drop candidates as injuries and bullpen chaos reshape the fantasy landscape. Devin Williams loses the Yankees’ closer role amid a flurry of new relievers; Bednar, Doval, and Luke Weaver emerge as safer saves bets, making Williams a clear drop in redraft formats. On the mound, Spencer Schwellenbach’s elbow IL sideline shifts him from must-hold to hold-in-dynasty, while Kodai Senga’s post-IL bloom raises red flags for immediate value. Sonny Gray’s late-season surge is still within reach if he avoids the big blemishes, and MacKenzie Gore’s tough upcoming slate keeps him on the hot-seat/hold boundary.

Matt Olson’s Braves still supply power, but his slide since July tempers expectations; Félix Bautista’s shoulder injury seals a late-season redraft drop. Luis Garcia Jr. quietly plates in hold-worthy depth in Nationals leagues, while readers’ requests for Olson and Bautista anchor the week’s broader drop/have-to-hold dialogue. The Cut List stresses patience and targeted replacements rather than knee-jerk cuts, especially with September and keeper implications looming.

Jesse Chavez has returned to the Atlanta Braves for the seventh time in his career, marking his second stint this season. The 41-year-old reliever was called up from Triple-A before a game against the Baltimore Orioles. This move comes after the Braves optioned left-hander Dylan Dodd and transferred right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach to the 60-day injured list due to a fractured elbow, prompting the need for pitching depth.

Chavez's history with the Braves dates back to December 2009, and he was part of the team's 2021 World Series-winning roster. His experience will be invaluable as the Braves navigate injuries in their pitching staff.

The Atlanta Braves are grappling with a disappointing 2024 season, plagued by injuries and an underperforming offense. The team is currently under .500, a stark contrast to the record-setting offense of 2023. Significant injuries have sidelined four starting pitchers, including Chris Sale with a broken rib and Spencer Schwellenbach with an elbow fracture. The Braves have struggled to find consistency, including a rough 11-15 record in June, complicating their chances of a pennant race comeback.

General Manager Alex Anthopoulos faces tough decisions as trade deadlines approach. With the All-Star Game in Atlanta, he may hold off on major trades until after the event. If the Braves remain out of contention, he might consider a reset for the next season by trading some veterans. The team's current pitching rotation is largely unproven, with rookie Didier Fuentes now thrust into a starter role. The farm system's lack of immediate position player prospects adds to the urgency for potential trades.