Houston beat Boston to extend its hot streak, sitting at 67-52 with a tight grip on the first-division lead in the AL West as September looms. With a postseason berth in sight, every bullpen decision becomes a fantasy lever, especially when late-inning roles are unsettled.

Josh Hader’s shoulder discomfort created immediate closer-adjacent intrigue. Enyel De Los Santos and Bennett Sousa filled the ninth on Monday, signaling a potential committee unless Hader returns swiftly. Talks of adding Ryan Pressly—Houston’s World Series-winning closer from 2022—have fans buzzing, adding an external option to the mix as Houston weighs relief help.

Hader carries 28 saves on a 2.05 ERA through 48 appearances, a foundation for any playoff push. If he misses time, De Los Santos and Sousa become frontrunners for saves, with closer duties potentially shifting week to week. The Houston bullpen may also absorb outside reinforcements, and the press around Pressly could influence internal strategy down the stretch.

For fantasy managers, the key is monitoring Hader’s status, the De Los Santos–Sousa dynamic, and any late-season bullpen acquisitions. A healthy Hader remains elite, but uncertainty over closers in Houston could redefine saves upside and speculative holds as October approaches.

The Chicago Cubs' offseason trades with the Houston Astros have not panned out as expected. Ryan Pressly, originally acquired to bolster their bullpen, has struggled this season with a 3.79 ERA and a troubling -0.2 fWAR, leading to a diminished role behind closer Daniel Palencia. Despite a strong history, Pressly's performance has raised questions about his reliability in high-leverage situations. As he approaches free agency, the Cubs may consider trading him to clear salary space and potentially acquire a prospect for the future.

Christopher Kline notes that while Pressly has shown flashes of his past form, including a decrease in his WHIP, a contender may still find him appealing as a low-cost rental. The Cubs, aiming for a competitive run, might weigh the benefits of offloading Pressly against their need for a strong bullpen. If they can secure an intriguing prospect while freeing up funds, it could be a prudent move for their long-term strategy.

Chicago Cubs rookie pitcher Cade Horton faced tough competition during his eighth start against the Houston Astros, resulting in an unfortunate outing. Although he had a solid 3.73 ERA coming into the game, he struggled early, allowing three runners in the first two innings but escaping unscathed. However, the third inning proved disastrous as he loaded the bases and gave up a sacrifice fly and a three-run homer to Yainer Diaz. By the end of the fourth inning, Horton had given up seven runs, raising his ERA to 4.80. Despite the setback, Cubs manager Craig Counsell remained optimistic, emphasizing the importance of this experience for Horton, likening it to a playoff atmosphere. With the Cubs having traded Cam Smith to the Astros, the matchup held extra significance, showcasing the pressure of high-stakes games.

Cam Smith faced off against the Chicago Cubs, the team that drafted him, but his performance spoke volumes as he went 2-for-2 with a three-run home run, leading the Houston Astros to a 7-4 victory. At just 22 years old, Smith is carving out his niche in the Astros lineup, showcasing quality at-bats and a .773 OPS, which ranks him among the top hitters on the team. Astros manager Joe Espada praised Smith's ability in high-pressure situations, hinting that he might occupy a more central role in the lineup sooner than expected.

The night also highlighted Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly's return, evoking fond memories for Astros fans, while the contrast of Smith's rookie status against their established careers served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of player development in Major League Baseball.