Spencer Strider’s August struggles loom large as his fastball shape lags behind the slider and curve. The Braves ace still misses bats, but three straight long outings with five-plus earned runs have fantasy managers pondering a bench or even a non-roster pause. There’s no rush to drop him, per cautionary notes; the upside can swing the balance with back-to-back good starts. Jurickson Profar has seized the moment for Atlanta, fueling a hot streak with multi-homer duels and elite plate discipline from the leadoff, fueling fantasy upside even as exit velocity fluctuates.

Michael Harris II followed with a four-for-four night and 15th homer, plus pace-setting runs and steals, riding a second-half sprint that’s reminded owners why he was a top prospect. Vlad Guerrero Jr. left with hamstring tightness, adding to the list of injuries in a crowded week, while Zack Wheeler’s blood-clot procedure looms as a major timeline question. The show also highlighted Trevor Rogers and Ranger Suarez turning in strong, deep outings, Yuri Perez’s control bumps and Gavin Williams’ rebound, with Bryce Miller slated for a return and Freddy Peralta continuing to pile up wins.

Two-start week conversations center on arms like Dustin May and others, while Freddy Freeman’s late-season resurgence continues to quiet the critics. JT Realmuto and Bryce Harper are among the seasoned bats delivering steady value, and the squad remains vigilant about hamstring and shoulder news that can tilt weekly lineups. The dynamic Braves offense, paired with a rotating cast of pitchers, keeps fantasy rosters nimble as the stretch drive unfolds.

Gavin Williams showcased his potential with a brilliant performance against the New York Mets, taking a no-hitter into the ninth inning. He struck out six and limited hard contact, showcasing improved control and a refined pitch mix. Despite skepticism, his numbers suggest he may be turning a corner with a 1.30 ERA in the second half. Cade Cavalli also made headlines with a strong return, striking out six over four scoreless innings, despite a rough Triple-A record prior. Meanwhile, Josh Naylor continued to impress with back-to-back games featuring two steals, pushing him towards a potential 30-steal season, an astonishing feat for him. The Blue Jays' offense has also come alive, scoring an astounding 45 runs in a three-game series against the Rockies, with standout performances from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette.

The latest episode of Locked On Fantasy Baseball presents a list of ten must-add players as the season progresses into week three. Highlighted prospects include Nick Curts from the Oakland Athletics, who has made an impressive start with a .412 batting average and four homers in the minors, now transitioning to the majors. Also mentioned is Augustine Ramirez of the Miami Marlins, showcasing strong early performance with two games, five hits, and a potential for speed and power. Other notable players include Noelvi Marte of the Cincinnati Reds, who might be on the verge of a breakout, and Gavin Lux, who has shown resilience after joining the Reds from the Dodgers.

The analysis delves into their stats and potential contributions, highlighting the importance of roster space and patience, especially with new prospects. The discussion also touches on starting pitchers like Mitchell Parker and Reese Olson, who have both shown promise early in the season. The episode emphasizes strategic roster moves based on player performance trends to optimize fantasy baseball success.

As the second week of the fantasy baseball season wraps up, key player additions could significantly impact your roster moving into week three and beyond. A variety of pitchers and hitters are presented as viable options for fantasy owners looking to strengthen their lineups. Some notable names mentioned include Walker Buehler, who is showing signs of a resurgence after transferring to the Boston Red Sox, and Richard Fitts, who despite early struggles, might still hold potential for deeper leagues. Gavin Williams is highlighted as a rising star, with a breakout season anticipated.

Additionally, positional players like Heraldo Perdomo and Shawn Murphy are suggested based on their recent performances, including batting averages and on-base potential. The episode emphasizes the importance of keeping an eye on waiver wires and stashing potential breakout players before they become too valuable.

The excitement surrounding the New York Mets is palpable as they kicked off the season with an impressive 5-0 victory at Citi Field, showcasing a vibrant crowd of over 40,000 fans. The atmosphere echoed the energy of playoff games, with standout performances from players like Pete Alonso, who hit a home run in his first at-bat of the season. Francisco Lindor's dynamic play also drew cheers, highlighting the team's strong core as they navigate a new era with fresh faces like Juan Soto.

Pitching was another bright spot, with Tyler McGill leading the charge with a scoreless five-and-a-third innings. His performance raises questions about the potential for a deeper rotation this season, especially in the context of injuries to key players. The Mets' bullpen showed no signs of weakness, contributing to a collective shutout and solidifying their reputation as one of the best in the league. As the season unfolds, the blend of veteran leadership and emerging talents has fans hopeful for a successful campaign.