Playoff time sharpens rosters, and 10 names mind the cut line. Otani’s pitching struggles push a split decision: in shallow leagues, drop the pitcher Otani while keeping the bat, whereas deeper formats may still stash him for potential late-season depth. Kyle Tucker’s hairline hand fracture is healing, but the clock is ticking toward the playoffs, making a cautious stance prudent. O’Neal Cruz’s concussion IL and Austin Riley’s season-ending core surgery explode the waiver-wire calculus in many formats, while Zach Wheeler’s shoulder thrombosis casts a shadow over Phillies pitching plans. Byron Buxton’s health remains a minefield, and Shane Baz’s slide raises red flags as Berios’ volatility keeps owners wary on Toronto. The insiders track, waiver picks, and rotation shuffles shape the stretch run.

Key takeaways from yesterday’s action in Major League Baseball highlighted the Blue Jays and Phillies as offensive powerhouses. Bo Bichette's resurgence was particularly notable, solidifying his status during a contract year. Meanwhile, the Yankees face challenges as their bullpen dynamics shift, with Devin Williams under scrutiny for his recent performance as closer, raising speculation about David Bednar stepping into the role. Injuries continue to plague teams, notably with the Braves losing Austin Riley again, complicating their playoff push.

In the recent podcast episode, the hosts take a comprehensive look at the latest happenings in the world of fantasy baseball, particularly focusing on player injuries and spring training performances. Injury updates are a key theme, including the unfortunate diagnosis of Royce Lewis with a left hamstring strain, which is causing concern for fantasy owners. Meanwhile, Austin Riley appears to have avoided serious injury and is back in the lineup.

Spring training standouts are highlighted, with discussions revolving around players like Jack Leiter, who has been impressive, and concerns over Kumar Rocker’s performance. The hosts analyze the implications of these players' performances for upcoming drafts and roster decisions. The excitement surrounding the upcoming Tokyo series between the Cubs and Dodgers adds to the anticipation for the regular season's start.

Mock drafts can be crucial in preparing for a fantasy baseball season, and the latest episode of Locked on Fantasy Baseball dives into the intricacies of one. Host Dominic Martino and co-host Matthew analyze a recent mock draft in which Matthew picked from the seventh position. The strategy focused on positional scarcities while ensuring a strong outfield with early selections like Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez. Matthew explains his decisions surrounding player selections, including Austin Riley and Blake Snell, while emphasizing the importance of grabbing outfield talent before it thins out.

As the draft unfolds, Matthew shares insights on players like James Wood and Jordan Westberg, highlighting their potential in the upcoming season. He stresses the value of early picks for outfielders and discusses the importance of balancing power and speed within the team construction. The conversation also touches upon the risks associated with injury-prone pitchers such as Shane McClanahan and Brandon Woodruff, with a recognition that streaming options may be required later in the season. Overall, the draft reflects a mix of calculated risks and strategic depth, providing a valuable lesson for fantasy baseball enthusiasts.