Boston Red Sox infielder Caleb Durbin hit just .228 (65-for-285) with a .686 OPS, nine home runs, 39 RBI, 10 steals, and 38 runs scored in 87 games and 317 plate appearances during the first half of the season. He has only one home run in 17 games since the All-Star break in mid-July, but he's gone 19-for-60 (.317) at the plate with an .806 OPS as the Red Sox have gone on a run to put themselves firmly in the mix for a playoff spot during the stretch run. Overall, the 26-year-old is hitting .243/.313/.394 with a .708 OPS, 10 home runs, 45 RBI, 12 steals, and 50 runs scored in 104 games across 388 plate appearances this year in his first season in Boston and just his second year in the major leagues. Durbin has definitely hit the ball better so far in the second half, but beneath the hood, his quality of contact doesn't necessarily project an extended strong run to close out the season. Durbin has never profiled as a big power bat, and he has a .233 expected batting average and .284 xwOBA (current wOBA of .313). Speed is Durbin's most endearing quality, and he'll continue to be an everyday player for the BoSox. He's rostered in 39% of Yahoo leagues.

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Colorado Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros recently missed some time due to a biceps injury, but he returned for the first two games of the series over the weekend against the Kansas City Royals. The 24-year-old right-handed hitter should be drawing more attention as a corner-infield option off the waiver wire in deeper fantasy baseball leagues after he hit .293 (22-for-75) with a .918 OPS, four home runs, three doubles, a triple, 12 RBI, 14 runs scored, and a stolen base in 22 games and 88 plate appearances in July. The son of former big-leaguer Eric Karris is now batting .268/.365/.431 with a .797 OPS, nine home runs, 39 RBI, 54 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 313 at-bats in 2026 in his first full season in the major leagues. Although Karros has only one of his nine homers against lefties, he has hit .295 (33-for-112) against them this year. The former fifth-rounder in 2023 from UCLA is hitting just .256 (43-for-168) away from hitter-friendly Coors Field, but five of his nine long balls have come on the road. It has been very encouraging this year to see his strikeout rate drop from 26.3% as a rookie to 21.2% this year, and he's also walking at an increased rate of 12.4%.

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Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever Ryan Zeferjahn continues to emerge at the back end of the team's bullpen in the second half of the season after picking up his fourth save of the year in the team's 3-0 win over the visiting Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. Zeferjahn allowed two hits, no walks, and struck out four in his 1 2/3 innings of work in the series finale at Angel Stadium. The 28-year-old former third-rounder by the Boston Red Sox in 2019 from the University of Kansas is 4-3 on the year with a 3.66 ERA (3.77 FIP) and 1.20 WHIP with 75 strikeouts and 32 walks in 51 2/3 innings out of the bullpen in his third year in the majors with the Halos. In 11 outings (12 1/3 innings pitched) since the beginning of July, Zeferjahn has allowed only three earned runs with two walks, 21 strikeouts, two saves, and three holds for the Angels. With Ben Joyce still on the injured list, Zeferjahn has become manager Kurt Suzuki's primary closer of late, giving him waiver-wire appeal in deeper fantasy leagues for managers who are desperate for saves. Zeferjahn is rostered in only 3% of Yahoo leagues.

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Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Nick Gonzales has been drawing more attention on the waiver wire in fantasy baseball leagues because of his recent hot streak at the plate. Gonzales has gone 0-for-8 so far in two games to begin the month of August, but he ended July on a 15-game hitting streak in which he went 25-for-66 (.379) with two home runs, five doubles, eight RBI, and 11 runs scored in 67 plate appearances. The 27-year-old's hot streak has boosted his overall line in 2026 to .312/.366/.405 with a .771 OPS, six home runs, 50 RBI, 61 runs scored, and five stolen bases across his 407 at-bats in his fourth year in the big leagues with the Bucs. With rookie infielder Konnor Griffin (finger) most likely sidelined until the final month of the regular season, Gonzales should remain locked in as Pittsburgh's primary third baseman, and if he stays hot at the plate, he will continue to be picked up in more leagues. The former first-rounder from New Mexico State University is currently rostered in 57% of Yahoo leagues. He already has a career high in RBI and needs just two more home runs to set a new career high in that category as well.

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The Philadelphia Phillies acquired All-Star infielder Luis Arraez from the San Francisco Giants on Monday, causing a shakeup on the Phillies' infield going forward, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Arraez will continue to play second base in Philly, and the team's first choice appears to be to move Bryson Stott to third base and Alec Bohm to first base. The domino effect means that first baseman Bryce Harper will be moving back to right field. The 28-year-old Stott already has eligibility in Yahoo leagues at second base and shortstop, so now he'll gain third-base eligibility to close out the 2026 season and for next year, which will definitely be a boost to his fantasy profile. The former first-rounder in 2019 from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is currently hitting a modest .252/.317/.407 with a .723 OPS, eight home runs, 50 RBI, 46 runs scored, and 19 steals in 106 games and 409 plate appearances in 2026 in his fifth year in the big leagues with the Phillies. Stott has minimal power and on-base skills, but he's useful for infield depth in deeper fantasy leagues for his speed and positional versatility. He's rostered in exactly half of Yahoo leagues.

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Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper is expected to move back to the outfield to make room for recently acquired infielder Luis Arraez, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. Alec Bohm is set to move to first base, with Bryson Stott moving from second to third. Harper will move back to right field, a position he hasn't played since 2022. For fantasy purposes, it will definitely put more strain on the 33-year-old veteran physically, but he will also be gaining outfield eligibility to close out the 2026 season and for next year. The two-time MVP and nine-time All-Star heads into the new week slashing .255/.360/.497 on the year with an .858 OPS, 23 home runs, 66 RBI, 67 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 112 games across 472 plate appearances in his eighth year with the Phillies. Fantasy managers are hoping the move to the outfield with help Harper get back on track offensively, as he hit just .172 (15-for-87) with a .625 OPS, two homers, six doubles, a triple, 11 RBI, nine runs, 14 walks, and 31 strikeouts in 24 games in July, easily his worst month of the season so far.

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The Toronto Blue Jays are trading top infield prospect Arjun Nimmala, along with outfielder Eddie Micheletti and right-handed pitcher Angel Rivero, to acquire starting pitcher Jose Soriano from the Los Angeles Angels, per ESPN's Jeff Passan. Nimmala is the clear top return in this package for the Angels. Per MLB.com, the shortstop currently sits as the No. 46 overall prospect in the sport and was the No. 2-ranked prospect in the Toronto system ahead of the trade. In 2026, the former 20th overall selection has split most of his time between High-A and Double-A. After logging 23 games at High-A, Nimmala was given the green light to join Double-A New Hampshire, where he has posted a sharp .279/.355/.451 line with nine doubles, four home runs and four stolen bases. Dynasty managers should keep a close eye on Nimmala's progression as he should contend for an early call-up to Triple-A in 2027, which could open the door for a second-half MLB debut.

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The San Francisco Giants are trading infielder Luis Arraez to the Philadelphia Phillies, according to The Athletic's Jason Stark. In this deal, the Phillies are also receiving bullpen arm Caleb Killian and sending No. 9-ranked prospect Ramon Marquez and pitching prospect Marty Gair. Arraez was viewed as one of the top remaining hitters on the market and will bolster one of the most potent lineups in the National League. With the Giants this season, the infielder has posted a dominant .324 AVG with a .360 OBP and .440 SLG. He is in the 92nd percentile in xBA but has generated very soft contact, with a first percentile hard-hit rate and barrel rate. However, Arraez possesses elite eye at the dish, holding a low 4.5% K% and 7.9% whiff rate, both of which place him in the top percentile among qualified hitters. While managers should not expect his power totals to increase going forward, he should be put in prime scoring positions, batting in a lineup alongside Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper. He is expected to have an everyday role at the keystone, which would push Bryson Stott to a utility role. Kilian should compete for low-leverage opportunities and is not expected to hold much fantasy value outside of deep 15+ team formats that reward holds.

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According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Los Angeles Angels traded starting pitcher Jose Soriano to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for top infield prospect Arjun Nimmala, outfielder Eddie Micheletti, and right-handed pitcher Angel Rivero. Even though the Blue Jays opted to part ways with veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman on Sunday evening, they are keeping the door open to potentially compete as a Wild Card team in 2026 by adding a piece to their rotation. Soriano has enjoyed a strong season in Los Angeles, logging 123 innings to the tune of a 3.29 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. His 11.2% walk rate has inflated his ratios but has managed to generate a high-end 31.4% whiff rate with a 24.9% K%. In return, the Blue Jays are sending their No. 2-ranked prospect Nimmala, who currently rises at Double-A, alongside Micheletti and Rivero, who both sit outside the top-30 prospects in their system on MLB Pipeline.

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New York Yankees infield prospect George Lombard Jr. has yet to slow down at Triple-A since returning from a finger injury and is on the doorstep of making his MLB debut. Over his last 14 contests since returning to action, the top-ranked prospect in the Yankees system has posted an elite .377/.477/.604 slash line with four doubles, two home runs and two stolen bases. During this noted surge, he has held a 15:10 K:BB. On Sunday, he went 4-for-5 at the dish and launched the sixth home run of his Triple-A stint. Lombard began the 2026 campaign at the Double-A level but quickly earned a call to the top club after posting a .971 OPS through 20 games. Given Anthony Volpe's and Jose Caballero's inconsistencies in the majors, Lombard is well-positioned to earn the call in the coming weeks, making him a prime stash target.

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Guardians' SP Gavin Williams recorded 10 strikeouts in 5.2 innings collecting the win in a 5-0 win over the Diamondbacks on Sunday, Aug. 2.

San Diego Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta (forearm) is scheduled to make a minor-league rehab appearance with Single-A Lake Elsinore on Tuesday, according to the team. It will be Pivetta's first game action since landing on the injured list back on April 14 with a strained right forearm. Because of how long he has been sidelined, the 33-year-old veteran will most likely require at least several rehab starts on the farm before the Padres consider returning him to their big-league starting rotation. Fellow Padres right-hander Joe Musgrove (elbow) will also be appearing on Tuesday at Lake Elsinore, so the Padres could have two very important starting arms back in their rotation very soon for the stretch run. Because of language in Pivetta's contract relating to player options in both 2027 and 2028, the Padres are expected to activate him before Aug. 22. The Canadian hurler went 13-5 with a career-best 2.87 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 190:50 K:BB in 31 regular-season starts in 2025 in his first year in SD in a breakout season, but he's made only four starts in 2026 due to his forearm injury. Pivetta won't have much time to make a fantasy impact when he returns, but he's being stashed in 71% of Yahoo leagues.

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The Atlanta Braves acquired right-hander Tyler Mahle from the San Francisco Giants on Sunday in exchange for pitcher Anthony Molina, sources familiar with the deal told Robert Murray of FanSided. Mahle will move to the National League East after going a disappointing 3-9 with a 5.13 ERA (4.38 FIP) and 1.39 WHIP with 89 strikeouts and 37 walks in 94 2/3 innings across 18 starts in 2026 in his first year with San Francisco. He will bring a veteran presence to Atlanta's starting rotation and will immediately help replace right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (knee), who was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sunday. Mahle has been extremely hit or miss for fantasy managers in deeper leagues this year, and although he struck out a season-high nine batters on Saturday in San Diego against the division-rival Padres, he also allowed five earned runs in 5 2/3 innings for a no-decision. In four starts (22 1/3 frames) in July, Mahle was decent with a 2.82 ERA, six walks, and 16 strikeouts. Fantasy managers in most mixed leagues can continue to ignore him, but his value should increase with the move to the first-place Braves. Mahle is rostered in only 6% of Yahoo leagues.

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New Chicago White Sox right-hander Luis Castillo is set to make his debut with the team on Thursday in Boston against the Red Sox at Fenway Park, according to James Fegan of The Athletic. Castillo will be on extra rest this coming week in his debut with the Pale Hose after going 3-9 with a career-high 5.06 ERA (4.57 FIP) and 1.39 WHIP with 86 strikeouts and 32 walks in 99 2/3 innings across 20 appearances (17 starts) with the Seattle Mariners before being dealt this weekend. The 33-year-old veteran just has not been the same pitcher in 2026 as he ages, and he's allowed 14 earned runs on 29 hits (seven home runs) with six walks and only 13 strikeouts in 23 innings pitched in four starts in the month of July. Despite being on extra rest for his first start with Chicago, Castillo will be a volatile fantasy starter against the hot Red Sox. In his first start against Boston on June 19 with Seattle, Castillo allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits while walking none and striking out four in four innings for a no-decision in Seattle. The aging Dominican hurler has a career-low 19.4% strikeout rate in 2026 in his 10th year in the majors.

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Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) is scheduled to throw 60 to 65 pitches in a minor-league rehab game on Wednesday with Triple-A Louisville, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. The Reds cleared Lodolo to make a rehab start next week after he threw a successful 50-pitch live batting practice session on Friday. The 28-year-old southpaw has not made a start for the Reds since July 11 due to a recurring blister issue on his left index finger, but he's nearing a return to Cincy's starting rotation and could be back as early as Aug. 11 against the Chicago White Sox. Lodolo has adopted a new grip for his breaking pitches, which will hopefully allow him to avoid any blister-related problems for the rest of the 2026 season. The oft-injured former seventh overall pick from Texas Christian University in 2019 has only made 12 starts this year and has gone 3-2 with a 4.60 ERA (5.09 FIP) and 1.47 WHIP with 50 strikeouts and 27 walks in 62 2/3 innings pitched. Once a promising strikeout arm, Lodolo has a career-low 17.9% strikeout rate in 2026, but he's still rostered in 63% of Yahoo leagues and could be a valuable matchup-based streamer the rest of the way if he's fully healthy.

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Brewers' SP Jacob Misiorowski recorded 10 strikeouts in 7 innings but took the loss in a 3-0 loss to the Angels on Sunday, Aug. 2.

Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect Jacob Melton is reportedly dealing with right hamstring tightness after being removed from a Triple-A Durham Bulls game on Saturday. The No. 6 prospect in the Rays' system has already missed time this season due to left ankle discomfort and could miss additional time while recovering from the new issue. Melton is hitting .306 in the minor leagues this season, posting a .407 OBP and a .952 OPS with six home runs across 41 games at two levels. The injury is not expected to be serious for the 25-year-old, but it creates another interruption during what has been the best season of his young career in the Rays' organization.

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Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez was scratched from a High-A Cedar Rapids rehab game on Tuesday due to apparent thumb soreness and is now considered day-to-day. The 23-year-old is the No. 52 prospect in Major League Baseball, according to MLB Pipeline, as he continues working his way through the Twins' farm system. Across 29 games at multiple levels this season, Rodriguez is hitting .253 with a .902 OPS and six home runs in 95 at-bats before the injury. He owns a .911 OPS with a .254 batting average throughout his minor league career and will look to avoid any further setbacks during his recovery.

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Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) is reportedly expected to resume playing catch during the club's upcoming series against the Chicago Cubs after being sidelined from pitching with left knee inflammation and right biceps discomfort. The four-time MVP is still without a timetable for his return to the mound, but this marks another positive step in his recovery. Ohtani made 14 starts before the injury, posting a 1.79 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 85 strikeouts across 85 2/3 innings. He has continued to produce at an elite level at the plate, slashing .292/.397/.544 with a .941 OPS. The Dodgers are not expected to rush the 32-year-old after acquiring Tarik Skubal to strengthen their rotation ahead of the deadline.

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Texas Rangers infielder Sebastian Walcott, the No. 10 prospect in Major League Baseball, has been sidelined at Double-A Frisco after being hit in the head by a wild pickoff attempt on Sunday. A timetable for his return has not yet been announced. Walcott is hitting .308 with a .934 OPS in 13 games for Double-A Frisco this season. He also owns a 1.019 OPS over 15 games in total this season as he continues to progress through the Rangers' farm system. Walcott's offensive profile is highlighted by elite exit velocity and bat speed, positioning him to produce elite slugging numbers at the major league level.

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