Welcome back to the best weekly column on the internet as we enter week 18 of the fantasy baseball season.

The goal of this column for us to give you the most fantasy-relevant information all in one place for a variety of league types to hopefully be your one-stop shop, or at least the shop you have to hit on the way to all the other shops for fantasy baseball information from news, to lineup and roster notes, injury updates, waiver recommendations for different lead types, prospect rankings, moves we made and a weekly deep dive into something relevant.

NOTES: The trade deadline is this weekend, so it’s likely there will be roster moves not covered in this article that most likely occurred between the time of writing and your reading.

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Lineup and Roster Notes (as of FRI 7/26):

Baltimore Orioles:

• Lineup Notes:
  • The Orioles could still afford to clear some room for Colby Mayo and there are rumors of Cedric Mullins and/or Ryan Mountcastle being moved, likely for more bullpen help.
• Rotation Notes:
  • The Orioles added Zach Eflin and Seranthony Dominguez and they shouldn’t be done.
  • Grayson Rodriguez has a 3.05 SIERA and 23.7 K-BB% against his 4.24 ERA in July.
• Pen Notes:
  • Nothing new.

Boston Red Sox:

• Lineup Notes:
  • N/A
• Rotation Notes:
  • The Red Sox brought James Paxton back and I’m not sure we see them make any additional moves.
  • Nick Pivetta has been the best pitcher in baseball in July with a league leading 31.9 K-BB%.
• Pen Notes:
  • No update.

Chicago White Sox:

• Lineup Notes:
  • This team could look completely different in a few days.
• Rotation Notes:
  • Nobody else moved yet.
• Pen Notes:
  • Ignore.

Cleveland Guardians:

• Lineup Notes:
  • Angel Martinez is starting CF and hitting second right now. I don’t get why he’s hitting so high, he’s not great and really has no carrying tools.
• Rotation Notes:
  • Gavin Williams looks like he’s back with the slider rocking.
• Pen Notes:
  • No update.

Detroit Tigers:

• Lineup Notes:
  • Justyn-Henry Malloy is hitting second now after a nice month or so of work.
  • Bligh Madris is back as the Tigers are trying to OBP their way to some relevance with the early 2000 Athletics build.
  • Colt Keith has a 208 wRC+ in July, is good for 9th in baseball, and is hitting third. Nice to see the power coming around in what is turning out to be a nice rookie year. I wouldn’t be surprised to see an Alec Burleson-like breakout from him next year.
• Rotation Notes:
  • This rotation will probably look different by the deadline. I would be surprised if Flaherty doesn’t move.
  • Pen Notes:
    • Nothing new.

Houston Astros:

• Lineup Notes:
  • I can’t believe how long Kyle Tucker has been out… did he break his leg?
  • Yordan Alvarez has a 218 wRC+ in July good for 7th in baseball
• Rotation Notes:
  • Who is Jake Bloss? He’s a former third-rounder who cruised through the minors. He’s a pitch-to-bad-contact type with no strikeout upside and only average command.
• Pen Notes:
  • No update.

Kansas City Royals:

• Lineup Notes:
  • Bobby Witt Jr. has been the second best hitter in baseball in July with a 289 wRC+.
• Rotation Notes:
  • Ragans has been off a tad this month.
• Pen Notes:
  • No update.

Los Angeles Angels:

• Lineup Notes:
  • Brandon Drury is in the lineup and hitting fourth. It will be interesting to see if they trade Taylor Ward.
• Rotation Notes:
  • Tyler Anderson has been surprisingly good of late with a 28.8 K-BB% in July, but a .213 BABIP has also helped him out.
  • Will the Angels trade Reid Detmers.
• Pen Notes:
  • Nothing new.

Minnesota Twins:

• Lineup Notes:
  • Royce Lewis is back and hitting clean-up
  • Byron Buxton has been hot and hitting second with a 209 wRC+ in July.
• Rotation Notes:
  • The Twins have three pitchers with an over 20 K-BB% in July: Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, and Bailey Ober.
• Pen Notes:
  • Nothing new.

New York Yankees:

• Lineup Notes:
  • N/A.
• Rotation Notes:
  • Carlos Rodon has a 25.3 K-BB% (despite over a 10% BB rate in July) and Gerrit Cole has a 21.4 K-BB% in July.
• Pen Notes:
  • No update.

Oakland Athletics:

• Lineup Notes:
  • Lawrence Butler is leading off and has the highest wRC+ in July at 291.
  • Brent Rooker is third in wRC+ in July with a .268, including eight homers and four steals.
• Rotation Notes:
  • Nothing new.
• Pen Notes:
  • No update.

Seattle Mariners:

• Lineup Notes:
  • New acquisition Randy Arozarena is expected to hit third for the Mariners.
• Rotation Notes:
  • N/A.
• Pen Notes:
  • The Mariners acquired Yimi Garcia and traded Ryne Stanek to be the primary setup guy for Andres Munoz.

Tampa Bay Rays:

• Lineup Notes:
  • It’s doubtful the Rays are done trading, seems like they still need to clear some room for Junior Caminero.
• Rotation Notes:
  • Will Zack Littell also be on the move?
• Pen Notes:
  • Nothing new.

Texas Rangers:

• Lineup Notes:
  • Josh Jung and Evan Carter are working their way back and should be back in a couple of weeks.
• Rotation Notes:
  • It seems like the Rangers are likely to stand pat and not deal Nathan Eovaldi or Max Scherzer.
• Pen Notes:
  • Nothing new.

Toronto Blue Jays:

• Lineup Notes:
  • N/A
• Rotation Notes:
  • Will the Blue Jays sell starters when they don’t really have anyone to cover innings?
• Pen Notes:
  • Nothing new.

Arizona Diamondbacks:

• Lineup Notes:
  • Did the Eugenio Suarez bounceback cause the Deyvison De Los Santos deal? He has a 176 wRC+ in July.
• Rotation Notes:
  • Zac Gallen and Jordan Montgomery are back.
• Pen Notes:
  • The D Backs really like AJ Puk… that was a hefty price tag.

Atlanta Braves:

• Lineup Notes:
  • Jarred Kelenic and Marcell Ozuna are the heart of this lineup, hitting first and third, respectively.
  • Nacho Alvarez is hitting 8th.
• Rotation Notes:
  • Spencer Schwellenbach has been a stud and is basically this years Bryan Woo with a 21.6 K-BB rate in July with only a 1.4% BB rate.
• Pen Notes:
  • No update.

Chicago Cubs:

• Lineup Notes:
  • Michael Busch is hitting second again.
• Rotation Notes:
  • Will Jameson Taillon be traded?
• Pen Notes:
  • Nothing new.

Cincinnati Reds:

• Lineup Notes:
  • I can’t wait for Matt McLain to come back!
• Rotation Notes:
  • Nothing new.
• Pen Notes:
  • Nothing new.

Colorado Rockies:

• Lineup Notes:
  • N/A
• Rotation Notes:
  • Don’t look now, but the Rockies could actually trade away a starter. Cal Quantrill is still, at best, an innings eater.
• Pen Notes:
  • N/A

Los Angeles Dodgers:

• Lineup Notes:
  • Teoscar Hernandez is looking for a longer contract from the Dodgers with a 178 wRC+ this month.
• Rotation Notes:
  • Clayton Kershaw is back, and River Ryan is in the rotation.
• Pen Notes:
  • Evan Phillips seems to have lost the solo closer gig.

Miami Marlins:

• Lineup Notes:
  • Watch out for a Jazz trade.
  • Jesus Sanchez is having a nice month with a 181 wRC+ in July.
• Rotation Notes:
  • Max Meyer is coming back on Sunday!
• Pen Notes:
  • Will Tanner Scott get traded? Will Andrew Nardi be the next closer or Anthony Bender?

Milwaukee Brewers:

• Lineup Notes:
  • N/A
• Rotation Notes:
  • N/A
• Pen Notes:
  • N/A

New York Mets:

• Lineup Notes:
  • Jose Iglesias is hot right now, but don’t expect it to continue.
• Rotation Notes:
  • Kodai Senga was back, and then he wasn’t… oof an injury as of this writing.
  • Tylor Megill will be re-entering the rotation.
• Pen Notes:
  • N/A

Philadelphia Phillies:

• Lineup Notes:
  • The Phillies lineup is back at full strength and Trea Turner is leading the way in July with a 222 wRC+.
• Rotation Notes:
  • N/A
• Pen Notes:
  • N/A

Pittsburgh Pirates:

• Lineup Notes:
  • Nick Gonzalez is hitting third.
• Rotation Notes:
  • Paul Skenes is ridiculous. He has a 30.4 K-BB% and 2.22 SIERA in July.
• Pen Notes:
  • N/A

San Diego Padres:

• Lineup Notes:
  • N/A
• Rotation Notes:
  • Dylan Cease has a 30 K-BB% and 2.54 SIERA in July.
• Pen Notes:
  • Nothing new.

San Francisco Giants:

• Lineup Notes:
  • N/A
• Rotation Notes:
  • Robbie Ray is back and Hayden Birdsong will also be back up after posting a 19 K-BB% and 3.66 SIERA in July thus far.
• Pen Notes:
  • Nothing new.

St. Louis Cardinals:

• Lineup Notes:
  • Willson Contreras continues to rake upon his return from injury with a 167 wRC+ in July from the three hole.
• Rotation Notes:
  • Kyle Gibson has had a stealthy strong season with a 20 K-BB% and 3.32 SIERA in July.
• Pen Notes:
  • N/A

Washington Nationals:

• Lineup Notes:
  • Juan Yepez is hitting fourth for the Nationals with a 191 wRC+ in July.
• Rotation Notes:
  • N/A
• Pen Notes:
  • No update.

Injury Notes (as of FRI 8/26)

• Mason Miller (RP – OAK) – Miller broke his pinky on his non-throwing hand after punching a wall. Hopefully, he’s only out for a couple of weeks since it’s his non-throwing hand.
• Christian Yelich (OF – MIL) – Yelich might be out for the season, narrowly avoiding back surgery, but is going the rest and rehab route. There is no timetable for his return.
• Christian Scott (SP – NYM) – Scott hit the IL with a UCL sprain. Be concerned this could be something bad.
• Max Fried (SP – ATL) – Fried was placed on the 15-day IL with left forearm neuritis, and there is no timeline for a return.
• Ryan Pepiot (SP – TB) – Pepiot hit the IL with right knee inflammation and is likely out for 4-6 weeks
• Bo Bichette (SS – TOR) – Bichette is out for multiple weeks with a calf strain, which generally tend to last anywhere from 4-8 weeks.
• Riley Greene (OF – DET) – Greene was placed on the IL with a right hamstring strain.

Tim’s Top 5 Waiver Adds:

NOTE: Under 50% Owned (CBS)

1. David Festa (SP – MIN) 8% – Festa is a top 65-ish prospect for me, and I love to see him up in the majors. I think he has No. 2 starter upside, and he should stick up in the majors thanks to the Paddack innings threshold, even when Paddack returns. Festa had a nice piggyback outing and will be getting a shot in the rotation now.
2. Hayden Birdsong (SP – SF) 29% – Birdsong has been on this list for a few consecutive weeks and it’s paying off now. He has a stellar 28.3% K rate and 30.2 CSW% to go along with a 14.1 SwStr% on the season and a 3.87 SIERA.
3. River Ryan (SP – LAD) 29% – As I expected, Ryan got the nod to Knack and the other Dodgers back-end guys, with Kershaw re-joining the rotation. Ryan has a big 96-97 MPH fastball and a minor league record of some ridiculous stuff when healthy. He’s an older prospect and should get some good run here. There’s no reason to hold him back.
4. Eugenio Suarez (3B – ARI) 39% – Suarez had a terrible start to the season, but since June 25th (one month) he has a .289/.362/.590 slash with 6 bombs and 20 RBI.
5. Juan Yepez (1B, OF – WAS) 31% – Yepez is back in the eye of baseball with a killer July. The main thing is he has an over 10% barrel rate and posting nice exit velocities, while hitting fourth for the Nationals and he has a 178 wRC+ so far in the majors this year. He’s still only 26-years-old.

Tim’s Top 10 Re-Draft Prospects:

1. Junior Caminero (3B – TB)

2023 A+/AA: .324/.384/.591 | 56 XBH, 31 HR, 5 SB

2023 MLB: .235/.278/.353| 5.6 BB% / 22.2 K%| 2 XBH, 1 HR, 0 SB

2024 AAA: .259/.324/.475 | 8.1 BB% / 23.1 K%| 16 XBH, 9 HR, 1 SB

Age: 20

ETA: Late August

fScores: 97 fContact, 86 fDiscipline, 121 fPower, 78 fSpeed

Comp: Ronald Acuna w/o the wheels

Prime Skills: Probably the quickest bat speed in the minors with some big time power potential. He could be one of the best hitters in baseball sooner rather than later. The lack of a higher walk rate and being overly aggressive might ding him a bit in points leagues, but the power will be his carrying tool right out of the gate as he should at worst put up numbers similar to Willy Adames, but with a better batting average.

Ranking Explanation: Caminero is back in AAA, but if the Rays want to maintain rookie status they can’t call him up until the last week of August or so.

2. Coby Mayo (3B – BAL)

2023 AA/AAA: .290/.410/.564, 29 HR, 5 SB

2024 AAA: .295/.372/.582 | 10.3 BB%, 24 K% | 39 XBH, 19 HR, 3 SB

Age: 22

ETA: Early August

fScores: 96 fContact, 102 fDiscipline, 114 fPower, 77 fSpeed

Comp: Nolan Arenado as a hitter

Prime Skills: Mayo has a quick and powerful swing that portends to future 25-30-ish homer power with 5-ish steal speed. He has an average enough hit tool, but the potential strikeout rate is a bit concerning if he can’t hold it down closer to 25% at the major league level.

Ranking Explanation: This one all depends on if the Orioles trade more guys or not.

3. Jasson Dominguez (OF – NYY)

2023 AA/AAA: .265/.377/.425 | 40 XBH, 15 HR, 40 SB

2023 MLB: .258/.303/.677 | 6.1 BB%, 24.2 K% | 5 XBH, 4 HR, 1 SB

2024 AAA: .389/.405/.639 | 2.7 BB%, 13.5 K% | 5 XBH, 2 HR, 2 SB (9 games)

Age: 21
ETA: Early August

Pre-season fScores: 99 fContact, 103 fDiscipline, 136 fPower, 162 fSpeed

NOTE: The 2024 sample size is not large enough to run new fScores

Comp: Switch-hitting Mookie Betts-light

Prime Skills: Dominguez has top notch plate skills, while also demonstrating he can be a game changer on the base paths. He smashes pitches high in the zone from both sides of the plate, but needs to work on lifting pitches low in the zone instead of smashing them into the ground. He was doing a good job of this before the injury at the major league level.

Ranking Explanation: Dominguez is on the way back and working his way into health again. The Yankees could use his bat in the lineup.

***Jackson Holliday would be placed here.

***Jordan Walker would be placed here.

4. Deyvison De Los Santos (1B – MIA)

2023 AA: .254/.297/.431 | 38 XBH, 20 HR, 4 SB

2024 AA: .374/.426/.696 | 7.4 BB%, 22.2 K% | 19 XBH, 14 HR, 1 SB

2024 AAA: .289/.338/.588 | 5.2 BB%, 22.9 K% | 29 XBH, 14 HR, 0 SB

Age: 20

ETA: Late July

fScores: N/A

Comp: Cristian Encarnacion-Strand

Prime Skills: Big-time power potential with an improved contact rate and decrease in strikeouts.

Ranking Explanation: De Los Santos was traded to the Marlins and could possibly debut as soon as he moves into the new organization.

5. Jace Jung (2B, 3B – DET)

2023 A+/AA: .265/.376/.502 | 57 XBH, 28 HR, 5 SB

2024 AAA: .266/.387/.487 | 16.6 BB%, 22.6 K% | 33 XBH, 13 HR, 1 SB

Age: 22

ETA: Early August

fScores: N/A

Comp: Nolan Gorman meets Josh Jung

Prime Skills: The pull power is legit. His swing reminds me a ton of Nolan Gorman and his approach is very similar to his brother Josh. All things look good for success, except that he will have to hit in Detroit.

Ranking Explanation: Jung has been out since 6/19 with right wrist soreness but is already expected to come back in the next few days or so.

6. Jacob Misiorowski (SP – MIL)

2023 A/A+/AA: 71 1/3 IP | 110 Ks, 42 BBs | 3.41 ERA, 1.18 WHIP

2024 AA: 76 IP | 16.6 K-BB%, 14.3 SwStr%, 32.2 CSW% | 3.67 ERA, 1.29 WHIP

Age: 23

Comp: Tyler Glasnow

ETA: Early September

fScores: 114 fStuff, 86 fControl, 118 fERA

Prime Skills: Killer fastball, he throws it 101 and it’s at an odd arm angle, so it’s difficult to pick up. He’s had some control issues, especially in his short stint at AA, but if he can harness the control he could be an elite starter – otherwise he will be a back of the bullpen beast.

Ranking Explanation: The control is getting reigned in and Misiorowski could end up being the second starter for the Brewers if they can’t afford another pitching upgrade by the deadline.

7. Caden Dana (SP – LAA)

2023 A/A+: 68 1/3 IP | 89 Ks, 30 BBs | 3.56 ERA, 1.19 WHIP

2024 AA: 95 1/3 IP | 19.3 K-BB%, 12.4 SwStr%, 27.8 CSW% | 3.21 ERA, 1.03 WHIP

Age: 20

ETA: Late August

fScores: N/A

Comp: Young Noah Syndergaard

Prime Skills: Dana looks like old school Thor on the mound with his Viking hair, 94-95 MPH fastball and power slider. The curve is only average, but he has a pretty nifty two seamer to pair against the four seamer with some nice ride.

Ranking Explanation: The Angels are always a team to promote players quickly, but Dana’s swinging strike rate reminds me of AJ Smith-Shawver last year and that he might not be ready yet. He’s young for the level, therefore should get an appropriate bump even though the K rate isn’t elite at AA compared to what he was doing in A ball.

8. Jairo Iriarte (SP, RP – CWS)

2023 A+/AA: 90 1/3 IP | 128 Ks, 45 BBs | 3.49 ERA, 1.28 WHIP

2024 AA: 88 IP | 14.4 K-BB%, 13.1 SwStr%, 32.9 CSW% | 4.34 ERA, 1.28 WHIP

Age: 24

ETA: Early August

fScore: 114 fStuff, 91 fControl, 124 fERA

Comp: Young Luis Severino and Ryan Pepiot mash

Prime Skills: Iriarte runs a 94-96 MPH fastball with a hard 84-85 MPH 12/6 slider that tunnel together fantastically. The fastball actually has a little bit of ride on it rather than rise and goes the opposite direction of the slider. The changeup is also a solid pitch, but most of his swinging strikes come on the slider.

Ranking Explanation: Iriarte has been dealing this year and while many think he’s slated for the pen, he is proving he has the makings of a starter and will likely get a chance as soon as the White Sox move one of their starters before the deadline.

9. Colby Thomas (OF – OAK)

2023 A/A+: .286/.351/.493 | 63 XBH, 18 HR, 25 SB

2024 AA: .282/.340/.568 | 4.9 BB%, 19.6 K% | 36 XBH, 14 HR, 12 SB

2024 AAA: .296/.382/.528 | 8.1 BB%, 26.8 K% | 15 XBH, 5 HR, 2 SB

Age: 23

ETA: September

fScores: N/A

Comp: Taylor Ward and Matt McLain mash

Prime Skills: Thomas has all-field power and does a great job of shooting the ball through the gaps and has an over 35% line drive rate this year. He has an open stance with hands up, loaded pre-pitch.

Ranking Explanation: Thomas could get a call up at the end of the year as they prep him to be an Opening Day starter in 2025.

10. Dylan Crews (OF – WAS)

2023 College: .426/.567/.713 | 18 HR, 6 SB

2023 Rk/A/AA: .292/.377/.467 | 14 XBH, 5 HR, 4 SB

2024 AA: .274/.343/.446 | 7.6 BB%, 23.7 K% | 19 XBH, 5 HR, 15 SB

2024 AAA: .259/.339/.425 | 10.2 BB%, 15 K% | 11 XBH, 4 HR, 5 SB

Age: 22

ETA: 2025 (possibly a cup of coffee in Sept.)

Pre-season fScores: 97 fContact, 79 fDiscipline, 105 fPower, 72 fSpeed

***need statcast data to update fScores

Comp: Righty Bryce Harper

Prime Skills: He has great all fields power, he’s a good defender and he has a great eye at the plate. The speed is slightly above average (he has improved this aspect of his game since last season) and he’s more of an all around XBH / damage guy than a home run threat.

Ranking Explanation: Crews has big time talent, but will the Nationals call him up this season or wait until post Super 2 next year to stagger his contract with Wood.

Honorable Mention: SP Cade Horton (Cubs), SP Zebby Matthews (Twins), OF Chase DeLauter (Guardians), SS Colson Montgomery (White Sox), OF Drew Gilbert (Mets), SP Ty Madden (Tigers), 3B Matt Shaw (Cubs), 2B Thomas Saggesse (Cardinals), OF Dylan Crews (Nationals), SP Tink Hence (Cardinals), SS Carson Williams (Rays), 2B/OF Luisangel Acuna (Mets), SP Quinn Mathews, SP Mick Abel (Phillies), SP Will Warren (Yankees), OF Owen Caissie (Cubs), OF Caleb Durbin (Yankees), SP Gunnar Hoglund (Athletics), SP Mason Adams (White Sox), SP Logan Henderson (Brewers)

Moves I Made This Week:

• CBS Memorial Magazine League (12 Team 5×5 Roto):
  • N/A
• CBS NL Only Analyst League (12 Team 5×5 Roto):
  • N/A
• TGFBI (15 Team 5×5 Roto):
  • N/A

• Fantasy Aceball Invitational (16 Team Ottoneu H2H Points):

• • Traded $7 Eury Perez for $22 Freddy Peralta and a $13 loan.

• Ottoneu Podcaster’s League (12 Team Ottoneu 5×5 Roto):

• • N/A

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