Across 42 plate appearances since making his MLB debut on August 4, New York Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. is hitting .270/.357/.459 with two home runs, three RBI, seven runs scored, and one stolen base. The 21-year-old is widely considered to be the top prospect in the Yankees' system and one of the top prospects in all of baseball. Since being promoted to the big leagues, Lombard Jr. has been handed the full-time role at shortstop for New York. He's shown off an impressive plate approach for a young player with an 11.9% walk rate and a 21.4% strikeout rate. His ability to get on base was one of his greatest assets in the minor leagues, as he posted a 17.2% walk rate across 262 plate appearances at Triple-A this season. Lombard Jr. may still need some time to adjust to the big leagues fully, but he carries significant upside and should be targeted on the waiver wire in leagues where he remains available.

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) said his left knee felt good after throwing a bullpen session last Friday and that he is scheduled to throw another one on Tuesday, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Ohtani is hopeful that his knee injury is behind him now and that there will not be any more setbacks as he ramps up as a pitcher. The four-time MVP continues to serve as L.A.'s primary designated hitter, but he has not made a start on the mound since July 3 against the division-rival San Diego Padres. While the 32-year-old is trending in the right direction as a starting pitcher, the Dodgers are in no rush to bring him back to their rotation, and fantasy managers should not be surprised if he does not make another start until the calendar flips to September. The five-time All-Star has been great on the mound when he has been available, going 8-2 in his 14 starts (85 2/3 innings) with a 1.79 ERA (2.59 FIP) and 0.95 WHIP with a 95:26 K:BB. The primary goal for the Dodgers is to have Ohtani at full health as a pitcher for the playoffs in October.

Miami Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers (hamstring) has begun a running progression, per Stephen Strom of Marlins Radio Network. Stowers has not played since August 9 due to a hamstring strain. However, the fact that Stowers has already begun running could be an indication that he will not miss significant time due to the injury. Across 399 plate appearances on the year, the 28-year-old is hitting .242/.327/.462 with 16 home runs, 52 RBI, 44 runs scored, and one stolen base. The lefty-swinging Stowers has struck out in 31.3% of his plate appearances and owns a .530 OPS against same-handed pitching, both of which limit his fantasy value. Still, Stowers has logged an elite 55.0% hard-hit rate, which helps mitigate his swing-and-miss issues and hints at his high-end power upside. Once healthy, Stowers profiles as a useful power bat for fantasy managers.

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (finger) is set to "swing a bat/catch a ball" at the end of this week, per Alex Stumpf of DK Pittsburgh Sports. Griffin is working his way back from an injury to his left ring finger that has kept him out since early July. The 20-year-old has had an injury-marred first year in the big leagues, as he also missed time earlier in the year due to a flexor strain. Still, Griffin has been productive when healthy, hitting .276/.332/.404 with five home runs, 25 RBI, 36 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases across 247 plate appearances. While Griffin appears to be making progress towards a return, he could still be a week or two away from beginning a rehab assignment. The Pirates also have little incentive to rush the young phenom back to the big leagues, as they are actively fading from the National League playoff picture. Griffin profiles as a high-upside waiver wire target if he makes it back to the big leagues, but his redraft value for the remainder of 2026 is an open question.