Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) won't rejoin the starting rotation to begin the second half of the season for the weekend series against the New York Yankees following his knee treatment over this week's All-Star break, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Ohtani has been kept from starting (as a pitcher) over the last two weeks due to a minor left-knee injury. He had the knee drained before the break but has continued to serve as the team's designated hitter with no ill effects. If Ohtani returns for the next series next week, he'll be facing the Philadelphia Phillies on the mound. The Japanese superstar and four-time MVP is a must-start whenever he toes the rubber as a pitcher, but he'll be a bit riskier in fantasy lineups and could be on a pitch count whenever he makes his first start of the second half. The 32-year-old veteran has been excellent on the mound in 2026, going 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA (2.61 FIP) and 0.95 WHIP with 95 strikeouts and 26 walks in 85 2/3 innings pitched across his 14 starts for the Blue.

New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette (ankle) is starting at third base and batting third for Thursday's series opener at Citizens Bank Park against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies and right-hander Aaron Nola, according to MLB.com. Bichette sat out the final series of the first half of the season last weekend and is now ready to roll to begin the second half after being bothered by ankle and leg soreness. The 28-year-old rebounded from a horrific start to the 2026 campaign in his first year in Queens, but he's still taking a disappointing .255/.300/.376 slash line with a .677 OPS, 10 home runs, 51 RBI, 48 runs scored, and a stolen base into the second half after 380 first-half at-bats. However, Bichette went 10-for-34 (.294) with five RBI to begin the month of July, and his expected batting average of .285 and xwOBA of .330 (wOBA of .297) point to positive regression in the second half. The buy-low window is firmly open for Bichette in fantasy leagues. He's walking just 6.1% of the time, but he's also striking out only 17.7% of the time.

San Diego Padres left fielder Ramon Laureano (right hip) is not worth carrying into the second half. He underwent surgery June 5 to repair a torn labrum and now sits on the 60-day injured list. MLB lists October as the optimistic return window, with 2027 more likely. That makes the roster call easy in redraft leagues. Laureano had already slipped to .203/.286/.374 with seven homers, 23 runs, 21 RBI, and seven steals in 53 games before the procedure. The hip may help explain the collapse after he finished April at .252, but it does nothing for fantasy managers now. San Diego initially called up Jase Bowen, while Gavin Sheets started in left field throughout the final four games before the break. Keeper and dynasty managers can hold at minimal cost. Everyone else should cut him.

Seattle Mariners outfield prospect Jonny Farmelo is having a solid 2026 campaign at High-A Everett, slashing .271/.387/.486 with seven home runs and 25 steals, and has been particularly hot as of late, going 17-for-49 (.347) with five doubles, a triple, and three home runs over his last 11 games. The Mariners' fifth-ranked prospect was limited to just 75 games between 2024 and 2025 as a result of ACL and rib injuries, but is finally healthy and is starting to live up to his potential as a former first-round draft pick. The 6-foot-1 slugger could see time at Double-A in the second half, but a major league debut will likely have to wait until 2027. Still, with highly rated power and speed tools, the 21-year-old is a solid dynasty league asset, and redraft managers should familiarize themselves with the left-handed hitter in preparation for next season.