According to the team, the St. Louis Cardinals have promoted No. 7-ranked prospect Jimmy Crooks to the major league roster. Crooks made his MLB debut in the back half of the 2025 campaign, but he appeared in only 15 games during this short stint. However, Crooks has played at a high level with the Triple-A club this season and could earn a much larger role in his second stint. Last summer with the Cardinals, Crooks posted a low .133/.152/.244 line with one long ball. This season, Crooks has been among the top-performing catchers in the minor leagues as he has carried an impressive .262/.412/.567 slash line with a .979 OPS and 13 home runs. While the Cardinals have two proven backstops on the roster in Pedro Pages and Ivan Herrera, if Crooks can continue this power surge, he could eventually carve out a role. For now, he is worth a pick-up in deeper two-catcher leagues.

Chicago Cubs pitcher Ben Brown is in the midst of a breakout campaign and is quickly becoming a top waiver wire option. The right-hander is coming off his best start of the season against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday. Brown tossed six innings, allowing one earned run while striking out seven batters. Overall, Brown owns a 2.01 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and a 47:14 K:BB ratio across 16 appearances (four starts) with the Cubs this season. Brown started the season in a multi-inning role in the bullpen, but was moved into the starting rotation due to injuries. The Cubs are currently without a handful of starting pitchers, so they need Brown to stay in the rotation for now. Fantasy managers seeking pitching help should consider adding Brown while he's in this hot stretch. There's a chance he heads back to the bullpen eventually, but he's worth an add right now.

Texas Rangers relief pitcher Jacob Latz appears to be running away with the closer job in Arlington. Latz earned his sixth save of the season when he recorded four outs to slam the door against the Houston Astros on Tuesday. He did allow a home run in that game, but he remains arguably the best bullpen arm in Texas right now. Latz owns a 2.16 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, and a 23:5 K:BB ratio across 25.0 innings of work this season. It seems like the Rangers are going to continue leaning on Latz as the closer until he gives them a reason to otherwise. Fantasy managers seeking bullpen help or a source of saves should snag Latz before it's too late.

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Connelly Early is quickly becoming a must-add fantasy option. The southpaw has been solid on the mound over his last handful of starts. Most recently, Early tossed seven scoreless innings, allowing four hits, and striking out seven batters in the win over the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday. The 24-year-old has allowed three earned runs or fewer in four of his last five starts. He also struck out five or more batters in each of his last four starts. Everything seems to be going right for Early at the moment. He's looking like a solid fantasy option at the moment while he's pitching this well.