After showing such potential in his first few seasons, Stephenson has struggled to hit for average since 2023, but his power is spiking now with five bombs already this month. Raw power was always his calling card as a prospect, so this isn't a massive shock, but as a bonus, he's heading for a career high in runs.

Tyler Fitzgerald has been an extra-base machine lately. (McCovey Chronicles)

Welcome back to another week of Fantasy baseball. July is just about done; are you ready for the season’s dog days? Time to scour the wire for down-the-stretch help.

This week, the Yankees continue to slump — despite producing the MLB’s leading wOBA as a team; and the Red Sox have rewarded manager Alex Cora with an extension.

So while you wonder whether Anthony Santander will continue his march towards 30 jacks (he’s +390 to go yard on Friday as per FanDuel), let’s get to this week’s…

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Picks

Tyler Fitzgerald, OF/SS, San Francisco Giants (ESPN: 3.9 per cent; CBS: 7 per cent): Fitzgerald has mostly been hitting in the bottom third of the Giants lineup, but thanks to his current seven-game hit and run-scoring streak, he was bumped up to the two hole on Thursday. He hit extremely well in limited action last month and is doing even better now with extra PT (including five jacks in his first 23 at-bats in July, becoming the first Giant rook to spank a dinger in five straight games). Former Louisville star Fitzgerald has been rewarded with more action this season, and while he may not have any elite tools, he doesn’t really have any glaring weaknesses either. Fans of Gordon Lightfoot‘s classic “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” will appreciate the video below…

Zack Kelly, RP, Boston Red Sox (ESPN: 0.8 per cent; CBS: 2 per cent): Kelly has had a tougher time this month, but he keeps racking up the punchouts and it’s hard to argue with what he’s accomplished this season. In fact, with Kenley Jansen not making the trip to Colorado, Kelly looked like the best candidate to earn saves, but either way, you’ve got to like his record, ERA, WHIP and K rate.

Tyler Locklear, 1B, Seattle Mariners (ESPN: 0.6 per cent; CBS: 9 per cent): Currently No. 99 on MLB’s Top 100 Prospects list, Locklear has taken over first base after Ty France was DFAed. No, Locklear hasn’t hit the ground running in his second crack at the bigs, but did put up a .280 BA between Double-A and Triple-A this year while flashing decent pop and a bit of speed.

Enrique Hernandez, SS/2B/3B/OF, Los Angeles Dodgers (ESPN: 1.2 per cent; CBS: 2 per cent): Hernandez headed into the season as a potential backup option at short for the Dodgers, and while he’s seen nine games there, he’s mostly spent his time at the hot corner. Now, with Chris Taylor (groin) landing on the IL, Hernandez could get more time at the keystone corner, but either way will play pretty much every day for a while. He’s had a lousy season, but Hernandez reminded us on Thursday he’s capable, delivering three hits (including a double) and a pair of ribbies.

Tyler Stephenson, C, Cincinnati Reds (ESPN: 13.4 per cent; CBS: 55 per cent): What is this, the the All-Tyler edition of the Troll? After showing such potential in his first few seasons, Stephenson has struggled to hit for average since 2023, but his power is spiking now with five bombs already this month. Raw power was always his calling card as a prospect, so this isn’t a massive shock, but as a bonus, he’s heading for a career high in runs.

Others to Consider

Connor Norby, 2B/OF, Baltimore Orioles (ESPN: 0.8 per cent; CBS: 12 per cent): No. 51 in our Top 100 Prospects rankings, Norby has been brought back up to replace Jorge Mateo (elbow), and on Thursday the youngster delivered a pair of hits including a dinger. Norby is expected to get enough PT to be worth grabbing.

Tyler Mahle, SP, Texas Rangers (ESPN: 0.8 per cent; CBS: 9 per cent): Mahle got hurt in late-April last year and underwent TJS. Finally, he’s getting close to returning as his rehab is coming along nicely. Mahle will be rusty, but could provide a boost if you’re in dire need of SP help, and really, at this time of year, who isn’t?

Huascar Ynoa, SP, Atlanta Braves (ESPN: unowned; CBS: 1 per cent): Ynoa is another hurler working his way back from TJS and subsequent elbow trouble, but he’s also on a rehab assignment. With Spencer Strider, Hurston Waldrep and now Max Fried all out, there is opportunity in the Atlanta rotation. Ynao looked a bit overmatched in going winless in two starts in 2022 before getting hurt, but showed a lot of promise in 2021.

Xavier Edwards, 2B/SS, Miami Marlins (ESPN: 3.8 per cent; CBS: 22 per cent): Edwards dropped off our Top 100 Prospects list in 2022 thanks to an injury-plagued 2021 season in which he had a tough time racking up counting cat numbers at Double-A. Now a big leaguer, he’s really showing a penchant for coming through with RISP (.444 BA) and continues to be a nice source of steals. Edwards has already set a new career high in plate appearances and should get plenty of PT in the second half.

RotoRob Tune of the Day

English musician Steve Howe is best known for work with Yes, but also enjoyed a career on his own. In 1975, he released his first solo effort, Beginnings, featuring “Ram,” an instrumental which allowed him to show off his brilliant guitar skills.