Outlook Ryan Jeffers
Ryan Jeffers returns to the heart of the lineup following hamate bone surgery
Jeffers has finally returned to the Twins' active roster after missing nearly two months following surgery to repair a fractured hamate bone. In his first two games back, he immediately showcased his value by recording two doubles and two RBIs while slotting in as the everyday catcher and often batting second in the order. He rejoins a Minnesota squad that currently sits at 48-49 and remains in the thick of the division race, though the team is currently navigating the loss of Byron Buxton to a hip strain.
Prior to the injury, Jeffers was authored a career-best breakout, slashing .277/.394/.523 with seven home runs in just 39 games. While this pace is significantly higher than our season projection of a .247 batting average, the underlying metrics suggest his improved plate discipline is legitimate. However, hamate injuries are notorious for sapping raw power in the immediate weeks following a return, so fantasy managers should prepare for a slight dip in home run frequency as he regains his full grip strength.
The Twins conclude the week with a three-game road series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Jeffers catches a break with the matchups, as he is scheduled to face Colin Rea and his 4.87 ERA on Friday, followed by Matthew Boyd, who enters with a 4.50 ERA. The series finale against Shota Imanaga and his 4.25 ERA is the toughest draw of the week, but Jeffers' high-leverage spot in the batting order makes him an elite option at a shallow position. Start.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Heriberto Hernandez
Heriberto Hernandez becomes a must-start power threat during an impressive July surge
Hernandez has been locked in lately, slashing .323/.417/.935 with five home runs and seven RBI over his last 14 days. Despite the third-place Marlins sitting at 52-45 and currently enduring a three-game losing streak, the everyday left fielder remains a massive bright spot. His role is even more secure with outfielder Owen Caissie sidelined due to a calf injury, keeping Hernandez cemented as a primary run producer.
While his recent .323 average is a significant jump from his .236 season mark, the power growth appears legitimate given his recent string of monster home runs, including a 422-foot blast. He has already surpassed his 2025 home run total in fewer games, and while our models expect some batting average regression toward his .223 projected baseline, the high-upside slugging makes him a vital fantasy asset.
The Marlins finish the week with a three-game road series against the first-place Brewers starting Friday. Although the volume is slightly limited with only three games remaining in the period, Hernandez’s elite form and projected .277 average for the week make him impossible to bench. His ability to change a matchup with one swing justifies his spot in active lineups. Start.
Updated 1 day ago
