In a recent update, the Baltimore Orioles have placed Gary Sánchez on the 10-day injured list due to a right wrist inflammation, just before their 4-3 victory over the New York Yankees. In his absence, rookie Maverick Handley has been called up from Triple-A Norfolk, where he showcased impressive numbers with a .346 average and a .991 OPS this season.

Sánchez's current struggles are evident, presenting a mere .100 batting average over 35 plate appearances this season, a stark contrast to his once-promising career. Initially making waves in 2016, he hit 20 home runs in just 53 games, earning a second-place finish in the AL Rookie of the Year voting. However, injuries and defensive shortcomings have since marred his trajectory, resulting in a decline that has relegated him to a backup role.

Additionally, the Orioles are dealing with the loss of All-Star third baseman Jordan Westburg, who has also been placed on the IL due to a hamstring strain, further complicating the team's roster as they navigate the season.

Spencer Torkelson powered the Detroit Tigers to a 4-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles with his eighth home run of the season. The Tigers demonstrated their prowess at home, improving to an impressive 11-3 record. Meanwhile, the Orioles have struggled recently, losing four of their last five games and failing to capitalize with runners in scoring position, going just 1 for 8.

Casey Mize pitched effectively, allowing only one run and striking out five in 5 1/3 innings, while Will Vest secured his third save after coming in late in the game. Javier Báez contributed significantly, going 3 for 4 and hitting an RBI double that helped the Tigers take an early lead. The game also featured a remarkable defensive play from Riley Greene, who stole a home run from Ramón Laureano, showcasing the Tigers' defensive capabilities alongside their offensive firepower.

The Baltimore Orioles, once proud contenders with a 101-win season two years ago, find themselves in a surprising slump, currently in the AL East cellar. Injuries have decimated their pitching staff, leaving them with the worst rotation in MLB. Despite their youth and promising talents, the team's performance has been marred by inconsistency and underachievement. Players like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, who shone brightly in previous seasons, are now struggling to maintain their form amidst the turmoil. Manager Brandon Hyde emphasizes the need for perseverance as the team grapples with high expectations and the reality of their current struggles.

With a looming series against the Washington Nationals and a pitching mismatch, the pressure is mounting. The Orioles are also feeling the sting of potential free agency, as some key players may not remain long-term. Young stars like Jordan Westburg acknowledge the challenges of navigating a season marked by failure, stressing the need for a collective effort to regain their competitive edge. As they strive to turn things around, their commitment to hard work and resilience will be crucial in the months ahead.

Finding value in your fantasy baseball drafts can set the stage for championship success. By targeting players at each position who are projected to put up comparable numbers to more popular counterparts, but are available significantly later in drafts, savvy managers can enhance their rosters without breaking the bank.

This approach begins with catchers, where Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers is a compelling alternative to the overvalued Adley Rutschman. While Rutschman (ADP 73) is expected to play more games, Smith (ADP 126) could produce similar stats, thanks largely to the Dodgers' utilization of Shohei Ohtani in the DH spot. Moving to first base, Vinnie Pasquantino could outperform Josh Naylor while being drafted much later, offering a better value proposition despite concerns over injury histories.

The second base spot offers a similar story, with Jordan Westburg providing a cheaper alternative to Ozzie Albies. At third, Eugenio Suarez, who has consistently delivered power stats, is a solid pick over the hyped Mark Vientos. Lastly, in the outfield, Heliot Ramos has the potential to match Nick Castellanos’ production, making him a great late-round target. These selections reflect a strategic mindset, focusing on maximizing value across all positions.

By leveraging these insights, fantasy managers can bolster their teams effectively and position themselves for a successful season.

The 2025 third base class is rich with potential, featuring elite talents like José Ramírez and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. However, fantasy players must tread carefully beyond these standouts due to various health and performance concerns surrounding other players. Jazz Chisholm Jr. electrified the Yankees last season, but his past injury history raises questions about consistency.

Rafael Devers, a consistent hitter, faced shoulder issues that affected his performance late last season, causing durability worries. Austin Riley's health issues led to a disappointing 2024. The variable future of Royce Lewis also adds uncertainty, as his potential remains tempered by injury. Meanwhile, rising stars like Junior Caminero are enticing yet risky investments.