The Houston Astros have made a significant change to their bullpen ahead of their series against the Seattle Mariners, optioning reliever Luis Contreras to Triple-A Sugar Land while promoting Logan VanWey from the same affiliate. This decision comes after an exhausting stretch for the Astros' bullpen, which logged over 12 innings in their last two games against the Minnesota Twins. Contreras, who has struggled and is one of the few relievers with options, has been replaced by VanWey, a promising right-hander seeking his MLB debut. VanWey impressed during spring training with a 1.32 ERA in 13⅔ innings, and his solid performance at Triple-A last year, where he posted a 3.22 ERA across 72⅔ innings, makes him a valuable addition for Houston.

To make room, the Astros transferred starter Luis Garcia to the 60-day injured list as he continues to recover from elbow inflammation stemming from Tommy John surgery. Garcia's situation adds urgency to the Astros' need for fresh arms, and the hope is that VanWey can step up and provide much-needed support in the late innings, especially considering the strain already felt on the bullpen.

As the 2025 fantasy baseball draft approaches, second base emerges as a critical position featuring a mix of youthful talent and seasoned veterans. While the star power might be lacking, mid-round selections like Matt McLain, Jordan Westburg, and Luis Garcia Jr. offer significant upside. McLain, a former top prospect, aims for a comeback after injury, showing the potential for a 20/20 season. Westburg impressed in his stint with the Orioles, and Garcia Jr. could be a consistent performer despite lineup changes. Targeting these players can provide excellent value and bolster your roster.

Additionally, players like Luis Rengifo and Marcus Semien present opportunities for savvy managers looking for bounce-back candidates or undervalued assets in drafts. Rengifo's versatility and Semien's history of production make them enticing options. Understanding their potential contributions and current average draft positions (ADP) will be key in navigating your draft strategy effectively.