Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Zach Eflin had another great start on Thursday, tossing six innings of one-run ball against the Boston Red Sox while picking up his fourth consecutive win. Eflin struck out eight while walking none and allowed just five hits in the contest. It has been a night-and-day difference for Eflin since being acquired by the Orioles at the trade deadline from the Tampa Bay Rays. With Tampa, Eflin seldom went six innings, had trouble picking up wins, and just didn't look like his 2023 self. With Baltimore, though, Eflin now has a quality start and a win in all four of his starts, and he's looked much better while doing it. The veteran righty should be rostered universally at this point and could be a big part of fantasy rotations down the stretch.

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitching Zack Wheeler tossed six innings of two-run ball (one earned) en route to earning his 12th victory of the campaign. He allowed just three hits and no walks while striking out six. The one blemish on Wheeler's start came in the fifth inning as he served up a solo shot to Washington backstop Keibert Ruiz. Since allowing seven earned runs on July 29, the right-hander has held a strong 1.35 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, and a 3:23 BB:K ratio across his past 20 innings. Under the hood, he boasts an excellent 33.2% hard-hit rate and 27.5% K rate, which suggests he should continue to enjoy a nice second half. Wheeler should always remain in your starting lineup and is worth a look in DFS in any matchup.

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio continued his hot stretch at the plate on Thursday, going 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and a double in a 6-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chourio started the season slow, but has posted an OPS of .897, .876, and .935 in June, July, and August respectively. He appears to be figuring out major league pitching and has an extremely high ceiling considering his power-speed combination. He should be rostered in all formats and is one of the top players in dynasty leagues.

Washington Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz went 2-for-4 with two home runs on Thursday evening. Ruiz hit his first long ball in the fifth inning and then did so again in the seventh frame. The switch-hitting catcher extended his current hitting streak to three games and boasts a strong .295/.340/.545 line through August. The 26-year-old has struggled in the batter's box for most of the season but his recent surge could suggest he might be turning the corner. However, he still has been a viable asset in points leagues with his excellent 10.3% K rate. Ruiz remains a solid option as a second catcher in deeper formats and should continue to see the majority of starting opportunities in D.C.

Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas (ribs) is set to return to the lineup on Friday evening, according to Chris Cotillo. Casas has been sidelined since late April with a fracture in his left rib cage. The 24-year-old has had a lengthy recovery process but is now poised to return just in time for the stretch run. Prior to the injury, Casas held a .244/.344/.514 slash line with six home runs through 22 games. Last summer, the former first-round selection showcased his high potential by posting a solid .263/.367/.490 line with 24 long balls and 65 RBI. Casas should be a reliable first baseman during the final weeks of the season and will be a welcome addition to a Red Sox team that is in the heat of the wild-card race in the American League.