Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette (calf) rejoined the team in Toronto on Friday for the series opener against the visiting Oakland Athletics at the Rogers Centre after spending the previous few weeks rehabbing in Florida. The club is hopeful that Bichette will return to baseball activities within a week, and both sides would "take it week-to-week" from that point on. Before there's a concrete timeline for his return to the Jays, Bichette will need to start hitting and throwing, but fantasy managers can expect to have him back for the stretch run potentially in late August for now. It's been a down year for the 26-year-old two-time All-Star, who was really struggling at the plate before going on the injured list due to a strained right calf. In his last 27 games, Bichette is slashing .167/.232/.235 with no home runs, five RBI, and one stolen base in 112 plate appearances. Leo Jimenez is currently Toronto's primary shortstop.

Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams (back) is dealing with back spasms, which is why he was scratched from Friday's starting lineup in the series opener against the visiting Los Angeles Angels. While Abrams' injury isn't expected to keep him out long term, fantasy managers will want to check back on Saturday to see if he returns to the starting lineup. Nasim Nunez got the start at the 6 on Friday night in place of Abrams but battled cramps and went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in the 3-2, extra-inning win. When he's in the lineup, the 23-year-old Abrams is a must-start in all fantasy lineups for his power/speed profile. The first-time All-Star is in the midst of a breakout campaign in 2024 with a .249/.320/.448 slash line, 17 homers, 59 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 108 games played. However, he's hitting just .165 (13-for-79) with two homers, 11 RBI and 16 K's in 19 games since the All-Star break.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jake Fraley (ankle) left Friday's game early against the hosting division-rival Milwaukee Brewers with a left-ankle sprain, according to the team. Before hitting the showers early, Fraley ground out to shortstop in his only at-bat in the second inning before being replaced in right field by Stuart Fairchild in the fourth inning. Fraley will likely be sent for tests on his ankle, but for now, fantasy managers should consider the left-handed-hitting outfielder to be day-to-day. Even if it's not a serious injury, the 29-year-old is unlikely to play on Saturday in Milwaukee. If Fraley needs a trip to the 10-day injured list because of his ankle injury, Fairchild would be the one to benefit from extra playing time. Fraley came into Friday's contest hitting a solid .282 (70-for-248) on the year with 14 stolen bases, but injuries have limited him to only 83 games played in 2024.

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extended his hit streak to 21 games on Friday night, notching two hits and scoring a run in Toronto's 3-1 win over the Oakland Athletics. Both of the 25-year-old's hits were singles, and he now has a .946 OPS on the season. Though Toronto is well outside of the playoff picture, Vladdy continues to give Blue Jays fans, and fantasy managers alike, something to watch for every single night. What's even more impressive is that Guerrero's .402 wOBA is paired with a .413 xwOBA, meaning even with how ridiculously good as he's been, some positive regression is coming his way still. Fantasy managers need to ensure they keep Vladdy in their lineups. He will look to extend his hit streak to 22 games on Saturday when the Blue Jays face off against the A's scheduled starter Osvaldo Bido.

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser continued his push for AL Rookie of the Year by hitting a leadoff homer in the Orioles' 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. Cowser's leadoff shot came off of Zack Littell. It was the lefty's only hit of the day but set the pace for a strong showing from Baltimore, who continues to dominate the Rays in 2024 as they are now 7-1 against Tampa. Cowser is aiming to be Baltimore's second straight Rookie of the Year winner and was voted by MLB.com writers as the current leader of the award in their most recent poll. His .340 wOBA ranks second among AL rookies with at least 300 PA behind only Boston's Wilyer Abreu. He'll look to continue his hot second half on Saturday against the Rays, who have yet to name a scheduled starter.