Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson had a solid day at the plate again on Thursday, going 1-for-3 with a two-run homer and a walk. Torkelson was the only Tiger to get to Cubs starter Justin Steele, homering off him in the seventh inning to put Detroit on the board. Since returning to the majors on August 17, Torkelson has gone 7-for-17 (.412) with three runs scored, a homer, and two RBI. He has also walked three times and only struck out three times, which was the main issue for the 24-year-old earlier in the season. The talent is there for Tork, who blasted 31 homers last season as a sophomore, and he can certainly be useful down the stretch in fantasy if he heats up. It may be worth grabbing him if first base is a weakness or even if you have a free spot to play with.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach dominated the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, allowing just two runs over 6 innings on the way to a 3-2 victory. Schwellenbach allowed three hits and a walk while striking out nine in this one. It has been a remarkable season for the 24-year-old, who got called up on May 29 and has blown expectations away in his rookie season. He now has a 3.94 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 94 strikeouts in 82 IP. Schwellenbach is a must-start pitcher and will be a popular breakout pick for the 2025 season.

Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson had a nice game on Thursday, going 2-for-4 with two runs, an RBI, and two stolen bases in a 10-2 win over the Detroit Tigers. Swanson is now up to 10 homers and 12 steals on the season, which is solid but underwhelming for the 30-year-old. Unfortunately, the rest of his stats are subpar at best, making him a bit of a deadweight in fantasy this season. He has managed a .754 OPS in August, so maybe he's making a bit of a late-season push, but at this point he doesn't need to be rostered in any standard-size leagues and should be left for the deeper ones.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Spencer Arrighetti was terrific on Thursday, shutting out the Baltimore Orioles for six innings in a 6-0 win. Arrighetti fanned six O's while allowing just three hits and a walk. The 24-year-old has had his ups and downs this year with control being his biggest issue, but he has walked two or fewer in six straight starts while maintaining strong strikeout numbers. After a bit of shakiness against the White Sox last time out, it was a great sign that the rookie rebounded with one of his strongest starts of the year against a very good Orioles team. Those who held onto Arrighetti through his last start should feel good about it, and if he is available in any standard-size leagues he should be picked up.

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Corbin Burnes was handed his sixth loss of the season on Thursday, allowing six runs (five earned) in 5 innings against the Houston Astros. Burnes allowed eight hits and two walks while striking out just two. The 29-year-old now has just one good start in his last four and seems to be fading a bit. His strikeout rate has regressed and in turn he is allowing more contact, leading to more hits and runs as of late. While it's not a major concern, it's fair to worry that the ace pitcher Burnes has been may no longer be who he is. That said, he is still an elite pitcher in fantasy and a must-start every time he goes out.