Brandon Lowe slugs three-run homer in win Sunday

The 26-year-old slugger, who was acquired from the Reds in mid-April, gets his first chance with the O’s with Blaze Alexander (hand) heading to the injured list. Encarnacion-Strand has hit .273/.309/.555 with 17 homers, 48 RBI and a 77/12 K/BB ratio in 257 plate appearances at Triple-A Norfolk. He’s unlikely to see enough playing time initially to gain relevance from a fantasy perspective.

Alexander suffered the injury during Sunday’s game against the Royals as he was drilled by an inside pitch. No word yet on how long he’ll be shelved for, other than manager Craig Albernaz saying he’s “going to miss some time”. Christian Encarnacion-Strand was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to take his spot on the Orioles’ active roster.

The 30-year-old right-hander will get the ball for the O’s in their second half opener. Injuries limited him to just four starts in the first half where he posted a 4.09 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and a 24/4 K/BB ratio over 22 innings of work. Trevor Rogers will follow on Saturday with Kyle Bradish getting the ball in Sunday’s series finale.

Jones had been designated for assignment by the Brewers before the All-Star break and passed through waivers unclaimed. He went just 2-for-23 (.087) with a 10/0 K/BB ratio in his limited action with the big league club. He’s now free to peddle his wares on the open market.

Detmers has been a viable fantasy option for most of the first half of the season despite winning only three games, as he registered a 4.19 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and a 123/35 K/BB ratio across 108 2/3 innings through his first 19 starts. He’ll be followed in the Angels’ rotation by Grayson Rodriguez and Ryan Johnson in their weekend series against the Tigers. Jose Soriano and Walbert Urena will pitch on Monday and Tuesday respectively against the Cardinals.

The 29-year-old right-hander had a terrific first half for the Astros, compiling a 3.14 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and an 81/33 K/BB ratio across 86 innings through his first 15 starts. At this stage, he should be considered a viable weekly option in all mixed leagues. Spencer Arrighetti will follow him on Saturday with Hunter Brown getting the ball in Sunday’s series finale in Houston.

He’ll be followed by Taj Bradley on Saturday afternoon and Zebby Matthews on Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field. The expectation is that Joe Ryan would then start on Monday against the Guardians in Cleveland. Ober is coming off of a decent first half where he registered a 4.40 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and a 51/19 K/BB ratio over 71 2/3 innings in his first 13 starts.

The Rays are expected to go with Mason Englert, either as a traditional starter or behind an opener for the second game of Friday’s doubleheader. Ian Seymour will then get the ball on Saturday and Shane McClanahan will start in Friday’s series finale.

Cole will be followed by Ryan Weathers on Saturday and Cam Schlittler on Sunday. The 35-year-old hurler had a solid first half in his return from Tommy John surgery, posting a 4.04 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a 47/11 K/BB ratio over 49 innings of work through his first nine starts.

He’ll take the roster spot that was vacated when Tommy Troy (shoulder) landed on the injured list. Lockler, 25, has slashed an impressive .313/.394/.502 with eight homers and 36 RBI in 241 plate appearances over 54 games at Triple-A Reno this season. He should get an opportunity to see regular action at first base and could make for an interesting deep league or NL-only pickup.