We tried to warn you that regression was on Shields’ horizon, but you didn’t listen. After posting a 2.82 ERA in 2011, Shields is struggling to the tune of 4.04 ERA in 16 starts this season. The Rays hurler was rocked this past week, giving up nine runs in under 13 innings of work, correlating to two Tampa losses. And Shields’ owners may want to close their ears: in seven years in the Show, Shields’ second-half ERA is half a run higher than in the spring. - Joel Beall

Wrigleyville is burning with Anthony Rizzo Fever, but Wood deserves just as much acclaim from the Windy City, as the 25-year-old has quietly submitted three consecutive commanding performances, conceding just one run in 20 2/3 innings with 15 strikeouts. In fact, subtract a shellacking at the hands of San Diego, and suddenly Wood sports a sparkling 2.29 ERA in eight starts this season, giving Cubbie fans hope that the left-hander has reverted to his 2010 form (3.51 ERA, 1.08 WHIP). - Joel Beall

Not sure what’s more astonishing: that McCann is batting .224 as we near the All-Star break, or that Atlanta fans were unable to get their catcher into the Midsummer Classic. (Apparently Dan Uggla’s .234 average is the threshold for participation from pedestrian performers.) Of course, McCann’s .135 average and .167 OBP over his last 13 games have certainly done him no favors. - Joel Beall

Rocking a 5.20 ERA through his first 14 starts, the offseason acquisition of the Padre pitcher for Edinson Volquez and three prized prospects (all of which suit up for San Diego) looked like one of the more lopsided trades in the past decade. Fortunately for the Reds, Latos has redeemed his worth with two straight complete games, surrendering a lone run in each outing while racking up 20 strikeouts. If Latos can hold opposing batters from blasts (the Cincinnati starter has surrendered 17 homers), watch out. - Joel Beall

Heading into last Monday, Ramirez was riding a wave of confidence thanks to a .364 average in his past 17 games. Unfortunately, that current came to a grinding halt in the past week, with 2011’s Silver Slugger logging a mere three hits in his last seven games. Ramirez does have 45 ribbies to his credit, but the Brew Crew and fantasy proprietors have to be hoping for more than a .261 average and .341 OBP out of the Milwaukee third baseman. - Joel Beall

We always knew the Colorado center fielder could fly (evidenced by his 29 triples the past two years, as well as a league-leading nine three-baggers on the current campaign), but Fowler has displayed a newfound clout competence. Entering the season, Fowler had just 15 homers in 405 games, yet that hasn’t stopped him from going yard 10 times in 75 contests in 2012. Factor in a recent tear (.396 average in past 13 games) and suddenly Fowler has transformed into one of fantasy’s elite outfielders. - Joel Beall

Upton recorded a homer on Monday night, but it was only his second round-tripper since May 22. Though the season started out with promise, Upton’s woes as of late (.111 average in his last 12 games, .189 average since May 27) have the former No. 2 pick sitting on a middling slash of .244/.299/.372. Turning 28 in August, the sun is slowly setting on hopes of Upton fulfilling his big-league promise. - Joel Beall

Cano is currently riding a nine-game hit streak, raking with a .444 average during this stretch with five homers and 12 RBI. That’s what we like to call “getting it done.” The recent work with the wood vaults the four-time All-Star to a .313 average on the season. Better yet, the bomb barrage gives the slugging second baseman 20 homers on the season, putting Cano on pace to destroy his career high of 29 taters in 2010. - Joel Beall

There were reports of a Smoak Monster sighting in a late-May eight-game span (five homers, 14 RBI and .394 average), but those accounts must have seen an apparition, as the Seattle first baseman is hitting a buck-twenty-four over his last 25 games. Worse, Smoak has just two hits in his last 30 at bats. Considering he plays half his games in Safeco Field, a park where he’s just above the Mendoza Line in 113 career contests, I’d say it’s safe to assume Smoak isn’t righting the ship anytime soon. - Joel Beall

Just a week ago, the Washington hot corner was batting a wretched .218 with three homers and 22 RBI through 55 games, not exactly the production expected out of a franchise player (or a player drafted in the early rounds of a fantasy draft, for that matter). However, the past eight games have been a different tale, with Zimmerman going 14-for-37, highlighted by three jacks and 13 RBI. While owners shouldn’t put too much stock in one week’s performance, Zimmerman proprietors should be optimistic that their man is turning the corner. - Joel Beall