RADIO
Garrett Mitchell a High-Upside Outfielder to Prioritize on the Waiver Wire
Across 327 plate appearances this season, Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell is hitting .283/.368/.465 with eight home runs, 48 RBI, 44 runs scored, and seven stolen bases. Mitchell owns a 32.7% strikeout rate on the year, so his batting average is likely to regress along with his unsustainably high .423 batting average on balls in play. Health also remains a question mark for Mitchell, who had never reached 250 plate appearances in a season before 2026. However, Mitchell has posted elite underlying contact metrics this year with a 14.1% barrel rate and 50.3% hard-hit rate. As long as he can stay on the field, Mitchell profiles as a high-upside waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Yordan Alvarez Cementing his Case for AL MVP With Another Two-Homer Game
Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez continued to rake in Monday night's 8-5 win over the visiting Miami Marlins at Daikin Park by going 3-for-4 at the plate as the designated hitter with two home runs and a strikeout to raise his season average to .324 and his OPS to a stellar 1.083. Alvarez continued to scorch the ball all over the ballpark in the series opener against the Fish, and his two homers now have him tied for the major-league lead in homers with 33 with Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber. The 29-year-old Cuban left-handed slugger also leads baseball with a 1.083 OPS and is second with his .324 batting average and 75 RBI. There aren't many pitchers in the league right now who can shut Alvarez down offensively. He came into Monday's tilt with a .353 average (18-for-51) and 1.159 OPS with five home runs, four doubles, 13 RBI, and six runs scored across 13 games and 60 plate appearances in the month of July. If Alvarez can continue his torrid pace for the rest of the second half and stay healthy, he has an excellent shot to be the first Triple Crown winner since Miguel Cabrera did it in 2012.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jazz Chisholm Jr. has First Multi-Homer Game of the Year on Monday
New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. carried the offense in Monday night's 8-5 victory in the Bronx over the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates, going 2-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, five RBI, and two strikeouts to bolster his season average to .228 and his OPS to .726. It was Chisholm's first multi-homer game of 2026 after he did it four times in 2025. The big game on Monday night against the Bucs boosted Chisholm's season totals to 16 home runs, 43 RBI, and 26 stolen bases in 375 plate appearances in his second full season in the Bronx. The 28-year-old left-handed slugger continues to be a batting-average and on-base-percentage drain thanks to a 29.6% strikeout rate. Chisholm is also displaying less power with a 40.4% ground-ball rate in his 371 plate appearances so far this year. Still, the two-time All-Star should reach the 20-20 mark for the third straight campaign, and fantasy managers cannot complain for a player with second base eligibility. It's just not the high-end production that we expected after he hit 31 homers, drove in 80, and stole 31 bags in 2025. Chisholm has now homered three times in his last two games.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Yainer Diaz Heating Up, Re-Emerging as a Top Waiver-Wire Target
Across 187 plate appearances in 2026, Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz is hitting .242/.267/.393 with six home runs, 23 RBI, and 19 runs scored. The 27-year-old got off to a rough start to the season, hitting .238 with two home runs across 106 plate appearances before being placed on the injured list in early May with an oblique injury. However, Diaz has been heating up since returning from the IL in mid-June. Across his last 81 trips to the plate, Diaz is hitting .247 with home runs and nine RBI. Diaz owns just a 32% hard-hit rate this season, but he owns a career 43.4% hard-hit rate across nearly 1,800 MLB plate appearances. He also limits his swing-and-miss, as he's struck out in just 16% of his plate appearances in 2026. Fantasy managers in search of some upside at the catcher position may want to consider targeting Diaz on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tristan Peters Carries Deep-League Waiver-Wire Appeal
Across 291 plate appearances this season, Chicago White Sox outfielder Tristan Peters is hitting .292/.341/.462 with six home runs, 37 RBI, 38 runs scored, and five stolen bases. The 26-year-old does not profile as a plus source of power for fantasy managers, as he's posted just a 4.7% barrel rate and a 30.5% hard-hit rate. The lefty-swinging Peters' playing time this season has also largely been limited to big-side platoon duties, which puts a ceiling on his production upside. Still, Peters has been a quality source of batting average, and his presence in the stellar White Sox lineup allows him to rack up counting stats at a decent rate despite his lack of an everyday role. In deeper league formats, Peters could be worth targeting on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Travis Bazzana Emerging as a High-Upside Waiver-Wire Target
Across 300 plate appearances in 2026, Cleveland Guardians second baseman Travis Bazzana is hitting .246/.337/.419 with nine home runs, 32 RBI, 33 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases. The 23-year-old has shown off impressive plate discipline in his rookie season, logging an 11.3% walk rate while striking out at a manageable 22.7% clip. However, Bazzana's underlying batted-ball metrics are unimpressive, as he's posted a 4.2% barrel rate and a 36.1% hard-hit rate. Still, Bazzana has emerged as a fixture at the top of the Guardians lineup, which should put him in position to continue to rack up counting stats and stolen bases. The young infielder has also demonstrated some power upside of late, hitting home runs in two out of Cleveland's first four games coming out of the All-Star break. All in all, Bazzana profiles as a must-add waiver wire target in any fantasy league where he's not already rostered.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colson Montgomery Exits Early on Monday With Shin Injury
Chicago White Sox infielder Colson Montgomery (shin) exited early from his team's game against the Texas Rangers on Monday due to a right-shin contusion, per LaMond Pope of the Chicago Tribune. Pope reports that the young infielder is currently being listed as day-to-day. Montgomery was hitless in four plate appearances before being pulled from the game. Across 398 plate appearances on the year, the 24-year-old is hitting .222/.302/.472 with 24 home runs, 57 RBI, 48 runs scored, and one stolen base. While Montgomery's 32.4% strikeout rate limits his batting average potential, he owns a stellar 13.8% barrel rate and is one of the better sources of power among middle infielders. White Sox utility man Luisangel Acuna replaced Montgomery on Monday and could be in line for increased playing time if Montgomery ends up facing an extended absence.
Source: Chicago Tribune - LaMond Pope
Source: Chicago Tribune - LaMond Pope
Ranger Suarez Set to Return on Tuesday
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Ranger Suarez (groin) will return from the 15-day injured list on Tuesday to face the Baltimore Orioles, per Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. The 30-year-old was placed on the IL in early July due to a left groin strain, but the injury appears to have been a minor one. Across 91 1/3 innings (17 starts) this season, Suarez has recorded a 4-3 record with a 3.15 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 97 strikeouts. In his first season in Boston, the veteran left-hander owns a career-best 25.8% strikeout rate. Now that he's back in the Red Sox rotation, Suarez profiles as a must-start fantasy pitcher.
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Darius Slayton has Shaky Long-Term Value
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton has seen his role in the offense drop in recent years. Over the last two seasons, Slayton has finished with fewer than 600 receiving yards both years. During that span, Slayton has scored a total of three touchdowns, which is fewer than in his 2023 campaign. The expectation was that Slayton would have a larger role once Malik Nabers (knee) went down, but that didn't really happen. Now, Nabers is expected to return at some point this season, and the Giants have added reinforcements. They've signed Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin III, and Odell Beckham Jr. this offseason. The Giants also drafted Malachi Field in the third-round of this year's draft. There's becoming too many bodies in New York and not enough targets for everyone. The 29-year-old may get lost in the shuffle with all the new weapons for Jaxson Dart in 2026.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Keaton Mitchell Could be Low-Cost Trade Target
Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell could be primed for a breakout campaign in 2026. Due to injuries and Derrick Henry, Mitchell wasn't able to fully unleash his skillset during his time in Baltimore. The 24-year-old has now moved on and signed a two-year deal with the Chargers this offseason. Mitchell has a clearer path to carries with Omarion Hampton as the only other legitimate threat on the roster. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel wasn't afraid to pound the ball with De'Von Achane in Miami. He has a few viable options in Hampton, Mitchell, and Kimani Vidal in Los Angeles. If Mitchell can prove he's healthy, there's a good chance he becomes the change-of-pace back behind Hampton. His fantasy value is likely only going to rise, so fantasy managers should target him now as a low-cost option before the season begins.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Bobby Witt Jr. Pulled Early With Back Tightness on Monday
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (back) was forced to leave Monday's game early against the San Francisco Giants with more tightness in his lower back, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. Before being replaced at the 6 by Nick Loftin, Witt went 0-for-1 at the plate with a walk and a strikeout. The Royals held Witt out of Sunday's series finale against the San Diego Padres due to back tightness, but he was included in the starting lineup for Monday's series opener against SF. After being pulled early with the same issue, the 26-year-old three-time All-Star could be headed for a stint on the injured list. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Tuesday for an update on his condition. If Witt is forced to miss more time going forward with his back injury, Loftin and Tyler Tolbert would both be candidates to see more playing time at shortstop going forward for KC. Witt is one of the top offensive players, regardless of position, in all of baseball, but he came into Monday's contest hitting just .200 (11-for-55) with a .532 OPS, one homer, two doubles, three RBI, seven runs, two steals, three walks, and 12 K's in 13 games so far in July.
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
Jonathon Brooks Sees ADP Skyrocket
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks hasn't been much of a thought to fantasy managers over the last few seasons. In fact, Brooks hasn't played in a game since making three appearances during the 2024 season. The former second-round pick has been sidelined since then due to two knee injuries. The hope is that Brooks can put the knee injuries behind him and return to form in 2026. If healthy, there is a clear path for Brooks to become the No. 1 back in Carolina. Rico Dowdle is no longer with the team, and Chuba Hubbard is looking to bounce back after a lackluster 2025 season. The expectation is that Brooks will get a real chance to prove he's capable of being the top back in Carolina. He's only 23 years old and was an unstoppable force during his college days at Texas. Given the Panthers lack of depth at the position, it's not surprising to see Brooks ADP skyrocketing this offseason.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Trey Murphy III's Trade Market Hangs on a Big Domino
New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III remains on the trade block, but the market has quieted. The Athletic's John Hollinger reports that the chatter has cooled and may not pick back up until LeBron James chooses a team and the rest of the dominoes fall. New Orleans, coming off a 26-56 season, is reportedly asking for around three first-round picks. That steep price has kept Detroit, Golden State, and Cleveland interested without getting a deal done. Murphy holds fantasy value wherever he ends up. He posted career highs last season with 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting 37.9 percent from deep and 88.6 percent from the line. A move into a clear-usage role, such as next to Cade Cunningham in Detroit, could raise his ceiling, while staying in New Orleans keeps him the team's top option. The one caveat is durability, since he has played just 57, 53, and 66 games over the past three seasons. Draft him as a mid-round building block and watch where he lands.
Source: John Hollinger
Source: John Hollinger
Mavericks Cut Two-Way Forward Tyler Smith
Dallas is cutting loose two-way forward Tyler Smith, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the latest stop in a well-traveled season for the 33rd pick in the 2024 draft. Smith managed just 4.7 points in 13.8 minutes across 12 games with the Mavericks, though he kept producing in the G League, averaging 15.9 points and 5.2 rebounds for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. At 21, he still flashes stretch-four upside, but Dallas's crowded frontcourt of P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, Santi Aldama, and Morez Johnson Jr. left no runway. He holds no standard-league value, and the constant roster churn keeps him a distant deep-dynasty name at most.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
DK Metcalf Likely to See Decreased Role
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf might be trending in the wrong direction in 2026. Metcalf was a two-time Pro Bowler in Seattle before getting traded to the Steelers ahead of the 2025 campaign. Metcalf was underutilized in Pittsburgh with 59 receptions, which was his lowest since his rookie season. He also finished with a career-low 850 receiving yards across 15 games with the Steelers. Metcalf was the top option in Pittsburgh and saw a team-high 99 targets last season. It doesn't help his case that 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers is under center again this season. The Steelers have also added Michael Pittman Jr. and drafted Germie Bernard in the second round of this year's draft. Metcalf has more competition for targets and the same quarterback as the season before. This is a recipe for Metcalf's stats to decline again in 2026.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Pacers Waive Two-Way Guard Taelon Peter
The Indiana Pacers are waiving two-way guard Taelon Peter, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, opening one of their three two-way slots. The 54th pick in the 2025 draft averaged 4.5 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 12.9 minutes over 38 games as a rookie, production that came largely because Indiana leaned on backcourt depth during Tyrese Haliburton's season-long absence. Peter carries no standard-league fantasy value, and this is a procedural depth move rather than a needle-mover. The open two-way spot is worth a passing glance for dynasty managers tracking Indiana's G League pipeline, but the Pacers' real backcourt story remains Haliburton ramping back up for 2026-27.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Jonathan Kuminga's Lakers Pursuit Stalls as Market Stays Cold
Free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga remains stuck in a slow-moving market. The Athletic reported that the Lakers and Kuminga's camp are still far apart on terms, while Los Angeles is reluctant to attach significant draft capital in a sign-and-trade. Even so, the 23-year-old is still the biggest upside swing left on the board and could re-emerge as a Lakers target if his market stays cold, with Cleveland the team most often tied to him otherwise. Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists last season, and the Lakers have reportedly pitched him on a high-minutes role next to Luka Doncic. That remains the crux of his fantasy case: a starting job in Los Angeles would give the former No. 7 pick clear mid-round appeal, while an uncertain landing spot and his uneven scoring profile keep the floor shaky.
Source: Dan Woike
Source: Dan Woike
Matisse Thybulle Signs a One-Year Deal With the Lakers
The Lakers have signed free agent guard/forward Matisse Thybulle to a one-year, $3.3 million deal, per Shams Charania of ESPN, adding perimeter defense next to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Thybulle averaged 5.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in 16.0 minutes across 30 games with Portland last season while shooting 39.8 percent from deep. His fantasy case is narrow but specific: a two-time All-Defensive wing who ranks among the league's steals leaders and now spaces the floor at a respectable clip. Standard league managers can pass given the low scoring and modest minutes, but deep leaguers chasing steals and threes can stream him if the role holds. He appeared in just 45 games over his last two Portland seasons, though, a durability flag on top of a low-minute role behind a crowded Lakers wing group.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Angels Exected to Make Jose Soriano, Reid Detmers Available at Trade Deadline
The New York Post's Jon Heyman reports that the Los Angeles Angels are expected to make both right-hander Jose Soriano and left-hander Reid Detmers available at this year's trade deadline in early August. Soriano allowed just one earned run in his first six starts of the season, but he's come down to Earth since, posting a 5.15 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, and 72:40 K:BB in 73 1/3 innings over his last 14 starts. The 27-year-old Dominican is 8-6 overall with a 3.49 ERA (3.97 FIP), 1.29 WHIP, and 115:53 K:BB in 111 innings over 20 starts. Soriano leads the league with 53 walks in his fourth year in the majors in Anaheim. Detmer, meanwhile, has had a solid return to a starting role in 2026 after being demoted to the bullpen last year. The 27-year-old southpaw is 3-6 with a 4.16 ERA (3.21 FIP), 1.12 WHIP, and 130:35 K:BB in 114 2/3 frames across 20 starts. Both hurlers should attract plenty of interest on the trade market as the deadline approaches, and both of them could have a higher fantasy ceiling down the stretch with contenders.
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Nick Kurtz Could be Available This Weekend
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) is with the team during their current road trip and has started a hitting progression, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Kurtz also took groundballs on Monday. If he continues to progress, there's a chance that he could come off the 10-day injured list for this weekend's series in Minnesota against the Twins, although manager Mark Kotsay said that might be a bit of an accelerated timeline. The 23-year-old left-handed slugger was still limited to range-of-motion and strengthening exercises over the weekend, but he has progressed in his recovery from a right-thumb capsule sprain and could return for fantasy managers this weekend or early next week, barring a setback. Kurtz has been on the IL since July 11. When active, the former fourth overall pick in 2024 from Wake Forest University is an elite source of power from the left side of the plate, especially in the minor-league band box in Sacramento that the A's currently call home. Through 334 at-bats in his first full big-league season in 2026, Kurtz has hit .266/.405/.497 with a .902 OPS, 20 homers, 66 RBI, 61 runs, and seven stolen bases.
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Matt Chapman Could Return on the Next Homestand
San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (abdomen) went through his most strenuous day yet while rehabbing an abdominal strain on Monday, according to Evan Webeck of The California Post. Manager Tony Vitello said "it went well" and that Chapman is in "really good spirits." The skipper also said that it's "reasonable to think" that Chapman could return from the 10-day injured list on the team's next homestand, but he wouldn't make any promises. San Francisco will return home this Friday, July 24, and will stay in the Bay Area until Wednesday, July 29. It sounds as though the Giants won't ask the 33-year-old veteran to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before potentially returning this weekend. The former 25th overall pick in 2014 by the Athletics out of Cal State Fullerton has left a lot to be desired from his fantasy managers in 2026, slashing .235/.324/.368 with a career-low .692 OPS, seven home runs, 42 RBI, and 35 runs scored through his first 84 games and 352 plate appearances in his third year with the Gigantes and 10th in the majors.
Source: The California Post - Evan Webeck
Source: The California Post - Evan Webeck
Shohei Ohtani Throws on Flat Ground, Could Throw a Bullpen This Weekend
The Los Angeles Dodgers still don't have a pitching timetable for two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee), but manager Dave Roberts said that Ohtani could throw a bullpen session this weekend, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Ardaya added that Ohtani was throwing on flat ground on Monday. The four-time MVP has been dealing with a nagging left-knee injury and has not made a start as a pitcher since July 3 against the San Diego Padres as a result. The 32-year-old had his knee drained on the Sunday before last week's All-Star break, but the Dodgers scratched him from his scheduled start this Wednesday against the Philadelphia Phillies as a precaution after he felt more soreness in his knee while throwing over the weekend. If Ohtani's throwing session goes well on Monday, he could be cleared to throw off a mound this weekend, which would represent progress as he attempts to rejoin L.A.'s starting rotation in the second half. Still, fantasy managers are going to need to stay patient, and the Dodgers have a big enough lead in the National League West that they won't be forced to rush Ohtani back. At the very least, he will not make another start as a pitcher for another couple of weeks.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Jordan Whitehead Fully Cleared to Resume his Career
Veteran free-agent safety Jordan Whitehead (neck) has been fully cleared to resume his football career after having neck surgery by Alex Vaccaro, his surgeon and the Philadelphia Eagles' spine specialist, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Whithead had recent workouts with the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans and is expected to meet with other teams soon. The 29-year-old former fourth-rounder by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018 out of the University of Pittsburgh suffered a serious neck injury in a car accident in January of 2025 and was forced to miss all of last season. In 2024 with the Bucs, Whitehead had 79 tackles (49 solo) and three pass breakups in 12 regular-season starts in his seventh year in the NFL. In his seven years in the league, Whitehead has been a strong tackler at the strong safety position, never having fewer than 69 combined tackles in a season while also racking up 11 total interceptions and 45 pass breakups in his 105 games played (101 starts). It remains to be seen if he'll land a starting role with a new team in 2026.
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Tucker Kraft Could Open Training Camp on the PUP List
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) could begin on the Physically Unable to Perform list to open training camp in less than 10 days, according to Jason Wilde of Channel 3000. "The guess here is that he won't set foot on Ray Nitschke Field without a new deal in place," writes Wilde. Kraft is entering the final year of his four-year, $5.54 million rookie contract, and the Packers also hope to get an extension done with him early in camp, according to Jordan Schultz. He's slated to earn a $3.624 million base salary in 2026, which makes him the 36th-highest-paid TE in the league. Kraft will most likely be eased into camp, but all expectations are that he will be a full-go for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sept. 13 against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. Before tearing the ACL in his right knee on Nov. 2 against the Carolina Panthers in 2025, Kraft was arguably the best TE in the league, catching 32 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns on 44 targets in eight games. We'll be tracking Kraft's progress closely this summer, and if fully healthy, he will have a high ceiling as a high-end TE1 in fantasy.
Source: Channel 3000 - Jason Wilde
Source: Channel 3000 - Jason Wilde
Bucky Irving Says he'll be Ready for Training Camp
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving told Mark Skol Jr. of FOX 13 News on Monday at his annual youth football camp that he will be good to go for the start of training camp. The Bucs could ease Irving into drills early in camp after he had offseason surgery on his shoulder, but barring a setback this summer, he should be a full-go for the start of the 2026 regular season in early September. The 23-year-old former fourth-rounder in 2024 out of the University of Oregon had 1,122 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns on 207 carries in his rookie campaign, but he played in only 10 games in his sophomore season in 2025 due to injury and finished with a disappointing 588 yards and a touchdown on the ground on 173 rushing attempts, adding 30 receptions for 277 yards and three more TDs. Irving should be healthy, but he should be considered an injury risk as a low-end RB2 in fantasy football drafts going into Year 3, especially since Kenny Gainwell figures to factor in heavily on passing downs in Tampa's new offense in 2026. RotoBaller has Irving ranked as the No. 25 fantasy RB right now.
Source: FOX 13 News - Mark Skol Jr.
Source: FOX 13 News - Mark Skol Jr.
Edwin Diaz Could Return to Dodgers Bullpen This Weekend
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts didn't rule out right-handed closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) being activated from the 60-day injured list for the upcoming weekend series against the New York Mets, according to David Vassegh of 570 LA Sports. Diaz has been away from the big-league team since having surgery in late April to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. The 32-year-old veteran and three-time All-Star is nearing a return from the IL, though, and has struck out seven and walked one in four shutout innings in his four minor-league rehab appearances. The Dodgers most likely want to see the Puerto Rican hurler pitch on back-to-back days before they have him rejoin their big-league bullpen. Left-hander Tanner Scott has done a commendable job filling in as L.A.'s primary ninth-inning option for Roberts with Diaz out for most of the first half of the season, but he will most likely go back to a late-inning setup role when Diaz returns. Diaz allowed seven earned runs in his first six innings with the Blue before going under the knife, but he deserves to be rostered in all fantasy leagues as the primary closer for the best team in baseball.
Source: 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Source: 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Corbin Carroll Out on Monday With Hyperextended Elbow
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (elbow) is absent from the team's starting lineup for Monday's series opener at Chase Field against the visiting Athletics, according to MLB.com. Jorge Barrosa is starting in right field and will bat out of the nine-hole against A's left-hander Jeffrey Springs. Carroll is considered day-to-day after suffering a hyperextended elbow in Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals, but he'll miss at least one game to begin the new week. Fantasy managers will want to check back on the 25-year-old three-time All-Star's availability for Game 2 of the series in the desert on Tuesday. The former 16th overall pick in 2019 is a must-start in all fantasy leagues when he's healthy. He's currently slashing .250/.344/.480 with an .824 OPS, 14 home runs, 47 RBI, 55 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases across his 356 at-bats this year. Corbin could use a day or two off, though, as he's gone 6-for-51 (.118) with a homer, three doubles, four RBI, seven runs, one stolen base, nine walks, and 18 strikeouts in 14 games (60 plate appearances) so far in July.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Christian Walker Missing Second Straight Game With Hip Tightness
Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker (hip) is missing his second straight game due to hip tightness in Monday's series opener at Daikin Park versus the visiting Miami Marlins, per MLB.com. LaMonte Wade Jr. will make a second straight start at first base and will bat fifth against Marlins right-hander Janson Junk. Walker initially injured his hip on a swing in Saturday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. The good news is that manager Joe Espada said that the 35-year-old veteran has been doing baseball activities and is feeling better, so he should be considered day-to-day with a chance to return as early as Game 2 of the series against the Fish on Tuesday. Walker is still good for plenty of power -- he's already reached the 20-homer mark for the fifth straight season -- but he's not providing much else for fantasy managers with a .234/.310/.456 slash line in 364 at-bats. He could probably use a couple of days off, too, as he's gone 7-for-40 (.175) with a homer, three doubles, two RBI, five runs scored, three walks, and 15 strikeouts in 12 games so far in July.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jeremy Pena Back in Astros Lineup for Series Opener
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring) is starting at the 6 and batting in his usual leadoff spot for Monday's series opener at home against the visiting Miami Marlins and right-hander Janson Junk, according to MLB.com. Pena was pulled as a precaution in Saturday's game against the Baltimore Orioles due to cramps in his right hamstring, and he was given the day off in Sunday's series finale. Now that the 28-year-old is back in action to begin the new week, fantasy managers should return him to their starting lineups in traditional formats. Pena has gone 5-for-17 (.294) with an RBI and three runs scored in five games since returning from the injured list, and the Dominican shortstop is slashing .295/.359/.430 with a .789 OPS, six home runs, 22 RBI, 37 runs scored, and eight stolen bases across an even 200 at-bats in 2026. Since the start of June, he's hitting .315 (34-for-108) with an .835 OPS, three homers, five doubles, 14 RBI, 22 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 30 games and 123 plate appearances. Pena has never faced Junk.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Otto Lopez Not Ready to Return on Monday Against Astros
Miami Marlins middle infielder Otto Lopez (finger) is missing a second straight start for Monday's series opener against the hosting Houston Astros at Daikin Park, per MLB.com. Javier Sanoja will make another start at the 6 and will bat ninth for Miami against Astros right-hander Ronel Blanco, who is making his first start off the injured list. Lopez took a groundball off his right ring finger in Saturday's game against the Brewers. The 27-year-old stayed in for the rest of the game but was held out in Sunday's series finale, and now he'll miss a second straight contest. Fantasy managers should continue to consider Lopez day-to-day and check back on Tuesday to see if he's ready to return for Game 2 of the series in Houston. The Dominican middle infielder has turned into a must-start player in 2026 in his third year in Miami, as he's currently hitting a league-high .335 (130-for-388) with a league-leading 27 doubles, nine homers, 46 RBI, 18 stolen bases, and 61 runs scored across his 97 games and 419 plate appearances.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
