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Jake McCarthy Stays Red-Hot on Friday as Strong Waiver-Wire Target
Colorado Rockies outfielder Jake McCarthy stayed red-hot at the plate as the Rockies' table-setter in Friday night's 15-3 rout over the division-rival San Francisco Giants at Coors Field, going 4-for-5 at the plate with two home runs, six RBI, and a stolen base to raise his season average to .308 and his OPS to .868. McCarthy is having a career year in 2026 in his first year in Denver, and he now has a strong .308/.346/.522 slash line with nine long balls, 47 RBI, 36 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases in his 269 plate appearances. The 28-year-old former first-rounder by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2018 MLB draft out of the University of Virginia is mostly intriguing as a waiver-wire pickup for his speed 97 steals in his five-plus years in the majors, but he's also contributing a high average and has already reached a new career high in home runs in 74 games. McCarthy led off the game on Friday against San Fran with a homer and also added a grand slam in a statement game that will have fantasy managers heading to the waiver wire on Saturday to add him. He's currently rostered in 44% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Yankees Send Outfield Prospect Spencer Jones Back to Triple-A
The New York Yankees announced that they optioned outfield prospect Spencer Jones (illness) back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after Friday's 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins in the Bronx. Jones has been under the weather this week with an illness, but he should be fine and will most likely resurface in the big leagues at some point in the second half for the Yankees. But for now, the 25-year-old former 25th overall pick in 2022 out of Vanderbilt University will head back to the farm to work on making more contact. In his first 30 games (82 plate appearances) this year at the big-league level, Jones went 17-for-73 (.233) with two home runs, seven RBI, six runs scored, a stolen base, nine walks, and 34 strikeouts (41.5% strikeout rate). The good news is that Jones hit .265 (13-for-49) with two homers, four doubles, five RBI, and six runs scored in 20 games since rejoining the Yanks on June 5. The 6-foot-7, 240-pound hulking outfielder remains a must-stash in dynasty/keeper leagues for his power/speed upside, but fantasy managers in shallow-mixed leagues can move on for now.
Source: New York Yankees
Source: New York Yankees
Shea Langeliers Leaves Friday's Game Early With Thumb Injury
Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (thumb) was forced from Friday's game early against the Miami Marlins with a left-thumb injury, according to Theo DeRosa of MLB.com. Before being pulled prematurely, Langeliers went 0-for-2 at the plate with two strikeouts. Jonah Heim entered the contest as a pinch-hitter and replaced Langeliers behind the dish. For now, we'll consider Langeliers as day-to-day until we know more about the severity of his thumb injury. It would be a major blow to fantasy managers and the A's if Langeliers is forced to miss extended time with his injury, as he's one of the best power producers at the position in the game with a hitter-friendly home ballpark in Sacramento to boot. The 28-year-old former ninth overall pick by the Atlanta Braves in 2019 out of Baylor University came into Friday's contest with a .265/.330/.497 slash line, .827 OPS, 20 homers, 44 RBI, 51 runs, and two stolen bases in 328 at-bats. Heim would serve as the A's primary backstop if Langeliers is forced to miss additional time. Check back on Saturday for an update on the severity of Langeliers' thumb injury.
Source: MLB.com - Theo DeRosa
Source: MLB.com - Theo DeRosa
Matt Olson Snaps Power Drought With Two Homers Against Mets
Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson finally got back in the home run column in Friday night's 5-3 victory over the division-rival New York Mets at Truist Park, going 2-for-3 at the plate with two solo home runs, a walk, and a strikeout to raise his season average to .273 and his OPS to .883. It was the first time that Olson had cleared the fences in 16 games, and his second multi-homer performance of the 2026 season. The 32-year-old veteran left-handed slugger hit .315 (28-for-89) with four home runs, four doubles, seven RBI, 13 runs scored, and a stolen base in 23 games across 97 plate appearances during June, but he hadn't homered since June 12 before his two blasts on Friday night. With the big game, Olson is now slashing .273/.345/.538 on the season with 22 home runs, 54 RBI, 57 runs scored, and two stolen bases in his 374 plate appearances. He remains one of the most consistent power bats in fantasy, regardless of position.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Luis Garcia Jr. Now has Nine Homers in his Last 15 Games
Washington Nationals infielder Luis Garcia Jr. has been tearing the cover off the baseball lately. That trend continued in Friday night's 9-5 win over the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates at Nationals Park, with Garcia going 2-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, three RBI, and a walk to raise his season batting average to .283 and his OPS to .874. There aren't many hitters hotter than Garcia right now. The 26-year-old left-handed-hitting infielder wasn't the only one that was feeling it on Friday night, as the Nationals slugged a total of five home runs to put the Pirates away without much of a fight. Garcia now has a whopping nine home runs in his last 13 games and is up to a .396/.453/.1.021 slash line with 17 RBI in his last 15 games played. The recent hot stretch has definitely attracted the interest of fantasy managers, and Garcia is now rostered in 75% of Yahoo leagues. Through May, Garcia was hitting .268 (48-for-179) with only five homers, 30 RBI, 21 runs, and two stolen bases in 54 games.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Carlos Lagrange has Sprained Shoulder, Won't Throw for Six Weeks
The New York Yankees are saying that right-handed pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange (shoulder) has been diagnosed with a capsular sprain of his right shoulder, and he'll be shut down from throwing for six weeks, according to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. It's a real bummer for the Yankees and fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues who have been stashing the hard-throwing 6-foot-7, 248-pounder, as he was seemingly on the verge of joining the Yankees' major-league roster to bolster their bullpen in July. He was placed on the seven-day injured list at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and with an extended absence coming, it's now fair to wonder if he'll get called up to the majors at all in 2027. The team's No. 4 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, was recently moved from a starting role to a relief one. Lagrange has gone 1-4 with the RailRiders with a 4.55 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 83:33 K:BB in 63 1/3 innings across 18 outings (11 starts). Fantasy managers in mixed redraft formats can probably hold off on stashing Lagrange now due to his uncertain timetable. He's rostered in 5% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner
Rashod Bateman at a Career Crossroads in 2026
Baltimore Ravens veteran wide receiver Rashod Bateman won't be fighting for a roster spot in training camp this summer, but he's at a career crossroads going into the 2026 season, according to Ravens Wire. The 26-year-old former first-rounder should still have a role in Baltimore's new offense, but the competition around him has improved, and one would argue it's more competition than he's had at any point in his career. Zay Flowers is the team's unquestioned top wideout, but Baltimore added rookies Elijah Sarratt and Ja'Kobi Lane in April's NFL draft, and they have the potential to contribute sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, Devontez Walker's stock is trending up after a strong offseason. Targets and snaps "feel far less guaranteed than they once did." The former 27th overall pick in 2021 out of the University of Minnesota had a career-best 45 catches, 756 yards, and nine touchdowns in 17 games in 2024, but he tanked in 2025 with just 19 catches, a career-low 224 yards, and only two TDs in 13 games. Injuries and inconsistency have kept Bateman from realizing his potential as a former first-rounder, and with added competition in 2026, he's unlikely to approach his career-high numbers from 2024.
Source: Ravens Wire - Geoffrey A. Knox
Source: Ravens Wire - Geoffrey A. Knox
Emilio Pagan Needs to be Rostered After Returning From Injury
Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Emilio Pagan was recently activated from the Injured List after missing time due to a hamstring strain. Pagan returned at the end of June after being sidelined since early May. The right-hander had a slow start to the season, but figures to reclaim his role as the primary closer. He currently owns a 6.28 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and six saves in nine attempts across 16 appearances this season. Those aren't pretty numbers to look at, but Pagan has shown he's capable of holding down the closer role. He registered 32 saves with a 2.88 ERA across 70 appearances last season. The Reds don't have much competition at the backend of the bullpen, so Pagan figures to reclaim the full-time role. Fantasy managers looking for bullpen help should add Pagan if he's available.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Braelon Allen Motivated to Step Up in Year 3
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen played in just four games in 2025 in his second year in the league due to injuries and finished with 18 rushing attempts for 76 yards and one touchdown, adding two catches for 17 yards. The 22-year-old former fourth-round pick in 2024 out of the University of Wisconsin attacked his rehab process with "hunger and a whole lot of motivation," according to Amanda Vogt of the team's official website. Allen is motivated to turn things around going into the 2026 campaign, and at 250 pounds, says he's the biggest, strongest, and fastest he's ever been. "I played 238-240 [pounds] last year," Allen said. "The most recent [DEXA scan] I did was by far my best. The most lean muscle mass I've ever had, the lowest percentage of body fat, perfect symmetry in both my legs and my arms; everything looked exactly how we wanted it to." According to head coach Aaron Glenn, the Jets have "a three-headed monster" at RB with Allen, Breece Hall, and Isaiah Davis. However, Hall is the Jets' clear RB1 after agreeing to a three-year, $45.75 million contract extension and reaching 1,000 rushing yards in 2025 for the first time in his career. At best, Allen will be hoping for a short-yardage/goal-line role in New York, which makes him mostly a handcuff option for Hall's fantasy managers in deeper leagues.
Source: NewYorkJets.com - Amanda Vogt
Source: NewYorkJets.com - Amanda Vogt
A.J. Ewing Deserves a Look While Swinging Hot Bat
New York Mets infielder/outfielder A.J. Ewing has been nearly impossible to keep off the basepaths recently. Over the last two weeks, Ewing has been slashing .317/.404/.512 with two home runs and eight RBI. So far this season, Ewing has a .352 OBP with four long balls, 19 RBI, and eight steals. He's capable of doing just about everything on the field, which makes him a favorable option for category leagues. He probably hasn't wandered into must-have territory yet, but is someone worth at least looking at in deep leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Samuel Basallo is Gaining Traction Quickly
Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo has been experiencing some good times at the plate recently. The fun continued for Basallo during Friday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. The young catcher went 1-3 with a two-run home run and a walk in the win. It was his 13th blast of the year, which ties him with Carter Jensen for fourth among rookies this season. Over the last 15 games, Basallo is hitting .255 with three homers and 10 RBI. It's never easy for fantasy managers to find a consistent hitter at the catcher spot. Basallo has shown impressive power numbers this season and is deserving of a look in more fantasy leagues going forward.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Will the Saints Part Ways With Alvin Kamara?
The New Orleans Times-Picayune's Jeff Duncan writes that "it would not be shocking" if the New Orleans Saints parted ways with veteran running back Alvin Kamara this offseason. Parting ways "might be in the best interests of the star RB and the team that drafted him nine years ago." If the Saints were to trade or release Kamara, they could hand the keys to the offense to newcomer Travis Etienne Jr. and give more snaps to Devin Neal, Kendre Miller, and Audric Estime. It would be a big changing of the guard in the Big Easy, as Kamara is the leading rusher in team history and one of the most popular players to ever wear the black and gold. The Saints have treated the 30-year-old five-time Pro Bowler with respect and have given him his space; they have yet to approach him about a pay cut, and it's unclear if they will before training camp starts at the end of July. If the Saints elect to keep Kamara on the roster, his $10.5 million salary cap hit will be the sixth-highest among RBs in the NFL. Duncan adds that although both sides have played nice so far, "there's no denying the vibe between the sides has been off throughout the offseason." If Kamara stays in New Orleans, he'll be the clear RB2 behind Etienne, tanking his fantasy football value going into his 10th year in the league.
Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune - Jeff Duncan
Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune - Jeff Duncan
Trevor Rogers Must be Rostered During Hot Stretch
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Trevor Rogers has found his groove on the mound as of late. Over the last 24.2 innings, Rogers has only allowed three earned runs. He has struggled at times with his command, but continues to be nearly impossible to score on. On Friday, Rogers continued his success with five scoreless innings of work against the Cincinnati Reds. The southpaw struck out four batters and allowed two hits in the win. His overall numbers on the season aren't great, but Rogers has been throwing the ball extremely well lately. Who knows how long it'll last, but fantasy managers should take advantage of it and scoop him up in all fantasy formats.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Colston Loveland Showing Signs of Growth Going into Sophomore Season
Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland got his NFL career off to a slow start in 2025 after he was selected 10th overall out of the University of Michigan, but he eventually kicked it into high gear and finished with 58 receptions, 713 yards, and six touchdowns in 16 regular-season games (11 starts) to land as the TE12 in half-PPR scoring. At this time last year, Loveland was rehabbing an injury he sustained in his final year with the Wolverines, which forced him to miss some of the offseason program and the start of training camp. His 58 catches, 713 yards, and six TDs led the Bears, and the 22-year-old became a favorite target of quarterback Caleb Williams down the stretch. "I love what he brings to the table. He's one of the most consistent players I've been around, and that's saying a lot for a young guy, because I think it takes a while before guys can truly understand what it means to be a professional," head coach Ben Johnson said. With receiver DJ Moore now in Buffalo, Loveland should have an even bigger target share in 2026 in Year 2, and he has as much upside at the TE position as anyone. RotoBaller has Loveland ranked as the No. 3 TE for the upcoming season.
Source: ChicagoBears.com - Gabby Hajduk
Source: ChicagoBears.com - Gabby Hajduk
Griffin Jax is Approaching Must-Add Territory
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Griffin Jax has been making a smooth transition into the starting rotation. Over his last five outings, Jax owns a 1.73 ERA with 27 strikeouts across 26 innings of work. Jax was tagged for three runs across six innings of work during his most recent outing against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. The right-hander has looked sharp as a starting pitcher and figures to remain in that role going forward. His next outing is scheduled in Houston versus the Astros. Fantasy managers seeking pitching help should check the waiver wire to see if Jax is available.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Myron Gardner Sprains Ankle in Heat's Summer League Opener
Miami Heat forward Myron Gardner (ankle) exited early from Friday's California Classic opener against San Antonio, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports. Gardner was held to two points in just 6:50 after spraining his left ankle. There's no fantasy alarm to sound here. This is a summer-league tweak rather than a regular-season injury, and no timeline has been given. Gardner is a deep-bench piece anyway: the 25-year-old undrafted forward parlayed a strong midseason stretch in the starting lineup into a standard three-year deal last February, but he averaged just 3.6 points in a spot role, and Miami's rotation is now built around Giannis Antetokounmpo. He wasn't a redraft factor before this, and a minor summer ankle doesn't change that.
Source: Ira Winderman
Source: Ira Winderman
Josh Okogie Signs Two-Year Deal With the Jazz
Free-agent guard/forward Josh Okogie has agreed to a two-year, $12 million deal with the Utah Jazz, Shams Charania of ESPN reports, picking Utah over several other suitors. The 27-year-old has built an eight-year career on gritty perimeter defense, and last season he finally added an offensive wrinkle, connecting on 38.5 percent from three for Houston. For fantasy, that shooting is the whole case, and it comes with a warning label: a career 29.9 percent shooter from deep rarely sustains a jump that big, so plan on some regression. The bigger issue is fit. A rebuilding Jazz team would rather hand minutes to its young wings than to a 27-year-old role player, so the open runway a thin roster seems to offer may never materialize. Okogie brings real value to Utah's defense and locker room, but at 4.5 points in 17.4 minutes, the fantasy production simply isn't there.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Brenton Doyle Returns to Rehab Assignment After Groin Injury
Colorado Rockies outfielder Brenton Doyle (groin, oblique) missed several days during his minor-league rehab assignment with the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes due to tightness in his left groin, but he was expected to be back in the lineup on Friday night, according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com. The 28-year-old power/speed threat initially was placed on the 10-day injured list by the Rockies in late May with a left-oblique contusion. Now that he's back in action on the farm, Doyle could be reinstated from the IL and rejoin the big-league roster at some point next week before the All-Star break. Doyle broke out in 2024 in his second full season in the majors with 23 home runs, 72 RBI, 30 stolen bases, and a .260/.317/.446 slash line in 149 games, but he has struggled to get anywhere near that level ever since. Through 43 games (122 plate appearances) this year before landing on the IL, Doyle was hitting just .207 (23-for-111) with a homer, four RBI, nine steals, and a 32.8% strikeout rate. With regular playing time no longer guaranteed, Doyle is rostered in only 31% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Thomas Harding
Source: MLB.com - Thomas Harding
Will Smith Resumes Hitting, Throwing
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that catcher Will Smith (neck) hit in the batting cage on Thursday and has also resumed throwing, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Smith, who was placed on the 10-day injured list on June 11 with inflammation in his neck, is making progress, but he's not expected to return before the All-Star break from July 13-16. It's been a frustrating situation for fantasy managers, as the Dodgers initially believed in early June that Smith wasn't going to even land on the IL at all. The 31-year-old veteran three-time All-Star required a cortisone injection as well, but it didn't really seem to do the trick. Before tweaking his neck, Smith had delivered a disappointing .249/.338/.382 slash line with a .720 OPS, six homers, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored in 52 games across 201 plate appearances. He still deserves to be rostered in most fantasy baseball leagues while he heals as L.A.'s starting catcher when he's healthy. Dalton Rushing remains a short-term option in two-catcher leagues with Smith out of commission.
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Mike Trout Improving, Getting "Really Close"
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (hamstring) is improving and getting "really close" to returning from the 10-day injured list, manager Kurt Suzuki told Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. Trout landed on the IL in the middle of June, but he's expected to hit on the field this weekend. Barring a setback, he will have a chance to be reinstated and rejoin the major-league roster next week before the All-Star break from July 13-16. Trout recently said that he's hopeful he'll be ready to take part in the Midsummer Classic, but he's unlikely to stay in the Home Run Derby field. The 34-year-old three-time MVP and 11-time All-Star has struggled to stay healthy on the wrong side of 30, but thankfully, his hamstring injury isn't that serious. Before landing on the shelf, Trout was having a resurgent season for the last-place Angels, hitting .234/.394/.472 with an .866 OPS, 17 home runs, 36 RBI, 54 runs scored, and seven stolen bases across his 265 at-bats. Trout is no longer the elite five-category producer he once was, but the future Hall of Famer is still valuable in all fantasy leagues when he's active.
Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
Randy Vasquez Goes on Injured List With Ankle Bruise
San Diego Padres right-hander Randy Vasquez (ankle) was placed on the 15-day injured list on Friday with a bruised right ankle, according to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune. Right-handed reliever Alek Jacob was recalled from Triple-A El Paso in a corresponding move. Vasquez took a line drive off his right ankle in the first inning of his start on Thursday night against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers and was pulled after just three innings. He then fainted on his way to get X-rays and was taken to the hospital as a precaution. Even though X-rays came back negative and he was released from the hospital on Friday, he will miss the next two weeks and won't be a candidate to rejoin San Diego's starting rotation until after the All-Star break in mid-July. The 27-year-old allowed four earned runs in just three innings on Thursday night and has surrendered 24 runs (20 earned) on 37 hits (five homers) while walking nine and striking out 10 in 18 2/3 innings in his last five starts. Fantasy managers in mixed leagues shouldn't be holding Vasquez while he recovers.
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
Chandler Simpson Scratched With Sore Fingers
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson (fingers) has been scratched from Friday's starting lineup against the hosting Houston Astros due to sore right index and middle fingers that he jammed while sliding into second base during Thursday's game, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Manager Kevin Cash said that Simpson is fine, and the move to hold him out on Friday is just a precautionary move. Victor Mesa Jr. is starting in left field and will bat sixth against Astros right-hander Spencer Arrighetti at Daikin Park. The speedy Simpson should be considered day-to-day, and he should be ready to roll as the series continues in Houston on the Fourth of July on Saturday. The 25-year-old former second-rounder in 2022 out of Georgia Institute of Technology is still searching for his first major-league home run 190 games into his career, but his speed (64 stolen bases) and contact abilities make him relevant in fantasy baseball. In 81 games (324 plate appearances) this year, Simpson has hit .278 (83-for-299) with 20 steals, 16 RBI, and 35 runs scored.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Trey Lyles Lands One-Year Deal With Timberwolves
Veteran forward Trey Lyles is returning to the NBA on a one-year, minimum deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports, after a season overseas with Real Madrid. The 30-year-old stretch big spent his year in Spain productively, averaging 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds while helping Real Madrid reach the EuroLeague final, though his 7.6-point career NBA average is the more realistic scoring baseline for a bench role. Minnesota brought him in for a specific reason: the Wolves are moving Julius Randle and Naz Reid this offseason, leaving a real void at power forward. That vacancy is what makes Lyles worth a glance, but keep it in perspective. He's a minimum-salary depth piece who will compete with second-year big Joan Beringer for those minutes, and Minnesota is also pursuing Rui Hachimura for the same spot. If the Wolves land a bigger name, Lyles slides down the chart. Until the frontcourt shakes out, treat him as a name to watch, not one to roster.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Andre Drummond Signs One-Year, $3.9 Million Deal With Knicks
Free-agent center Andre Drummond has agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million deal to sign with the New York Knicks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. The defending champions needed a backup center after Mitchell Robinson bolted for Boston, and they landed a proven one on the cheap. Drummond, a 14-year veteran and four-time rebounding champion, remains one of the league's best per-minute rebounders, averaging 6.4 points and 8.4 rebounds in just 19.5 minutes across 63 games last season while adding a surprising 35.6 percent stroke from three. Behind Karl-Anthony Towns, Drummond carries little standalone fantasy value. His appeal is as a handcuff: few backups turn into an instant double-double the way he does the moment the starter sits. Stash him in deeper formats and keep him at the top of your pickup list if New York's center spot ever opens up.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Julio Rodriguez Heading to Concussion Injured List
Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez (head) is expected to be placed on the seven-day concussion injured list on Friday, according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. The Mariners haven't made an official roster move yet, but utility man Miles Mastrobuoni has a locker at T-Mobile Park in Seattle and is likely to be called up from Triple-A Tacoma as the corresponding roster move. Victor Robles (forearm) replaced Rodriguez on Thursday in the game against the division-rival Los Angeles Angels after Rodriguez was hit in the helmet by a throw, but he was forced to leave early as well with a right-forearm injury. If Robles is unavailable to return on Friday, either Mastrobuoni or Weston Wilson will likely enter the starting lineup in Seattle's outfield, with Luke Raley most likely sliding over to center field. It's unclear if Rodriguez will be able to rejoin the M's before the All-Star break in mid-July. The five-category producer should be stashed in all fantasy leagues while he recovers. He's currently hitting .259/.323/.424 with a .747 OPS, 14 homers, 40 RBI, 46 runs, and 12 stolen bases in his 344 at-bats in 2026.
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
Willy Adames Recovers From Back Injury, in Action on Friday
San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames (back) is starting at the 6 and is hitting sixth for Friday's series opener in Denver against the division-rival Colorado Rockies and right-hander Ryan Feltner at Coors Field, per MLB.com. Adames will return to kick off the holiday weekend and will be trying to extend his modest hitting streak to five games after sitting out the last three games with lower-back spasms. The 30-year-old Dominican infielder has been a drain in batting average and on-base percentage, but he still has high-end power from the shortstop position with 14 long balls in his 321 at-bats in 2026. Adames really struggled at the plate in June, going 17-for-86 (.198) with six home runs, three doubles, nine RBI, 12 runs scored, seven walks, and 26 strikeouts across 23 games and 93 plate appearances. He'll have to turn things around against Feltner to extend his hitting streak, as he's batting .071 with a .204 OPS in 14 career at-bats against Feltner. With Adames back in action, utility man Casey Schmitt will start at third base and bat second on Friday.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Carlos Rodon has Heavy Inflammation in his Elbow
New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon (elbow) said that he doesn't have any damage to his UCL, but he's dealing with heavy inflammation in his elbow, according to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. Rodon is hoping that he doesn't need a long recovery process. The Yankees placed the 33-year-old veteran on the 15-day injured list on Friday, which means he won't pitch again before the All-Star break. However, barring a setback once he resumes throwing, Rodon could have a shot to rejoin the team's starting rotation for the start of the second half later this month. In his 12th year in the big leagues (fourth with the Yankees), Rodon has gone 4-2 with a 3.30 ERA (3.46 FIP) and 1.25 WHIP with 52 strikeouts and 26 walks in 46 1/3 innings pitched across nine starts. He got a late start to 2026 after having surgery last October to remove loose bodies in his left elbow. Durability is obviously a concern with the veteran southpaw moving forward, but fantasy managers should keep him stashed in an IL spot for the second half of 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner
Orioles Place Ryan Helsley on Injured List With Elbow Discomfort
The Baltimore Orioles announced on Friday that they placed right-handed closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to June 30) with right-elbow discomfort and recalled right-handed reliever Anthony Nunez from Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move. It's a bad sign after Helsley already missed two months with inflammation in his right elbow earlier this year. The 31-year-old two-time All-Star has gone 0-4 in his first year with the O's with an elevated 4.11 ERA (4.68 FIP), 1.43 WHIP, eight saves, 21 strikeouts, and nine walks in 15 1/3 innings pitched. Helsley will now be out through the All-Star break and could struggle to return to Baltimore before the calendar flips to August. Veteran Andrew Kittredge could get some save opportunities given his experience, but the name fantasy managers want to target off the waiver wire is Rico Garcia, who picked up his first four career saves back when Helsley was on the IL the first time.
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Caleb Love Lands Two-Way Contract With 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have signed guard Caleb Love to a two-way contract on Friday, according to Shams Charania. Love joined the Portland Trail Blazers this past season as an undrafted free agent. Across 49 games, Love averaged 10.4 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 rebounds across 20.7 minutes per game. There's potential here for Love to turn into a decent scoring option, but the Sixers might not be the best landing spot. The team already has plenty of guards, so Love is unlikely to play consistent minutes unless the team suffers multiple injuries. The 24-year-old is a solid depth piece, but he's unlikely to be a viable fantasy option.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Christian Walker Returns on Friday Following Back Injury
Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker (back) is starting at first base and batting cleanup for Houston in Friday's contest against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays and right-hander Nick Martinez at Daikin Park, according to MLB.com. Walker will return to the starting nine following an off day on Thursday after he was removed from Wednesday's series finale early against the Minnesota Twins with stiffness in his lower back. Fantasy managers are hoping that the 35-year-old veteran right-handed slugger can get his bat going again with the All-Star break approaching quickly. After a hot start in 2026, Walker went 23-for-103 (.223) with three homers, six doubles, a triple, 13 RBI, nine runs scored, nine walks, and 31 strikeouts in 26 games in June to drop his season slash line down to .239/.310/.469 with a .780 OPS in 361 plate appearances. He has a good matchup to get back on track, as he's hitting .500 with a 1.371 OPS, one homer, and four RBI in 12 career at-bats against Martinez. Get Walker back in your starting fantasy lineups in traditional formats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
