Ryan Feltner Throws 66 Pitches in Rehab Outing
Ryan Feltner (back) threw 66 pitches in his latest rehab outing with Triple-A Albuquerque on June 27. In this outing, Feltner allowed seven hits and six runs (five earned) across 3 2/3 innings of work. The 28-year-old has been on the 60-day injured list with back spasms since being shut down in late April. During the opening month of the campaign, Feltner logged 30 1/3 innings to the tune of a 4.75 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP. So far, Feltner has made three rehab appearances (8 1/3 innings) but has struggled, posting a high 6.48 ERA. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he is expected to make at least one more rehab outing with Triple-A before being in contention to return to Colorado. When he does return, he will likely slot in at the back of the starting rotation and only carry value in deeper NL-only formats.Source: MLB.com
Colorado Rockies right-handed pitcher Spencer Arrighetti Throws Second Bullpen Session
Spencer Arrighetti (thumb) threw a second bullpen session on Friday at the team's facility in West Palm Beach, Florida. Arrighetti broke the thumb on his pitching hand back in April when he was hit by a batting practice fly ball while playing catch pre-game in Seattle. That stroke of bad luck seems likely to keep him out until after the All-Star break, as he'll likely need a full ramp-up period before he returns. Arrighetti has thrown just 9 2/3 innings (two starts) in 2025 with a 5.59 ERA (3.78 xERA). He posted a stellar 27.1% strikeout rate across 145 innings pitched in 2024, but also walked too many (10.3% walk rate), leading to a 1.41 WHIP. Arrighetti could be an excellent source of strikeouts and wins for fantasy managers in the second half of the season.Source: MLB.com
Houston Astros starter Luis Garcia Throwing Live Batting Practice
Luis Garcia (elbow) has progressed to throwing live batting practice sessions while working out in Florida. Garcia underwent Tommy John surgery in May of 2023 and has struggled with multiple setbacks in his attempt to return. In March of this year, he was scratched from a scheduled bullpen session after feeling soreness in his pitching elbow. Since he hasn't pitched in a major league game in over two years, Garcia is likely still far away from returning to the mound. He was solid in a small sample size in 2023, pitching to a 4.00 ERA with a 27% strikeout rate in 27 innings pitched. However, the Astros will be cautious with Garcia even if he returns in 2025, and he may not see a fantasy-relevant workload this season.Source: MLB.com
Houston Astros starter Zach Eflin Dealing with Lower-Back Strain
Zach Eflin (back) suffered a lower back strain while warming up in the bullpen before his start on Saturday, per MLB.com's Jake Rill. Eflin attempted to pitch through the injury and got clobbered, allowing five hits and four runs in one inning of work against the Tampa Bay Rays. According to Rill, Eflin will undergo imaging, and the team is unsure whether he'll be placed on the injured list. The veteran right-hander has pitched to a 5.95 ERA and 1.44 WHIP with just 42 strikeouts across 62 innings (12 starts) this season. Much of that damage has come recently, as he's allowed 17 earned runs in his last nine innings pitched (three starts). Eflin may have been trying to work through lower back issues for an extended stretch, which could explain his recent struggles.Source: Jake Rill - MLB.com
Baltimore Orioles starter Yordan Alvarez Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
Yordan Alvarez (hand) could be nearing a return from the injured list. The slugger has been out since May 2 after sustaining a fracture in his right hand. Alvarez took 25 swings in the batting cage on Saturday and plans to do the same on Sunday, hoping he can return before the All-Star Break on July 14. Before getting hurt, Alvarez had struggled to a .210/.306/.340 slash line with three home runs and 18 RBI in 121 plate appearances. However, his walk rate (13.4%) and strikeout rate (17.4%) were still in line with career norms, and his xBA (.246) and xSLG (.495) point to better days ahead. With his strong career track record, Alvarez remains a must-start in all formats upon his return.Source: MLB
Houston Astros designated hitter/outfielder Konnor Griffin Collects Three Hits, Steals Two More Bases
Konnor Griffin continued to impress on Saturday in his first run through High-A pitching, collecting another three hits in four at-bats, driving in one run and scoring once while swiping two bags for Greensboro. The 2024 first-rounder is 23-for-63 (.365) in 16 games since his promotion to High-A, including five doubles, three home runs, 12 RBI, 17 runs scored, 11 steals, and a 9:12 BB:K. He clearly does not appear to be overmatched, although at just 19 years old, there's no need to rush him to the next level. Still, he appears destined for a taste of Double-A before the season is out, and could see a big jump higher from his current spot at No. 31 on MLB.com's top prospects list the next time the list is refreshed.Source: MiLB.com
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop/outfield prospect Lazaro Montes Homers in Second Straight Game, Leads Minors with 21
Lazaro Montes went deep again on Saturday, going 1-for-3 with two walks and his 21st home run of the year. It was his third home run in five games since being promoted to Double-A, now 4-for-19 (.211) with all four hits going for extra bases, while also logging a 6:5 BB:K. The 21 home runs are the most in all the minor leagues, and after belting 21 all of last year as a 19-year-old, he'll blow past that number in 2025. The Mariners' second-ranked prospect should continue to add to his resume and is on track for a debut in the majors at some point next season.Source: MiLB.com
Seattle Mariners outfield prospect Cam Caminiti Strikes Out Eight on Saturday at Single-A
Didier Fuentes the latest example, so dynasty managers should be considering stashing the Braves' top prospect away in the event he arrives sooner than expected.Source: MiLB.com
Atlanta Braves pitching prospect Cam Caminiti logged another good performance for Single-A Augusta on Saturday, allowing one earned run on three hits (one home run) with no walks while striking out eight in just four innings of work. He also hit one batter. In four starts for the GreenJackets, the lefty owns a 2.93 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and has 22 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings pitched. The Braves' 2024 first-round draft pick missed the first part of this year due to forearm tendinitis, but has looked good so far. The 18-year-old could spend the majority of 2025 at Single-A, but has the stuff to get a look at High-A later this year. Although he's young and likely a few years away from the majors, the organization hasn't been shy about fast-tracking pitchers to the majors, with the recently turned 20-year-old Kevin Porter Jr. Declining Player Option
Kevin Porter Jr. has decided to decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent. It was only a $2.5 million option, so it's not shocking to see Porter decline it. He averaged 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across 19.9 minutes per game in 30 games last season with the Bucks. It's unclear what the Bucks are going to do at point guard with Damian Lillard (Achilles) likely to miss most of the season. The Bucks are limited on funds, so we'll see what they decide to do this offseason. Porter's fantasy value is dependent on where he lands this offseason.Source: The Athletic
Milwaukee Bucks guard Masataka Yoshida Beginning Rehab Assignment on Tuesday
Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment on Tuesday. This is good news as Yoshida has been sidelined all season due to offseason shoulder surgery. That being said, Yoshida is going to play quite a few rehab games before returning to the big league roster. The hope is that Yoshida will be able to return after the All-Star break. He exclusively served as the designated hitter last season, but could get some reps in the outfield. It's uncertain if he'll get regular playing time in Boston, so Yoshida isn't someone that needs to be rostered right now.Source: Mike Monaco
Boston Red Sox outfielder Hagen Smith Activated Off Injured List, Strikes Out Three in Return
Hagen Smith (elbow) was activated from the 7-day IL on Saturday and made the start for Double-A Birmingham. The lefty was limited, though, facing just six batters in 1 2/3 innings, allowing no runs on one hit and one walk while striking out three. Chicago's third-ranked prospect had been out of action since May 10 after experiencing soreness in his pitching elbow. The fifth overall pick in last year's draft made seven starts at Double-A Birmingham earlier this season before the flare-up with his elbow, posting a 2.10 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and an elite 39.3 percent strikeout rate. The WHIP was on the high side due to an 18.7 percent walk rate, but assuming he can clean that up, some time at Triple-A later this year is possible. The 21-year-old could be making a fantasy impact as soon as next season, so dynasty and redraft managers alike should keep an eye on how he finishes the rest of the way.Source: MLB Pipeline
Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Jordan Walker Could Return on Wednesday
Jordan Walker (appendicitis) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Saturday. Cards' manager Oliver Marmol said that Walker should return to the big league club when first eligible, which is Wednesday. Walker has been sidelined since late June due to an appendicitis. The right-handed slugger continues to struggle to adjust to big league pitching. He's slashing .210/.267/.295 with three home runs and 23 RBI in 55 games this season. The potential is there, but Walker isn't someone that needs to be rostered in most fantasy formats right now.Source: John Denton
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Triston McKenzie Removed Early on Saturday
Triston McKenzie (illness) was only able to make it through two-thirds of an inning before being removed on Saturday. McKenzie was pulled out of his start at the Arizona Complex League due to illness. The right-hander has only made four appearances with the big league club this season. He allowed seven earned runs on seven hits, and walked seven batters before being optioned to the minors. McKenzie has struggled with a 7.24 ERA in seven appearances at the rookie-level. It's uncertain if McKenzie will get back up to the majors, so there's no reason to roster him in fantasy leagues.Source: Guadians Prospective
Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Emmet Sheehan's Next Start Will be at Triple-A
Emmet Sheehan's next start won't be with the Dodgers, rather, he will get another turn at Triple-A Oklahoma City, according to manager Dave Roberts. Sheehan dazzled in his last start for Oklahoma City, tossing six perfect innings without allowing a hit or a walk while striking out 13 of the 18 batters he faced. The 25-year-old also made one start for Los Angeles earlier this month, in which he also looked good, striking out six batters compared to just one walk in four innings of work. The 6-foot-5 hurler could rejoin the big league club after his next start, although with Tyler Glasnow potentially returning in two weeks, it could leave Sheehan in a relief role unless the team were to go to a six-man rotation. Fantasy managers in need of pitching that also have an available bench or NA spot may want to consider stashing him and see how it shakes out.Source: Bill Plunkett
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Jonathan Cannon Starting on Sunday
Jonathan Cannon (back) will be activated off the 15-day injured list and start against the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. Cannon has been sidelined since early June due to a lower back strain. He only made one rehab appearance where he threw three scoreless innings. That being said, Cannon probably isn't stretched out yet, so he could be limited on Sunday. He has a 4.66 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 51/21 K/BB ratio across 12 games (10 starts) this season. Cannon isn't a recommended streaming option for Sunday's slate.Source: Jack Ankony
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jorge Soler Nearing Return
Jorge Soler (back) was able to take batting practice ahead of Saturday's game. According to Jeff Fletcher, Soler could be activated from the injured list soon. Soler landed on the injured list on June 20 due to lower back inflammation. He has been doing defensive drills, running, and now swinging the bat. It sounds like Soler could return when first eligible, which is Monday. LaMonte Wade and Gustavo Campero have been splitting up duties in right field while Soler is out. Soler has been quiet with the bat this season and is really only worth a look in deep leagues.Source: Jeff Fletcher
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Royce Lewis Could Return on Tuesday
Royce Lewis (hamstring) is hopeful to rejoin the big league club on Tuesday. Lewis is currently hitless during two rehab games, but the team feels he's on the verge of returning. He'll likely need to play some third base before being activated. If not Tuesday, Lewis might return a few days after that if he needs a few more at-bats. Before getting injured, Lewis was struggling with a .202/.282/.303 with two homers and nine RBI this season. He has been on and off the injured list throughout his career, so hopefully he'll be able to get in some consistent playing time now.Source: mlb.com
Minnesota Twins infielder Carson Hocevar Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
Source: Racing Reference
After driving from 26th to second in the February Atlanta race, Carson Hocevar had another stellar run there on Saturday night as he drove from 30th to 10th despite getting caught up in the Lap 70 Big One. In the first stage, Hocevar arguably demonstrated winning speed as he drove from his subpar starting spot to finish fifth in Stage 1, but he pitted during the Stage 1 caution and almost all the other drivers who did crashed on the ensuing restart, while the drivers who stayed out mostly did not. Nonetheless, he didn't have as much damage as a lot of other drivers, which allowed him to receive the free pass on the next caution and make up his lost lap. He laid low for the remainder of Stage 2, probably to avoid crashing again, but re-emerged in the top 10 in the last 60 laps. Although he remains 62 points below the playoff cut line, he did upset Ryan Blaney to advance to Round 2 in the in-season challenge.William Byron Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Source: Racing Reference
William Byron retained a 37-point lead in the regular season NASCAR Cup Series championship despite being eliminated in the lap 70 Big One because most of the other top points contenders also crashed. Byron was very fast like his Hendrick teammates except Kyle Larson, driving from his 18th place starting to position to finish 4th in Stage 1. However, most of the drivers who ran up front in Stage 1 elected to pit while nine drivers stayed out. Since the wreck started with eighth-place Denny Hamlin on the next restart, almost all the cars who pitted on that caution crashed while those who stayed out did not. Although the crash did not really affect Byron's playoff position much, it did eliminate him from the In-Season Challenge as Byron's opponent Ryan Preece finished the race.Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Source: Racing Reference
Although Denny Hamlin entered NASCAR's In-Season Challenge as the No. 1 seed at Atlanta, Hamlin was mostly a nonfactor, only driving from 33rd to 28th in Stage 1 before staying out of the pits on the stage break caution, which elevated him to seventh. On the ensuing restart, Chris Buescher let off the gas to avoid running into Chase Elliott, which triggered a stackup that caused Justin Haley to run into Buescher, John Hunter Nemechek to run into Haley, Hamlin to run into Nemechek, and Todd Gilliland to run into Hamlin, triggering the race's 23-car Big One. Since Hamlin's bracket opponent Ty Dillon mostly averted the wreck, Hamlin was eliminated from bracket contention. His playoff position didn't shift much since points leader William Byron also crashed and Hamlin ended up only losing two points to him, now sitting 80 points behind.Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Source: Racing Reference
Despite entering NASCAR's in-season challenge as the 32nd and last seed, Ty Dillon utilized a fast Kaulig Racing car and a nifty move to swerve around the Big One in Saturday's Atlanta race to finish eighth, giving him his first top-10 finish at Atlanta and first of the season. It allowed him to upset top seed Denny Hamlin, whose spinout in a restart stackup caused him to crash out of the race. However, even after the crash, Dillon was barely running in the top 15 until he broke into the top 10 before a caution came out shortly before the race's halfway point. Despite dropping to 20th on Lap 168, he recovered and ran as high as third before somewhat fading. Although he isn't remotely in the playoff picture and this was one of his last two chances to win, he still has a lot to hang his hat on.Mike Trout Leaves the Yard in Win
Mike Trout went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in his team's 8-2 win against the visiting Washington Nationals. He also drew a walk and struck out. The 33-year-old clobbered his thirteenth long ball of the season off Nationals' reliever Zach Brzykcy to tie the score at two apiece, and kick off what would be a six-run seventh inning. Trout's overall .231/.345/.447 season line doesn't appear noteworthy at first glance, but he's been much better in June (.272/.423/.383) aside from the lack of extra-base hits. Furthermore, he boasts his best average exit velocity (92.5 MPH) and hard-hit rate (54.1%) since 2020. Expect his average to continue rising.Source: ESPN
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jonathan Aranda Crushes 10th Homer
Jonathan Aranda went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 11-3 road win against the Baltimore Orioles. He also walked and struck out. Tampa Bay jumped on Orioles' starter Zach Eflin early, scoring four runs in the top of the first, which Aranda supplied half of. His tenth homer of the season left the bat at a scorching 111.1 MPH and landed outside the stadium a whopping 467 feet away. The 27-year-old is enjoying a breakout season at the dish, with a 99th percentile .316 xBA and various other quality of contact metrics and expected stats in the top 10% of hitters. Aranda sports a blistering .330/.411/.504 triple slash through 78 appearances.Source: ESPN
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Gavin Sheets Tallies Three Extra-Base Hits
Gavin Sheets went 3-for-5 with a three-run home run in his team's 6-4 victory over the hosting Cincinnati Reds. He added two doubles. Sheets is up to seven two-baggers in the month and has chipped in two dingers and a triple for good measure. Despite racking up the extra-base hits, the Wake Forest product's production has dipped some in June (.258) compared to the month prior (.275). Still, he has significantly improved his quality of contact metrics this season and is right on his .266 xBA (.265). Sheets' move to San Diego has suited him well, as he's set to smash personal bests across the board while batting in the heart of the Friars' order.Source: ESPN
San Diego Padres outfielder Kyle Tucker Posts Massive Line Vs. Former Team
Kyle Tucker went 4-for-5 with a three-run home run in Saturday's 12-3 win against the Houston Astros. He also singled twice, doubled, stole a base, and scored four times. The fantasy superstar put up an enormous box score against his former team, mashing homer No. 17, and bringing his theft total to 20. Tucker is crushing in June to the tune of a .314/.410/.581 slash line with five long balls, eight doubles, four steals, 13 RBI, and 18 runs scored. He's up to a .291 average in his first season with Chicago, and has largely been worth his selection in fantasy drafts earlier this year.Source: ESPN
Chicago Cubs outfielder Tyler Glasnow Nearing Return
Tyler Glasnow (shoulder) will likely need two more rehab appearances before rejoining the big-league squad. Glasnow built up to 66 pitches in his second outing back from a shoulder issue that cropped up late in April. However, per manager Dave Roberts, they'd have liked for him to have gotten through four innings (2 1/3), so he'll continue building back up over the next few turns. Unless something changes, the California native figures to return to the Dodgers following the All-Star break. He boasted a 4.50 ERA and 1.28 WHIP across his first five starts before the injury.Source: Jack Harris
The Los Angeles Times' Jack Harris reports that Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Brent Rooker Goes Yard in Win
Brent Rooker mashed his 17th home run of the season in the club's 7-0 blowout of the New York Yankees on Saturday. Rooker's fourth-inning solo blast off right-hander Clarke Schmidt was his lone hit in a 1-for-4 day. He also reached base on a walk. The 30-year-old slugger is batting a productive .271/.348/.485 with 44 RBI, 52 runs scored, and a career-best 20.8% strikeout rate in 371 plate appearances. While Rooker is still behind last year's 39-HR, 112-RBI pace, it bodes well that he ranks in the league's 92nd percentile or better in xBA, xwOBA, and xSLG.Source: ESPN
Athletics designated hitter/outfielder Sandy Alcantara Struggles on Saturday
Sandy Alcantara was hit around in an 8-7 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday. Alcantara yielded seven earned runs on a season-worst 10 hits with four strikeouts and no walks in six innings. He did not factor into the decision. The former Cy Young winner had gone four straight starts with at least five innings pitched and two or fewer runs allowed. However, his ERA now sits at an unsightly 6.98 with a 1.48 WHIP and 63:34 K:BB across 80 frames. The 29-year-old has been prone to blowups, having surrendered five or more earned runs six times in 16 outings. He's scheduled to take the mound July 4 against a respectable Milwaukee Brewers offense.Source: ESPN
Miami Marlins right-hander Quinn Priester Fans 11 in One-Hit Gem
Quinn Priester turned in the best performance of his young career in a 5-0 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Saturday. The 24-year-old improved to 6-2 after throwing seven innings of scoreless ball with one hit allowed and 11 strikeouts against two walks. Michael Toglia's fifth-inning single was all the Rockies could muster against Priester, who threw 95 pitches and got 20 swinging strikes. It was a fantastic ending to a terrific June for Priester. He threw 27 innings this month and allowed just six earned runs. He'll head into July with a 3.35 ERA, 61:26 K:BB, and a 1.23 WHIP over 78 frames. Priester could begin next month on a high note with a start against the Miami Marlins on the 4th.Source: ESPN
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Sean Murphy Crushes Grand Slam in Win
Sean Murphy walloped a grand slam in the club's 6-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. Murphy came up with the Braves leading 2-1 in the bottom of the seventh and put the game out of reach with a 455-foot bomb off right-hander Jordan Romano. It was his first homer since May 29. He also doubled during a 2-for-4 night. Murphy is now hitting .225/.319/.450 with 10 HRs, 26 RBI, and 16 runs scored in 185 plate appearances. The former All-Star is one of eight catchers with double-digit HRs this year. However, being stuck in a timeshare with Drake Baldwin puts a damper on his fantasy value.Source: ESPN
Atlanta Braves catcher