RADIO
Mason Montgomery the Next Closer to Roster in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh Pirates left-handed reliever Mason Montgomery is pushing into the ninth-inning conversation as the club mixes its late-inning assignments. Montgomery struck out the side in a non-save ninth against Philadelphia on July 2, one inning after Gregory Soto handled the top of the order. The 26-year-old has a 4.50 ERA and 1.35 WHIP through 34 innings, but his 50 strikeouts are the main reason to speculate on him. No one has taken control of the job. Montgomery still has zero saves, Soto owns 11, and Dennis Santana has two, so fantasy managers are betting on the next opportunity rather than a settled role. FanGraphs lists all three in the closer committee, while RotoBaller recommends Montgomery in 12-team leagues. He is rostered in only 1% of Yahoo leagues and is worth adding for saves speculation, though managers should expect uneven ratios and a committee for now.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Braden Montgomery Worth a Waiver Claim for Power Upside?
Chicago White Sox right fielder Braden Montgomery has not delivered the home-run burst fantasy managers hoped for after his June 9 promotion, but there is enough here to justify a waiver claim. The 23-year-old is batting .244/.315/.415 with two homers, 12 runs, and eight RBI through 82 at-bats. He has also remained in the lineup, appearing 23 times in right field and once in center. Before the call-up, Montgomery hit .314/.422/.548 with 10 homers and 41 RBI over 210 minor-league at-bats. MLB Pipeline gives his power a 60 grade, and his first MLB sample includes a 90.0 mph average exit velocity and 43.5% hard-hit rate. The catch is a 62.9% ground-ball rate, which has kept too many hard-hit balls on the ground. Montgomery is rostered in 15% of Yahoo leagues and is worth adding in 12-team formats, matching RotoBaller's latest recommendation.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jung Hoo Lee a Must-Add for Batting Average and Speed?
San Francisco Giants right fielder Jung Hoo Lee has cooled since his big June, but there is still plenty here for fantasy managers to use. He is batting .317/.348/.452 with five home runs, 45 runs, 33 RBI, and six steals through 303 at-bats. Lee hit .340 with two homers, 17 runs, 12 RBI, and five steals in June, striking out only seven times in 102 plate appearances. The power is unlikely to take off. Lee owns a 29.3% hard-hit rate and 2.5% barrel rate, so fantasy managers should view the home runs as a bonus rather than the reason to add him. His contact ability, run production, and recent willingness to steal bases carry the value. Lee is rostered in 49% of Yahoo leagues, and RotoBaller's latest rankings recommend him in 12-team formats. He belongs on a roster in leagues of that size.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
JR Ritchie Earns Save in Long Relief, Worth Monitoring in Deep Leagues?
Atlanta Braves pitcher JR Ritchie made an immediate impact after his recall Saturday, tossing the final three innings of a 14-3 win over the Mets. The 23-year-old allowed three hits and one walk while striking out four, earning his first career save. Ritchie now carries a 4.53 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and 41 strikeouts over 43 2/3 innings. The save stemmed from the lopsided score and his three-inning workload rather than a shift into high-leverage relief. Atlanta recalled Ritchie primarily as rotation depth and long-relief help, and his 26 walks continue to be a concern. Still, as the Braves' No. 2 prospect, he offers upside through strikeouts and innings if he secures another rotation opportunity. Ritchie is worth monitoring in deeper leagues, especially if another spot opens, though his current role and control issues limit his appeal in standard mixed formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Grant Taylor Earns Third Save for White Sox, Back on the Fantasy Radar?
Chicago White Sox reliever Grant Taylor rebounded Saturday by closing out a 3-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians. He issued one walk and struck out one in a hitless ninth inning, earning his third save in six opportunities. The assignment was encouraging after Brayan Rocchio hit a walk-off two-run homer against Taylor on Thursday. Manager Will Venable went right back to the 24-year-old with another ninth-inning lead, and Taylor lowered his ERA to 2.96 with a 1.12 WHIP and 65 strikeouts through 45 2/3 innings. Chicago has not handed the job to one pitcher. Seranthony Dominguez still leads the club with 12 saves, while Bryan Hudson and Taylor have three apiece. Taylor's ability to work earlier or cover multiple innings may also limit his chances. Still, RotoBaller recommends him in 12-team leagues, and the strikeouts help when he is not closing. At 17% rostered on Yahoo, Taylor is worth another look for managers chasing saves.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Stephen Kolek Placed on Family Medical Emergency List
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Stephen Kolek (personal) was placed on the family medical emergency list on Saturday. Kolek will step away from the team for a period of time due to family matters. He was scheduled to take the ball against the New York Mets next week, but it's unclear if that's still going to happen. This season, Kolek owns a 4.50 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 34:12 K:BB ratio across 10 starts with the Royals. He has been tagged for 12 earned runs over his last two starts, so hopefully he'll get back on track after the All-Star break. In a corresponding move, right-hander Jose Cuas has been recalled to take the spot on the active roster.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Logan Henderson to be Activated Off the Injured List Next Week
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Logan Henderson (back) will be activated off the Injured List at some point this upcoming week. Henderson is ready to rejoin the Brewers rotation after making two rehab starts. He has been sidelined since May 22 due to a back strain. The assumption is that Henderson will be ready to pitch at some point during their upcoming series against the St. Louis Cardinals. This season, Henderson owns a 2.74 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and a 30:6 K/BB ratio across five starts with the Brewers. He's a decent mixed league option given his success before the injury.
Source: Curt Hogg
Source: Curt Hogg
Mike Trout Could Return on Tuesday
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (hamstring) took batting practice on the field ahead of Saturday's game against the Boston Red Sox. He said that he ran about 90 percent on Saturday without any pain. Barring any setbacks, Trout believes he could be back in the lineup as early as Tuesday. The superstar slugger has been sidelined since June 17 due to a right hamstring strain. He was also named to the American League All-Star Team on Saturday. Trout should be able to appear in that game in Philadelphia, assuming he doesn't suffer any setbacks. Fantasy managers should check back for an update on his status early next week.
Source: Jeff Fletcher
Source: Jeff Fletcher
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to Rest Back During All-Star Break
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (back) said he intends to sit out during the upcoming All-Star Game. Guerrero mentioned that he wants to rest his lingering back problem during the break. He mentioned that he's grateful for the fans voting him in, but he wants to focus on getting healthy for the second half of the season. The assumption is that Nick Kurtz will take over the starting spot with Guerrero opting out. Over the last month, Guerrero is 9-for-91 with one home run and 11 RBI. Hopefully, Guerrero will be back to the superstar slugger that we're used to seeing after the break.
Source: Shi Davidi
Source: Shi Davidi
Zack Gelof Activated Off the Injured List on Saturday
Athletics infielder Zack Gelof (hand) was activated off the 10-day Injured List on Saturday. Gelof is back in the mix after missing the minimum 10 days while recovering from a right-hand contusion. The A's felt that Gelof didn't need a rehab assignment, so he'll be back in the lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Miami Marlins. Through 62 games, Gelof is slashing .282/.336/.498 with 11 home runs, 29 RBI, and eight steals this season. He offers enough overall upside to warrant a look in all fantasy formats. He could be worth scooping up in leagues where he was dropped while on the shelf.
Source: Athletics PR
Source: Athletics PR
Ronald Acuna Jr. Takes Batting Practice on Saturday
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) was able to take batting practice ahead of Saturday's game against the New York Mets. This is an encouraging sign for the slugging outfielder who has been sidelined since early June due to a hamstring injury. The Braves will likely wait and see how Acuna feels after this before they make any more decisions. Braves manager Walt Weiss mentioned that it seems unlikely that Acuna will be ready to play before the All-Star break. The Braves are expected to take the cautious approach and hold out Acuna until later in July. Fantasy managers should check back for another update on his status in a few days.
Source: Grant McAuley
Source: Grant McAuley
Jackson Chourio is Absent on Saturday
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio is out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. This appears to be a routine rest day for Chourio, who hasn't been out of the lineup since June 3. The young slugger is slashing .292/.344/.583 with 10 home runs and 21 RBI over the last 30 days. His absence from the lineup isn't performance-based or injury-related, so fantasy managers should expect him back in the mix on Sunday. In the meantime, Jake Bauers will cover left field and bat third versus right-hander Merrill Kelly on Saturday.
Source: mlb.com
Source: mlb.com
Dodgers "Hopeful" Shohei Ohtani Will Return on Sunday
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (biceps) "feels considerably better" on Saturday, manager Dave Roberts told Maddie Lee of MLB.com. Ohtani is out of the starting lineup for the Fourth of July contest in L.A. against the division-rival San Diego Padres on Saturday night, as expected, but the Dodgers will "see how the day goes as far as availability tonight." Roberts said he's "hopeful" that Ohtani will be in the starting lineup for the series finale on Sunday. Ohtani was a little concerned about his right biceps muscle in his last at-bat in Friday's win over SD and was pulled as a precaution. He said it was in the same spot as something he felt a couple of months ago that resolved relatively quickly. Outfielder Andy Pages will serve as the Dodgers' designated hitter on Saturday and hit in the two-hole against Padres left-handed opener Wandy Peralta. The 31-year-old Ohtani should be considered day-to-day for now and looks likely to avoid a trip to the injured list just before the All-Star break. After a slow start at the plate, he quickly turned it around and is currently batting .288/.403/.524 with a .927 OPS, 18 homers, 50 RBI, 60 runs, and six steals in 309 at-bats. Ohtani isn't running as much, but he's still an elite five-category contributor as a hitter in 2026.
Source: MLB.com - Maddie Lee
Source: MLB.com - Maddie Lee
Thumb Injury Keeps Shea Langeliers Out on Saturday
Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (thumb) will not be in the team's starting lineup for Saturday's contest against the visiting Miami Marlins on the Fourth of July, according to MLB.com. Jonah Heim will catch right-hander Aaron Civale and will bat cleanup for the A's versus Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara. It's unclear how serious Langeliers' left-thumb injury is, but it's worth noting that the A's called up Brian Serven from Triple-A Las Vegas for more catching depth, which could be a sign that he could be on the verge of landing on the injured list, which would keep him out for the rest of the first half of the season. Langeliers was forced from Friday's game early with his thumb injury. The 28-year-old former ninth overall pick in 2019 out of Baylor University is a must-start in all fantasy leagues when he's healthy, as one of the best power-hitting catchers in baseball. He has hit .264 (87-for-330) with 20 long balls, 44 RBI, 51 runs, and two steals in 80 games so far in 2026. Heim will serve as the A's primary backstop for however long Langeliers is out.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Salvador Perez Not Ready to Return From Elbow Injury
Kansas City Royals catcher/first baseman Salvador Perez (elbow) remains out of the starting lineup for Saturday's contest against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies, according to MLB.com. Carter Jensen is doing the catching for right-hander Michael Wacha and will hit leadoff against Phillies left-hander Jesus Luzardo. It's the second straight game that Perez will sit due to soreness in his left elbow. It's not expected to be a serious injury, so fantasy managers could have the veteran backstop back on the field for Sunday's series finale at Kauffman Stadium. The 36-year-old nine-time All-Star might be on his last legs in his 15th year in the majors, as he enters play on Saturday sporting a rough .201/.241/.327 slash line with a career-low .568 OPS, 10 homers, 30 RBI, and 29 runs scored in his 81 games and 340 plate appearances. Since the start of June, he's gone 18-for-96 (.188) with a homer, four doubles, five RBI, eight runs scored, one walk, and 21 strikeouts.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
