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Willson Contreras Playing Through Sore Hamstring
Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (hamstring) hasn't looked right lately and was seen grabbing at his hamstring after flying out in his first plate appearance on Tuesday against the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays, although he stayed in the game, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Contreras has been one of the team's most consistent hitters all season long, but he has just one home run in an 18-game stretch, dating back to July 20, after going 0-for-4 with a strikeout on Tuesday night. Fantasy managers will want to check in on Contreras to see if he's active for Wednesday's contest in Toronto against right-hander Jose Soriano. The 34-year-old Venezuelan veteran and former catcher has a .280/.389/.523 slash line and a career-best .912 OPS with 23 home runs, 70 RBI, 58 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 109 games and 447 plate appearances in his first year in Beantown. Since July 25, Contreras has gone 7-for-40 (.175) with a homer, four RBI, six runs scored, 10 walks, and 17 strikeouts in 14 games. It's possible that his offensive production has suffered of late while playing at less than 100%.
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
Jose Altuve to Get More Imaging on his Foot on Wednesday
Houston Astros second baseman/outfielder Jose Altuve (foot) had imaging on his foot, which came back negative, manager Joe Espada told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Altuve will go for more imaging on Wednesday after being removed from the game following a hit-by-pitch on his left foot against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday. The 36-year-old veteran, former MVP, and nine-time All-Star was diagnosed with just a contusion, which gives fantasy managers hope that he won't need a stint on the injured list. Check back soon to see if he's available to play in Wednesday's series finale in the Bay Area against the Giants and right-hander Adrian Houser. Altuve is no longer in his prime in his 16th year in the majors, but he's still rostered in 80% of Yahoo leagues and has a .240/.304/.391 slash line with a .695 OPS, 13 home runs, 35 RBI, 54 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 96 games and 409 plate appearances. He's off to a good start in 10 games in August, going 11-for-34 (.324) with a homer, a double, five RBI, and five runs scored.
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Riley Greene Dealing With Hamstring Injury
Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene (hamstring) left Tuesday's game early against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians due to tightness in his right hamstring, according to the team. Fantasy managers should consider Greene to be day-to-day for now and check back later on Wednesday to see if he's in the starting lineup for the contest against the visiting Guardians and left-hander Foster Griffin. The 25-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has sacrificed power for more contact in 2026 in his fifth year in the big leagues with Detroit, slashing .273/.366/.450 with an .816 OPS, 16 home runs, 54 RBI, 65 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 117 games across 492 plate appearances. The three-time All-Star (each of the last three years) had a career-best 36 long balls and 111 RBI in 157 regular-season games a year ago, so fantasy managers hoping for another 30-homer campaign in 2026 have been disappointed. Greene has struggled so far in August in eight games, going 6-for-28 (.214) with a homer, a double, an RBI, seven runs, three walks, and 12 strikeouts. Fantasy managers probably should expect him to sit out on Wednesday against a lefty, especially after tweaking his hamstring on Tuesday.
Source: Detroit Tigers
Source: Detroit Tigers
Brice Turang Suffers Sprained Thumb on Tuesday
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (thumb) suffered a sprained thumb in the loss to the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Tuesday, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. "Might not be the best time," manager Pat Murphy said. Milwaukee's middle-infield depth is being tested right now after the Brewers put infielder Cooper Pratt (hamstring) on the injured list on Sunday. For now, fantasy managers should consider Turang as day-to-day, but don't be surprised if he's not in the lineup for Wednesday's contest against the Padres or if he lands on the IL himself. Milwaukee starts a big series in Los Angeles against the Dodgers on Thursday night. Turang is a nice power/speed option at the keystone in fantasy and is currently slashing .269/.361/.453 with a career-high .814 OPS, 16 home runs, 75 RBI, 16 stolen bases, and 74 runs scored in 114 games in 2026 in his fourth year in the majors. He's three home runs from setting a new career high and well within reach of the first 20-20 campaign of his career.
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Nick Kurtz Unlikely to Return This Season
MLB.com's Martin Gallegos writes that "it's looking unlikely" that Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) will return this season. Kurtz's platelet-rich plasma injection on Aug. 4 went well, but he has to be in a brace for four weeks after that. "Four weeks of no mobility. You probably can do the timeline and think through the scenarios in front of us for Nick," manager Mark Kotsay said. The 23-year-old left-handed slugger is trying to recover from a right-thumb strain, but with time running out in the season and with the A's sitting at 47-72 overall and well out of the postseason race, the probability is low that Kurtz will return in 2026. Jeff McNeil and rookie Tommy White should continue to split playing time at first base in Sacramento the rest of the way if Kurtz is unable to return. Kurtz's injury is a big blow for fantasy managers, as the former first-rounder has 57 total home runs and 155 RBI in 216 games and 923 plate appearances in his first two MLB seasons since debuting in 2025.
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Shane Drohan Remains an Appealing Waiver Wire Target Despite Recent Struggles
Across 93 innings in 2026, Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Shane Drohan has recorded a 6-4 record with a 3.87 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 93 strikeouts. The 27-year-old has run into some struggles of late, allowing 13 earned runs across his last 17 innings (three starts). However, Drohan has had an impressive first year in the big leagues overall. He's done a nice job of both limiting walks (7.2% walk rate) and home runs (0.87 HR/9). Drohan's 23.8% strikeout rate is not eye-popping, but it's a solid mark for a left-hander with his profile and versatile pitch mix. He's also gone at least six innings in five out of his last six starts, which gives him an excellent chance to rack up wins while pitching for the Brewers. Even amidst his recent rough patch, Drohan is worth targeting on the waiver wire as a starting pitcher streamer.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyle Karros' Balanced Production Gives Him Waiver-Wire Appeal
Across 396 plate appearances this season, Colorado Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros is hitting .265/.361/.424 with 10 home runs, 44 RBI, 58 runs scored, and five stolen bases. The 24-year-old struggled to a .585 OPS across 156 plate appearances after making his MLB debut in 2025, but he's emerged as Colorado's everyday third baseman with a stellar second season in 2026. Karros' power profiles as roughly average, as he's logged an 8.0% barrel rate and a 41.6% hard-hit rate. However, his excellent 11.9% walk rate provides him with a stable production floor, and playing his home games at Coors Field should continue to prop up his batting average. With his well-rounded profile at the plate, Karros profiles as a useful piece to target on the waiver wire across most league formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Walbert Urena Has Established Himself as a Priority Waiver-Wire Target
Los Angeles Angels right-hander Walbert Urena has been one of the team's lone bright spots so far this season, recording a 7-8 record with a 2.83 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 97 strikeouts across 101 2/3 innings (21 games). The 22-year-old's slightly inflated WHIP is a symptom of his issues with command, as he's logged a 12.6% walk rate. However, Urena's power sinker has helped him earn a stellar 54% ground ball rate. He's also been extremely difficult to take deep, allowing just 0.53 HR/9. Urena's 22.2% strikeout rate limits his fantasy upside, but the young right-hander has been an effective innings eater already and has plenty of time to continue to get better. In most league formats, Urena should be a priority waiver wire target where available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Romano Picks Up Another Save on Tuesday
Colorado Rockies right-hander Jordan Romano notched his 11th total save and seventh save with Colorado on Tuesday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning in his team's 3-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Romano began the year with the Los Angeles Angels and struggled to a 10.13 ERA across 11 appearances before being released. However, he's been effective since latching on with the Rockies. Across 10 2/3 innings with Colorado, Romano has recorded a 3.38 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, and seven saves. Romano's walk rate is concerningly high at 13.2%, and his average fastball velocity is down to a career-worst 94.1 miles per hour. Still, he's posted a solid 28.6% strikeout rate, and he appears to be the clear preferred option in the ninth inning for the Rockies. In deeper league formats, Romano should be scooped up off the waiver wire.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
JT Brubaker Earns Save on Tuesday, Emerging as a Waiver-Wire Target?
San Francisco Giants right-hander JT Brubaker picked up his second save of the season on Tuesday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning in his team's 4-1 win over the Houston Astros. Brubaker has largely worked in a multi-inning relief role for the Giants so far in 2026, recording a 3.34 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with 37 strikeouts across 56 2/3 innings (37 games). However, San Francisco made some notable subtractions from their bullpen at the trade deadline by sending out Erik Miller and Caleb Kilian (oblique). As a result, Brubaker could now be part of the mix at the end of games. The 32-year-old does not have typical closer stuff, as he's averaging just 93.2 miles per hour on his fastball and has posted a 16.1% strikeout rate. Still, he's a veteran who has been fairly productive for the Giants this season. In deep leagues, Brubaker could be worth a dart throw on the waiver wire.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Andrew Kittredge Remains a Worthy Waiver-Wire Target
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Andrew Kittredge picked up his sixth save of the season on Tuesday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning with a strikeout in his team's 5-2 win over the Minnesota Twins. Across 35 1/3 innings (41 games) in 2026, Kittredge has recorded a 3.57 ERA and 1.33 WHIP with 30 strikeouts. The 36-year-old has been a reliable arm for Baltimore of late, allowing just two earned runs since the start of July. With Orioles closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) on the injured list, Kittredge has also recorded three saves in his last six outings. The Orioles also have right-handers Yennier Cano and Rico Garcia as capable high-leverage arms, so fantasy managers should not expect Kittredge to be the sole closer in Baltimore. Still, Kittredge is worth targeting on the waiver wire in deeper league formats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Roman Anthony Nearing a Rehab Assignment
According to Tim Healy, Boston Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said outfielder Roman Anthony (finger) is getting closer to a minor-league rehab assignment. Anthony is hitting off a high-tech pitching machine, which is normally the last step before facing live pitching. He has been hitting in the batting cage and seems extremely close to getting back into game action. Anthony has been out since early May due to a partially torn tendon in his right ring finger. Barring any setbacks, Anthony has a chance to return to the Red Sox lineup by late August or early September.
Source: Tim Healey
Source: Tim Healey
Shane McClanahan Making Rehab Start on Tuesday
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (back) is scheduled to take the ball for Triple-A Durham on Tuesday. It's good to see the southpaw getting back on the mound. McClanahan has been sidelined since the end of July due to back tightness. The expectation is that McClanahan will require one or two more rehab starts to build up his stamina before returning to the Rays rotation. Barring any setbacks, fantasy managers should expect McClanahan to return before the end of August. He should take over Griffin Jax's (elbow) spot in the rotation, with him recently landing on the shelf.
Source: Durham Bulls
Source: Durham Bulls
Trey Yesavage Week-to-Week After Having Knee Surgery
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Trey Yesavage (knee) underwent surgery to repair his torn meniscus on Tuesday. He underwent successful left knee surgery and is now considered week-to-week, according to Mitch Bannon. The Jays haven't ruled out him for the rest of the season, but it's going to be tough for return in time for any regular season action. If the Jays somehow get into the playoffs, Yesavage might be an option, but otherwise, his season is probably over. This season, Yesavage posted a 3.65 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and a 91/46 K/BB ratio across 18 starts. Fantasy managers in redraft formats can start looking for a replacement.
Source: Mitch Bannon
Source: Mitch Bannon
Yankees Promote Pitching Prospect Bradley Hanner to Big Leagues
According to Jeff Passan, the New York Yankees are calling up right-handed pitching prospect Bradley Hanner on Tuesday. The Yankees are looking to bolster their bullpen, so hopefully Hanner can offer some relief. He owns a 2.28 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and a 61:24 K:BB in 40 appearances with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season. Hanner is a former 21st-round pick of the Minnesota Twins from the 2019 draft. He could be an interesting late-inning option for the Yankees, assuming he can translate his game to the big league level. He's someone deep league managers should keep an eye on.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
