RADIO
Elvis Alvarado Blows Wednesday's Save as Struggles Continue, Is it Time to Cut Ties?
Athletics relief pitcher Elvis Alvarado gave up two runs in the ninth inning, blowing a save against the Giants in his team's 2-1 loss. He gave up a home run to Rafael Devers to lead off the inning and then a walk-off homer to Victor Bericoto to end the game. He has allowed five runs in his last four games, allowing six hits over 5 1/3 innings, including four homers. Alvarado had worked his way into the team's closer rotation, but with his recent struggles, Hogan Harris seems like a better option in the short term. The Athletics will continue to shuffle pieces at the end of games, but for now, Alvarado doesn't seem like a strong play in standard-sized leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Rockies Turn to Jimmy Herget for Second Save, the Closer to Roster in Colorado?
Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Jimmy Herget came on to close out his team's comeback win on Wednesday over the Red Sox, and he earned his second save of the year. His first save came all the way back on April 1, but he has been effective lately, with no runs allowed in his last four appearances. In those 4 1/3 innings, he has allowed three hits and two walks but also racked up seven strikeouts. The 32-year-old righty has primarily served as a setup man for Antonio Senzatela, but Senzatela came in earlier on Wednesday to give the Rockies a chance to climb back into the game. While Senzatela is still the primary option to roster in Colorado's bullpen, Herget could be the next man up if Senzatela is traded or whenever he needs a break. He's a deep-league option at this point, and he's someone to monitor closely in standard leagues in case roles shift.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Samuel Basallo Up to 12 Homers After First Multi-Homer Game on Wednesday
Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo recorded the first multi-homer game of his career on Wednesday in the team's 7-6 loss in 10 innings to the hosting Los Angeles Angels. Basallo went 2-for-5 with two home runs, four RBI, and two strikeouts to raise his season batting average to .257 and his OPS to .782. It was nice to see Basallo have a good game after entering Wednesday's contest with a .177 average (11-for-62) with a homer, a double, six RBI, four runs, five walks, and 18 strikeouts in 19 games played in June. The 21-year-old Dominican backstop is now slashing .257/.317/.465 with 12 home runs, 35 RBI, and 29 runs scored in 249 plate appearances in his first full season in the big leagues with Baltimore. Basallo will need to improve against left-handed pitchers to take the next step offensively, but he hits righties enough to be an intriguing young fantasy asset at the position. He has hit .266 (45-for-169) against right-handers this year with 10 of his 12 home runs. Basallo is currently rostered in exactly half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Paul Goldschmidt Continues Resurgent Season, Homers Off Tigers Ace Twice
New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt certainly hasn't looked like an aging slugger in the Bronx in 2026. Goldschmidt had an impressive showing in Wednesday night's 4-2 win over the hosting Detroit Tigers, going 2-for-4 at the plate with two solo home runs off two-time Cy Young left-hander Tarik Skubal. It continues a theme of the former MVP victimizing left-handed pitchers. In his career against Skubal, Goldy is now 7-for-13 with four home runs. The 38-year-old former eighth-round pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2009 out of Texas State University is now slashing .297/.355/.568 with 14 home runs, 39 RBI, and 30 runs scored in his 211 plate appearances in 2026 in his second year in New York and 16th total MLB season. With an expected batting average of .259 and an xwOBA of .342 (currently .384), it appears the seven-time All-Star could be hitting above his skis currently, but he should probably be rostered in more than 38% of Yahoo leagues. Fantasy managers need to ride the wave while it lasts.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Tommy Edman a Priority Target on the Waiver Wire Following Return from Injury?
Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Tommy Edman had the start to his 2026 season delayed by recovery from offseason ankle surgery that kept him out until mid-June. Across 24 plate appearances since his return, the 31-year-old is hitting .364 with one RBI. Edman has seen time at second base, third base, and in left field, and his positional versatility should continue to keep him in the Dodgers lineup on a near-everyday basis. The veteran switch-hitter may no longer be the high-end speed threat he once was at his peak, as he's stolen just nine bases across 134 games since joining the Dodgers in 2024. Still, Edman hit 13 home runs with 49 RBI and 49 runs scored across 397 plate appearances for Los Angeles in 2025. As long as he continues to see regular playing time, Edman profiles as a high-floor contributor whose multi-positional versatility should make him an appealing waiver wire target for deep-league fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Addison Barger Still Worth Stashing Despite Slow Recovery?
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman/outfielder Addison Barger (elbow) will fly to Toronto to get checked out by the Blue Jays' medical staff before beginning a rehab assignment, per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. Barger was originally scheduled to begin a rehab assignment on Thursday, but Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that Barger's been experiencing soreness in his injured right elbow. It's been a lost season so far for the 26-year-old, who has logged just 28 MLB plate appearances in 2026 due to elbow and ankle issues. Barger was a key piece of Toronto's lineup against right-handed pitching in 2025, hitting .243/.301/.454 with 21 home runs, 74 RBI, 64 runs scored, and four stolen bases across 502 plate appearances. He could be worth stashing off the waiver wire ahead of his return, but fantasy managers should monitor to make sure he is still cleared to begin a rehab assignment following his meeting with the Blue Jays' medical team.
Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
Blake Snell Scheduled to Throw 15-Pitch Bullpen on Friday
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell (elbow) is scheduled to throw a 15-pitch, fastball-only bullpen on Friday, per David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports. Snell is working his way back from surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow, which he underwent on May 19. The 33-year-old also began the year on the injured list due to a shoulder issue, so he's thrown just three innings for the Dodgers in 2026. Snell was an effective pitcher when healthy in 2025, recording a 5-4 record with a 2.35 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 72 strikeouts across 61 1/3 innings (11 starts). However, the veteran left-hander's profile is riddled with injury risk, as he's reached 130 innings in just one season since 2018. While it's a positive sign that Snell appears to be progressing, he's likely still at least a few weeks away from going out on a rehab assignment.
Source: AM 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Source: AM 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Edward Cabrera Diagnosed With "Moderate" Left-Hamstring Strain
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (hamstring) has been diagnosed with a "moderate" left hamstring strain and does not have a timeline for his return, per Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network. Cabrera was removed early from his start on Tuesday against the New York Mets and immediately placed on the 15-day injured list due to the injury. It's been a rough first season in Chicago for the 28-year-old, who has recorded a 5-4 record with a 5.10 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 65 strikeouts across 72 1/3 innings (14 starts). While it's unclear how long Cabrera will be out, he may be looking at an extended absence based on how quickly he was placed on the injured list. Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd (knee, shoulder) is scheduled to come off the injured list on Thursday and will likely take Cabrera's place in the team's rotation.
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Taylor McGregor
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Taylor McGregor
Dansby Swanson Homers Twice, Drives in 11 in Doubleheader
Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson had a monster day on Wednesday in the team's two wins over the hosting New York Mets in Queens during their doubleheader. In the first game of the twin bill, a 10-3 win by the Cubs, Swanson went off, going 2-for-4 with two home runs, seven RBI, and two strikeouts out of the nine-hole in the batting order to boost his season average to .194 and his OPS to .670. In the nightcap in Game 2, Swanson kept rolling, going 3-for-5 with a triple, four more RBI, a run scored, a stolen base, and a strikeout to get his average just over the Mendoza Line at .202. The 32-year-old veteran's first home run in Game 1 was a three-run shot off starter Nolan McLean in the sixth inning, and his second homer was a grand slam in the eighth frame. Swanson got off to a miserable start at the plate for the Cubbies in 2026, but he now has four of his 11 homers on the year during his last six games, and he's riding a modest six-game hitting streak into Thursday's series finale against the last-place Mets. Fantasy managers are hoping that he can keep this up for a while longer.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Spencer Horwitz Exits Early on Wednesday With Left-Hamstring Discomfort
Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz (hamstring) was forced to exit early from his team's game against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday due to left hamstring discomfort. Horwitz was 0-1 with a walk in two trips to the plate before being removed from the game. The 28-year-old has been one of Pittsburgh's key pieces on offense so far this season, hitting .280/.386/.455 with 10 home runs, 33 RBI, 36 runs scored, and one stolen base across 295 plate appearances. Horwitz has emerged as the primary leadoff hitter in Pittsburgh and has the same number of walks (40) as strikeouts on the year. Pirates utility man Tyler Callihan took over at first base after Horwitz exited the game. If Horwitz hits the injured list, Callihan, outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez, and designated hitter Marcell Ozuna could all be in line for more playing time in Pittsburgh.
Source: Pittsburgh Pirates
Source: Pittsburgh Pirates
Braxton Ashcraft Keeps Rolling, Strikes Out 10 Against Seattle
Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Braxton Ashcraft had his third straight strong start on Wednesday night in an 11-1 blowout win at PNC Park against the Seattle Mariners. Ashcraft allowed just one earned run on five hits while walking none and striking out 10 in six innings of work for his seventh victory of the 2026 season. The strong start lowered his season ERA to 3.07. The lone run that the 26-year-old former second-rounder in 2018 gave up came in the first inning, but he settled down after that to shut the M's down. It was Ashcraft's third straight start with two runs allowed or fewer, and he has now held opponents to two runs or fewer while going at least six innings in six of his last 10 starts. In addition to his 3.07 ERA on the year, Ashcraft has posted a 1.09 WHIP with 107 strikeouts and only 22 walks in 96 2/3 innings pitched across 16 starts in his second year in the big leagues. His strong second year with Pittsburgh has boosted his fantasy appeal, and he's now rostered in almost 90% of Yahoo leagues. Ashcraft will be put to the test in his next scheduled outing on the road against the Philadelphia Phillies. In his first meeting at home against Philly on May 15, Ashcraft allowed four earned runs with no walks and five strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings for a no-decision.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Mick Abel Set to Undergo Arthroscopic Elbow Surgery
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Mick Abel (elbow) will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow, per Twins beat writer Aaron Gleeman. Gleeman reports that Minnesota will determine a timeline for Abel's return following the operation. Abel initially hit the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation in mid-April. The 24-year-old made two rehab appearances in June and appeared to be on the doorstep of a return to the big leagues, but he was apparently still dealing with swelling in the elbow and will now face an extended absence. Across 20 1/3 innings before getting hurt, Abel recorded a 1-2 record with a 3.98 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, and 23 strikeouts. Without Abel, Twins right-handers Mike Paredes and Zebby Matthews could have an extended runway to prove themselves in the team's starting rotation.
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Zack Gelof Out With Hand Injury on Wednesday
Athletics infielder/outfielder Zack Gelof (hand) is absent from the team's starting lineup on Wednesday against the hosting San Francisco Giants after suffering a laceration and contusion on his right hand after being stepped on during Tuesday's contest, per MLB.com. Max Muncy is making the start for the A's at third base and will hit eighth against Giants right-hander Tyler Mahle (hamstring), who is making his first start back from the injured list. The good news for Gelof is that his hand injury shouldn't be anything that requires him to spend time on the injured list. The 26-year-old is finally realizing his potential so far in 209 at-bats for the A's in 2026 after he was a second-round selection in 2021 out of the University of Virginia. Gelof is slashing .282/.336/.498 this year with an .834 OPS, 11 home runs, 29 RBI, 40 runs, and eight stolen bases across 62 games and 228 plate appearances. He's become a priority waiver-wire target with a strong month of June, going 23-for-70 (.329) with five homers, six doubles, 10 RBI, 19 runs, and two steals in 19 games played. Gelof is now rostered in 67% of Yahoo leagues. Check back to see if he's ready to return for Thursday's series finale against the Giants.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Luis Arraez Out on Wednesday With Foot Injury
San Francisco Giants infielder Luis Arraez (foot) is being held out of Wednesday's contest at Oracle Park against the visiting Athletics due to a foot injury that he suffered on Tuesday night, according to MLB.com. Casey Schmitt is starting at second base and will bat third for the Gigantes against A's rookie left-hander Gage Jump. Arraez fouled a ball off his right foot in the first inning of Tuesday's game in San Fran and eventually left the game in the fifth frame. The 29-year-old avoided a serious injury, though, and was feeling better on Wednesday, so there's a good chance he'll be back in action for Thursday's series finale against the A's. Arraez has fit in nicely in the Bay Area at the keystone in his first year with the Giants in 2026, coming into Wednesday's tilt with a .321/.358/.445 slash line, .803 OPS, three home runs, 30 RBI, 40 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 75 games across 332 plate appearances. The three-time All-Star and three-time batting champion is still one of the best sources of batting average and can also provide runs as a table-setter, but his lack of power and speed limits his overall fantasy upside.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Masyn Winn Returns From Thumb Injury on Wednesday
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (thumb) is back at shortstop and will hit sixth on Wednesday against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks and left-hander Mitch Bratt at Busch Stadium, according to MLB.com. Winn was originally slated to miss a second straight game on Wednesday due to thumb soreness, but he was a late addition to the lineup. The 24-year-old's season-long numbers aren't anything special at all -- he's hitting .245/.321/.339 with three home runs, 31 RBI, 32 runs, and six stolen bases in 257 at-bats -- but he comes into Wednesday's tilt riding a seven-game hitting streak. During that streak, he has gone 11-for-28 (.393) with a homer, two doubles, five RBI, and six runs scored in 30 plate appearances. Winn has never faced Bratt in his major-league career. Against left-handers in 2026, Winn has gone 19-for-63 (.302) with none of his three home runs in 75 plate appearances.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
