RADIO
Max Clark Emerging as No. 1 Outfield Prospect to Stash
Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark has continued to swing a hot bat over the past month and is settling in as a top prospect to stash ahead of Week 15. Over his last 19 games (since June 10), the top-ranked prospect in the Detroit system has posted a strong .293/.363/.415 line with four doubles, two home runs, and five stolen bases. Prior to this recent surge at the dish, the former No. 3 overall pick from the 2023 MLB Draft posted a lower .253/.345/.385 line with a modest .727 OPS. Seeing Clark not only hit for a higher batting average but also begin to gradually tap into his raw power against the top pitching is an excellent sign for his fantasy outlook. If he maintains this pace, the budding star should compete for a debut shortly after the All-Star break. Heading into Week 15, Clark profiles as a top stash option in all standard leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Is Hagen Smith Still a Worthwhile Stash While on the Injured List?
Chicago White Sox top pitching prospect Hagen Smith is currently on the 7-day injured list at Triple-A Charlotte due to a left shoulder impingement. However, before suffering this injury, the young southpaw appeared to be on the verge of earning the call to the big leagues and was viewed as a high-end pitching prospect to stash. Before allowing a season-worst seven runs on June 13, the left-hander logged 19 innings (four starts) with a 2.37 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and a 32:7 K:BB. This impressive stretch put him high on the stash radar as the southpaw posted a 4.45 ERA with a 1.46 WHIP over the first 33 2/3 innings of the Triple-A regular season. While his injury has delayed his MLB debut, managers should continue to monitor his status, as he could push for a promotion to the South Side in late July if he returns to the mound in the near future.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Leo De Vries Nearing Triple-A Promotion?
Athletics infield prospect Leo De Vries has continued to enjoy a hot streak at Double-A and turned in another strong showing on Saturday. Facing Double-A Frisco, De Vries went 2-for-5 with his 10th long ball of the season. Over his last 17 games with Midland, the No. 2-ranked prospect in baseball (per MLB.com) has posted a sharp .268/.373/.549 line with five of these home runs. However, prior to this noted stretch, the 19-year-old has posted a .278/.365/.378 line with just six doubles and five long balls over his first 54 games of the season. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor De Vries' production as he should be in the mix to join Triple-A shortly after the All-Star break. If he can carry this production into the top level, a late-season MLB debut could remain in play.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Is Ryan Waldschmidt Nearing a Return to Arizona?
Arizona Diamondbacks outfield prospect Ryan Waldschmidt was optioned to Triple-A Reno following his first stint in the majors back in mid-June. However, since returning to Reno, the top-ranked prospect in the system has not only produced at a high level, but has begun to showcase his raw power. Through his first 13 games at Triple-A since returning, the Kentucky product has held a .288/.413/.588 line with a .970 OPS, five doubles, three home runs, and a 13:10 K:BB. During his first taste of the major leagues, Waldschmidt posted a .259/.314/.357 line with nine doubles, no home runs, and five stolen bases (across 33 games). If the 23-year-old can continue to take a step forward, he could emerge as a top stash candidate following the All-Star break due to his raw five-category potential.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
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
